Metal in construction
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Metals are solid material that are generally hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, ductile, and have good electrical and thermal conductivity. Metals are commonly used in the construction industry due to their durability and strength to form structural components, pipework, cladding materials and other components.
[edit] Steel.
Steel is an alloy of iron and a number of other elements, mainly carbon, that has a high tensile strength and relatively low cost and is used for structural and other applications in the construction industry.
Types of steel include:
- Stainless steel: Steel combined with chromium (and sometimes nickel). Stainless steels generally do not form rust on their surfaces and do not discolour.
- Galvanised steel: A zinc coated steel that is resistant to corrosion.
- Weathering steel: Has a rust-like appearance that can resist corrosion and abrasion, by forming a protective surface layer, or patina.
- Other alloys.
For more information see: Steel.
[edit] Aluminium
Because of its ductility, aluminium can be formed into many shapes and profiles. Aluminium wall cladding systems are commonly used for building exteriors, with large wall panels requiring fewer joints, resulting in time-efficient installation. Today, aluminium is the second most used metal in buildings after steel, used for roofing, flashing, wall panels, windows and doors, spandrels, and so on.
For more information see: Aluminium.
[edit] Iron
Iron is the chemical element most commonly found on Earth by mass. As iron-bearing rock is plentiful, iron alloys are popular industrial and construction materials.
Types of iron include:
- Cast iron.
- Pig iron.
- Wrought iron.
For more information see: Iron.
[edit] Copper
Copper is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is a pinkish-orange colour. Copper is commonly used in the construction industry to form pipes and tubing, as it is malleable and joints can be easily formed by soldering. It is also used as a cladding material, sometimes allowed to oxidise to a blue green colour.
For more information see: Copper.
[edit] Lead
Lead is a heavy metal that can be toxic when absorbed into the body.
In construction, lead is used due to its ductility to form roofs and other cladding panels as well as windows, linings for cornices, tanks, copings, gutters and downpipes, flashing, and so on. It is also a component of soft solder.
Historically it was used in paints and pipework. Most lead-based paint was banned from sale to the general public in the UK in 1992. It has not been used for water pipes since 1970, however, it may still be present in older properties. It is recommended that lead pipes should be replaced.
[edit] Others
Other metals that might be used in construction include:
[edit] Alternative meanings
The term 'metal' can also be used to refer to:
- Molten glass.
- Constructing or repairing a highway with road metal (a metalled road). For more information see: Metalled.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Aluminium.
- Bronze.
- Cast iron.
- Copper.
- Corrosion resistant alloy CRA.
- Difference between cast iron and wrought iron.
- Failure of cast iron beams.
- Ferrous.
- Gold.
- Iron.
- Ironwork.
- Lead.
- Mesh mould metal.
- Metal composite panels.
- Metal fabrication.
- Metal profile cladding
- Metal roofing.
- Non-ferrous metals.
- Silver.
- Steel.
- Structural metal.
- The Iron Bridge.
- Tin.
- Types of metal.
- Types of materials.
- Types of steel.
- Vickers hardness rating scale.
- Wrought iron.
Featured articles and news
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.
Essential tools in managing historically significant landscapes.
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.