Aluminum is one of the three most widely used metallic building materials in construction today. Much of the metal’s popularity comes from its versatility, but that is not the only benefit of using aluminum as a construction material. If you want to put in a new set of railings on your deck any time soon, here are a few reasons why you may want to choose aluminum railings over any other material.
Weather Resistance
Pure aluminum and alloy aluminum 6061 are highly resistant to the effects of weathering. In fact, the two forms of aluminum are more resistant to corrosion than alloy steel. As external décor, that is a huge advantage that aluminum deck railings enjoy over all other metallic alternatives. Whether it’s hot, cold, or wet outside, rest assured that aluminum will give you better value for your money than any other metal.
Décor
The versatility of aluminum railing is unmatched when it comes to décor. We previously discussed how they are highly resistant to the effects of weathering and corrosion, which naturally puts them at a higher tier as compared to wrought iron. However, if you prefer the unique and elegant designs that wrought iron railings provide, that is not an issue either.
Due to the natural malleability and versatility of aluminum, the material can be easily and flawlessly made to resemble wrought iron railings. You will get the same beautiful décor that wrought iron railings add to exterior structures, but without sacrificing the durability of aluminum.
Cost Effectiveness
High-quality aluminum railings are not cheap, but they are not as expensive as the alternative metallic options either. The benefit of getting more durability out of spending less makes aluminum a better choice for not just railings, but almost every other external décor element in general.
Lightweight
If you are a DIY enthusiast, then you will truly come to appreciate the ease of working with aluminum. After all, there is a reason why it’s the choice metal for aerospace engineering. Not only is it more malleable, it’s also the lightest metal that you can use in construction. Being lightweight, it makes carrying it around, holding it in place, and working with it on your own surprisingly easy, considering that you are working with a highly durable metal.
Eco-Friendly
Aluminum is abundant in nature and mining it does not affect the environment as severely as other metal extraction operations do. Contrary to popular belief, aluminum is also a comparatively greener material than wood to use for your external décor projects.
Aluminum mining does not contribute to deforestation, which unsustainable logging practices do. On top of everything else, aluminum is highly recyclable. As per the last estimates, close to 35% of the global aluminum in use today has been recycled at least once.
Just be cautious about where you are buying from and the rating of the aluminum railings you are buying. There are low-quality aluminum alloys out there that do not offer the same level of durability and corrosion resistance as mentioned here. Reputed suppliers are unlikely to use poor sources or be dishonest about the rating.
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