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Using aluminium for home construction

2019-05-30T08:48:28Z

Martin Schwartz: Protected "Using aluminium for home construction" ([edit=author] (indefinite))

== Introduction ==

When building a home, the first essential step consists in selecting the right materials. There are a variety of options from which builders can choose. Each come with advantages and disadvantages. The key is to reconcile the prospective owner’s budget with their specific needs and desires. Apart from wood, glass, and concrete, [https://shop.kloeckner.co.uk/Aluminium/c/50000 aluminium can constitute an essential component of residential construction]. This article gives an overview on its benefits and challenges.

== Physical characteristics ==

Aluminium is a silvery, malleable, and non-magnetic metal. The periodic system classifies it as the chemical element AI. Due to its high reactivity, the metal rarely occurs in pure form, but is found as a component of almost 300 other minerals.

Aluminium is used in most industrial sectors. This article explains the features that make it particularly useful for home construction.

== Why you should use aluminium? ==

On contact with air, it forms a thin layer of aluminium oxide which prevents progressive oxidation. As a result, the material becomes ‘passive’, meaning it is ‘less affected by environmental influences.’ The main benefit of this process lies in its resistance to corrosion. Products manufactured from aluminium can be exposed to extreme weather conditions and humidity without deteriorating.

It also has low density and high electrical conductivity. Generally speaking, it conducts only about 60% of the power which can be transferred via copper through the same cross-section. But since it is three times denser, one pound can carry twice as much current as one pound of copper. Hence, aluminium-based wires are about 80% less expensive.

== Applications in residential buildings ==

The characteristics outlined above make aluminium a valuable component for housing.

=== Doors ===

External doors can be manufactured from wood, glass, synthetics, but also aluminium. The latter gives high durability and low maintenance. In contrast to wooden or glass doors, aluminium doors remain [https://www.imperialaluminium.com.au/top-6-advantages-aluminium-windows-doors/ resistant to rain, snow, and physical impact]. They also require little cleaning or polishing. However, on average, aluminium doors cost three times more than some less robust alternatives. Moreover, builders should consider whether the material’s metallic colouring blends with the overall aesthetic appeal they wish to achieve.

=== Windows ===

Aluminium can also be practical for window framing. Compared to timber or uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), it can exceed efficiency standards and [http://www.capral.com.au/The-Benefits-of-Aluminium-Windows reduce heat gain and loss up to 60%]. Modern windows are built by using thermal-break technology, which means that insulated barriers between inner and outer layers of aluminium help to slow down the transmittance of heat and cold. In the long run, this leads to substantial energy savings. Moreover, aluminium windows can be considerably lower in price than wooden or synthetic alternatives.

=== Siding ===

Aluminium not only serves to seal windows, but also to [https://unitedhomeexperts.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-aluminum-siding/ insulate the outer walls of the house]. In comparison with vinyl sidings, it reduces the cost of heating and cooling when combined with thermal-break technology. Thanks to its lightness, it can be installed easily, saving cost-intensive labour. This option enhances the durability of houses in coastal areas, where buildings have to withstand a high degree of humidity. While wooden sidings are likely to absorb water, aluminium will neither swell, rot, nor accumulate mould.

Alongside these advantages, there are few downsides to be considered. Aluminium dents or scratches more easily than other materials and may assume a dull colour over time. These drawbacks mainly affect outward appearance and have no impact on the siding’s efficacy.

=== Electricity ===

Due to its high conductivity, the soft metal has also been used for wiring within residential buildings. The construction of aluminium-wired housing was particularly popular during the 1960s and 1970s. This method has since proven [http://completeelectrical.biz/aluminum-wiring-homes-options/ problematic in numerous respects]. Whereas low density ensures a higher rate of conduction, it also entails a greater risk of overheating and even fire. Consequently, many old houses have now been rewired to ensure compliance with contemporary security standards. Modern homes commonly use copper wires insulated by non-metallic sheaths of PVC.

== Related articles on Design Buildings Wiki ==

[https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/AluK:_Experts_in_aluminium_building_systems AluK: Experts in aluminium building systems]

[https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Aluminium Aluminium]

[https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/ACM_cladding ACM cladding]

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Using aluminium for home construction

2019-05-30T08:39:46Z

Martin Schwartz: Created page with "== Introduction == When building a home, the first essential step consists in selecting the right materials. There are a variety of options from which builders can choose. Each ..."