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Aluminum is one of those substances easily taken for granted, because it is used in so many products used in daily life. But when you think about the versatility of aluminum, it becomes a wonder how we ever lived life before this metal was introduced. Aluminum is used to package our food, put roofs over our homes, build our ladders, and even to build the body of our cars. Thanks to the versatility, durability and light weight of aluminum, it is something that can be used in just about any situation.




History


The very first form of aluminum was first extracted from ore in 1825 by a very famous chemist from Denmark named Hans Christian. Because the process of extracting aluminum was so expensive, it was initially considered to be more valuable than gold or platinum. Aluminum was considered such a luxury that the French dictator Napoleon often served his dinner guests with aluminum plates that he was extremely proud of. But by 1900, the methods for extracting aluminum had been refined to the point where it had become a cost-effective metal to be used in a variety of ways. By 1935 the aluminum industry in the United States had become a big business and by the 1960's aluminum was playing a vital role in sending American astronauts into space.





Physical Characteristics


Aluminum is popular because it is both lightweight and it is extremely durable. It is also one of the metals that is non-magnetic and it is does not easily burn. Aluminum has incredible reflective properties which allow it to reflect nearly 92 percent of all visible light that contacts it. Aluminum has approximately 33 percent of the density and hardness of steel, which makes it very easy to fabricate and mold. When aluminum is exposed to air (not just oxygen), it develops a coating of a chemical called aluminum oxide, which makes the metal very resistant to moisture and rust, except in the presence of salt water. Aluminum's ability to resist moisture makes it the ideal foundation for many types of commercial paints.



General Use


Aluminum makes many different aspects of modern society possible. Its ability to avoid rusting and its very malleable nature make it a metal that is found a variety of industries. In the construction industry, aluminum is used to make window frames door frames, plumbing pipes, bridge fixtures, skylights, siding, building signs, and it is often used as the protective coating over skyscrapers. In the food industry, aluminum is found in food packaging, food preservation products, protective foil, decorative flatware, thermos bottles and bottle tops. The ability for aluminum to remain clean in a variety of circumstances makes it very popular in the food industry. Aluminum is used to build cars, power lines, recreational vehicles, roofs, buildings and farming equipment. The low cost of utilizing aluminum, coupled with its ability to withstand a variety of different kinds of deterioration, makes aluminum a very popular choice for many different industries.



Recycling


Because aluminum resists deterioration and is a very clean metal, it is often recycled and reused in a variety of applications. It is estimated that nearly 65 percent of all aluminum is recycled in some form within 90 days of it being discarded. One of the reasons that recycling aluminum is so popular among corporations is because it takes approximately 95 percent less resources to recycle aluminum, than it does to mine and extract aluminum from ore. To put that into perspective, 20 aluminum soda cans can be created by using recycling with the same amount of resources (energy, money, time, etc.) it takes to create one aluminum can from ore. With that kind of ratio in terms of a savings on resources and time, it is no wonder that most companies prefer to utilize recycled aluminum as opposed to paying to have it extracted from ore.


Article written by Lexi Westingate

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What is covered:
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  • Normal wear and tear
  • Color fading due to excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture or improper cleaning
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Resolution:
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  • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
  • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
  • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.

30 Day Measuring Insurance

This plan does not cover measuring errors. Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit.

30 Day Returns

This plan does not cover returns.
5 Year Guaranteed to Fit
Who is covered:
  • Warranties cover the original purchaser of the window blinds and shades.
What is covered:
  • Any defects in materials of workmanship
  • Operating mechanisms and other parts
  • Cell separation on honeycomb/cellular shades
  • Warping slats for faux wood and wood blinds
  • Broken vertical vanes
  • Restrings for internal cords
What is not covered:
  • Parts that fail due to accident, alteration and/or improper use
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Color fading due to excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture or improper cleaning
  • Accidental damage
Resolution:
  • BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective.
  • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
  • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
  • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.

30 Day Measuring Insurance

Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit, however, we all make errors from time to time and this protection plan covers any mis-measurement mistakes. If the window coverings do not fit, please let us know within 30 days of receiving the items. The blinds/shades will be remade at the correct dimensions at no cost to you unless there is a difference in price between the old and new sizes or if the new size requires an oversize shipping fee. Limit is 1 remake per blind/shade. All remakes will have to be remade in the same color, feature and specifications, no changes are allowed.

Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.

Any mis-measurements reported after 30 days will not be covered, however, new blinds and shades can be ordered with an additional 10% discount.

30 Day Returns

This plan does not cover returns.
5 Year Guaranteed to Love
Who is covered:
  • Warranties cover the original purchaser of the window blinds and shades.
What is covered:
  • Any defects in materials of workmanship
  • Operating mechanisms and other parts
  • Cell separation on honeycomb/cellular shades
  • Warping slats for faux wood and wood blinds
  • Broken vertical vanes
  • Restrings for internal cords
  • Parts that fail due to accident, alteration and/or improper use
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Color fading due to excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture or improper cleaning
  • Accidental damage
Resolution:
  • BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective.
  • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
  • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
  • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.


30 Day Measuring Insurance

Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit, however, we all make errors from time to time and this protection plan covers any mis-measurement mistakes. If the window coverings do not fit, please let us know within 30 days of receiving the items. The blinds/shades will be remade at the correct dimensions at no cost to you unless there is a difference in price between the old and new sizes or if the new size requires an oversize shipping fee. Limit is 1 remake per blind/shade. All remakes will have to be remade in the same color, feature and specifications, no changes are allowed.

Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.

Any mis-measurements reported after 30 days will not be covered, however, new blinds and shades can be ordered with an additional 10% discount.

30 Day Returns

If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Authorization Number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Refunds will be processed within 2-3 business days after we receive the items (Guaranteed to Love fee is not refundable).

Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.
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