Construction Benefits

In addition to the environmental benefits of using aluminium, there are also considerable benefits in construction. Compared to steel, aluminium is extremely lightweight, approximately one third the density, resulting in low loads on buildings, which is particularly important where large spans are involved, such as are commonly found in large halls and sports areas. It also has a very high strength making it an extremely versatile material. Aluminium also responds well to the addition of alloying elements such as magnesium and manganese which allow alloys of extremely high tensile strength to be created, further increasing the versatility of this remarkable product.

Aluminum is non-combustible but it melts at 600°C. This means that in the event of a serious fire a roof constructed of 2 skins of aluminum with non-combustible insulation will have a sacrificial function. The roof will melt over the seat of the fire allowing it to vent rapidly through the void thereby saving the structural frame of the building.

Lifetime Benefits

Because aluminium itself is naturally so long lived, in the form of cladding it in turn extends the life expectancy of the whole building. In addition, because aluminium can be re-cycled not once but many times, this further enhances the effect that aluminium can have on the lifetime costs of a building, and is why aluminium is increasingly becoming the natural choice for cladding material. It is almost certain that an aluminium roof, even if decommissioned after only 15 years service, will have a residual value which exceeds the original material cost.