The cement board siding is painted on the C Street Alley House and the Corten steel is beginning to rust, making the exterior finishes more interesting.

With weather exposure, the Corten steel develops a protective rust patina much like copper. The Corten resists the corrosive effects of rain, snow, ice, fog and other conditions by forming a coat of dark brown oxidation over the metal, which negates the need for painting and costly rust-prevention maintenance over the years.  The rust film is developed by alloys in the steel, particularly copper, chromium and nickel, which produce insoluble compounds that clog the pores at the rust and steel interface, ending the regeneration.

The screws used to attach the Corten sheet siding are ¼ inch stainless steel hex head fasteners with EPDM gasketed washers and koko brown painted heads.  Stainless steel screws will not react with the Corten steel.

The blue exterior paint color is “Denim”.

Next, the ceiling and roof insulation foam will be sprayed into place. Wall insulation is next and then dry wall. The C Street Alley house is fast becoming a home.

Oops, we keep forgetting the alley is now called “Blues Alley” by the city. Please forgive our habit of calling it C Street Alley.  We do admire the city’s chutzpah in naming Midtown’s backstreets and making them more recognizable.