jessica
Load-bearing walls are typically constructed using one of two primary techniques: metal- or wood-framed construction. Even though metal can fix many of wood’s problems, metal-framed buildings also have benefits that should be considered.
Although many assemblers are concerned with structural innovations, they are drawn to creating adaptable machinery that can be altered to accommodate shifting demands. Aluminum extrusions make it simple and quick for manufacturers to change the layout of their assembly lines.
Aluminum extrusions are used in the assembly industry for more than simply components for machine builders and systems integrators; they are also used to create bespoke workbenches, material handling systems, machine guards, and other similar items.
In this post, we’ll explain why aluminum framing is a powerful framing material in construction.
The History of Aluminum in Building
Aluminum has been employed in the construction sector since the early 1900s. Aluminum did not, however, start to be employed extensively in building construction until the 1920s, when the electrolysis method allowed for an 80% cost reduction in aluminum production. Aluminum was used in all of the Empire State Building’s fundamental features, including the well-known Spire, when it was built in 1931 and remains recognizable worldwide.
The renowned New York skyscraper’s interior also features aluminum, particularly on the ceiling and walls of the lobby. The Empire State Building received a significant renovation in 1993 that resulted in the use of even more aluminum: the iron frames of all 6,514 of the building’s windows were replaced with more effective and lightweight aluminum frames. Currently, the construction industry uses almost a quarter of global aluminum production.
Why Does Construction Need Aluminum?
Aluminum, a naturally corrosion-resistant, lightweight metal, is Earth’s third most plentiful element. Aluminum alloys have become popular building material for exteriors, roofing, downpipes and gutters, window finish, architectural features, and even mechanical rigidity for drawbridges, high-rise frameworks, and skyscrapers thanks to other qualities like a high strength-to-weight ratio, reliability, processability, and transmittance. Aluminum, like aluminum alloy 6061, can make structures without other materials like wood, plastic, or steel. Aluminum is also airtight and soundproof. As a result of this quality, aluminum extrusions are frequently used to construct door and window frames.
Given its myriad advantages, aluminum is a popular choice for gutter systems as well. Its natural resistance to corrosion ensures longevity and minimal maintenance, making it ideal for handling the harsh elements that gutters often face. Aluminum gutters maintain their structural integrity over time, which is crucial for effective rainwater management. For those seeking reliable and long-lasting solutions, professional gutter installation in Alpharetta, GA can provide tailored services that capitalize on aluminum’s benefits. This includes precise installation techniques that ensure seamless integration with existing roofing systems, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The metal frames make it possible to achieve an extremely airtight seal. No particles, air, water, or sound can enter the room when the doors and windows are closed. As a result, aluminum has solidified its position as a prized commodity in today’s construction market.
The ratio of Strength to Weight
The aluminum is incredibly robust and adaptable. Aluminum is an excellent material for reducing weight without sacrificing strength, as it weighs around a third as much as steel. In addition to helping with construction, the lightweight and adaptability of the material also make loading and transporting it easier. Hence, this metal has lower transport costs than conventional metal building components. Aluminum constructions are much easier to disassemble or relocate than their steel counterparts.
Strength and Corrosion Resistance
Several large-scale constructions use exist for the 6000 series of aluminum alloys, including the skeletons of skyscrapers. Aluminum alloy 6061 is a very adaptable, robust, and light aluminum alloy that primarily uses silicon and magnesium as alloying ingredients. Because of its increased resistance to corrosion brought about by the inclusion of chromium, aluminum alloy 6061 is an excellent choice for use in exterior and interior building components. Aluminum provides virtually the same level of strength as steel while weighing almost half as much, thanks to aluminum’s superior strength-to-weight ratio.
As a result, skyscrapers and other high-rise structures frequently use aluminum alloys. Using aluminum, buildings may be made lighter and cheaper without losing stiffness. Because of this, aluminum buildings require little general upkeep and longer lifespans.
Using Aluminum is a Greener Option
Numerous qualities of aluminum make it a greener material. Aluminum is initially non-toxic in any quantity. Second, aluminum is entirely recyclable and may be recycled endlessly without sacrificing its original qualities. Just 5% of the energy required to generate the same amount of metal is used in aluminum recycling. Aluminum, in addition, is a superior heat reflector compared to other metals.
Emissivity, or the measurement of an object’s capacity to emit infrared energy, refers to the power of heat radiation and reveals the object’s temperature. If you heat two identical blocks of metal—one made of steel and one made of aluminum—the aluminum block will retain its heat for longer than the steel block. Aluminum is beneficial when its emissivity and reflecting qualities are combined.
Aluminum’s abundance, recyclability, and characteristics make it the eco-friendlier building material. Furthermore, these eco-friendly attributes make LEED-compliant building designs that incorporate aluminum materials possible. In 1994, the U.S. Green Building Council founded LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, to encourage environmentally responsible practices and designs. On LEED projects, aluminum is a popular building material of choice.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a construction project, aluminum framings are a viable alternative to concrete and wood frames. Everyone will benefit from the advantages of installation and a superior finished product. To learn more about whether aluminum framing is the best option for you, contact professionals in this field. These should be trusted distributors of different aluminum products, making them the go-to company for building materials like aluminum plates, sheets, and extruded aluminum shapes. The next time you start your building project, consider using aluminum.
Brittany
