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Top 10 reasons builders use aluminium

What are the reasons builders use aluminium?

We’re glad you asked. In a nutshell, aluminium can outperform other building materials like wood, steel and other materials, because of its unique composition. In particular, Ullrich Aluminium is the ‘ULLtimate’ building material.

If you need more convincing, here are our top reasons why:

1. Aluminium is an all-weather material 

Aluminium is like a superhero when it comes to being weatherproof. Extreme heat, freezing temperatures, salt from coastal areas, bushfires, rain, wind, hail, snow… you name it and aluminium will stand up to it.

In fact, in cold temperatures, aluminium gets stronger and tougher. Unlike steel, it doesn’t become brittle in the cold which is why aluminium is used so widely in boats and shipbuilding.

Aluminium won’t warp or swell like wood does when it gets wet because it’s impervious to water and air. Aluminium doesn’t splinter, crack or split like PVC does when exposed to the sun over time and it doesn’t rust.

With a high fire rating, aluminium is a great choice to use in fire-prone areas as it won’t catch alight from windborne embers and smaller secondary fires. Whatever the forecast, aluminium won’t flinch!

2. Aluminium is termite resistant

Another one of the reasons builders use aluminium is its resistance to termites.

Termite damage to buildings can be extremely expensive to fix and worst of all, insurance companies won’t cover it.

But never fear, aluminium is here to foil (see what we did there?!) the plans of these destructive little insects.

This is because aluminium is termite resistant. Termites can’t and won’t chomp through aluminium as it’s the cellulose found in timber that they find delicious. Using aluminium in place of timber for window and door frames, fencing, battens, cladding, etc is a great way to prevent termite damage.

3. Aluminium is lightweight

Aluminium has an identical load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete structures but is extremely light in comparison, at a tiny one-seventh the weight.

Alloyed aluminium ‘steels’ the show when comparing it to steel as it is just as strong but is one-third of the weight.

Weight matters when it comes to building. It makes installation easier and builders can be more creative.

When constructing high rises, aluminium reduces the weight significantly and therefore foundations don’t have to be as deep, reducing costs and time.

4. Aluminium is strong

Aluminium is about four times stronger than timber and three times stronger than PVC.

As we know, aluminium is as strong as steel when alloyed. Shark cages are made out of aluminium so it’s safe to say aluminium is strong enough to withstand the force of a great white shark! You’ll be relieved to know that our Wintec Systems range of security doors and windows are made from aluminium.

5. Aluminium is malleable

Aluminium can be extruded into absolutely anything – big or small. From tiny angles and tubes to massive sheets, the only limit is imagination.

In Abu Dhabi, there’s an entertainment park called Ferrari World. It has the largest aluminium roof in the world: a whopping 200,000 metres squared with a 2200m perimeter and more than 700m in diameter.

6. 100% recyclable

Yes, one hundred percent! Aluminium well and truly ticks the eco-friendly box, being 100% recyclable. Every aluminium product can be recycled repeatedly.

7. Aluminium is value for money

Maintaining and replacing wood and PVC costs time and money. Builders can offer much better guarantees when using aluminium over timber and PVC because of aluminium’s reliability.

Using aluminium is a one-off cost with no going costly maintenance required apart from cleaning.

8. Aluminium can be used in extreme polar conditions

Aluminium cladding protects against extreme cold temperatures. Aluminium panels are used commonly in regions that experience freezing temperatures because they better insulate the inside of buildings four times more than bricks or stone masonry.

Architect Snorre Stinesse has just added three new aluminium cladded cabins to his Arctic resort at Manshausen – pictured below. He said the use of aluminium was to withstand the impact of extreme arctic conditions and the salty water below.

9. Aluminium looks good

Looking good is another one of the reasons builders use aluminium. 

When it comes to appearances, aluminium is extremely versatile. With a variety of styles to choose from. You can use it raw for an industrial look or go for a satin or ‘polished’ look if you’re after something more sleek and sophisticated.

Aluminium can also be powder coated in a range of colours. It can even be made to look just like timber grain on decks, cladding and beams.

10. Aluminium is non-magnetic and non-sparking 

Explosions belong on movie sets and not real life so aluminium’s non-magnetic and non-sparking properties make it the perfect material to use where explosive vapour mixtures are present.

Alloyed aluminium is one of most commonly used materials for building flameproof enclosures as well as components and fittings designed for areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere.

mermaid beach tavern aluminium

aluminium battens powder coated

Where can aluminium be used in architecture?

When Gareth Millford, State Manager at Ullrich Aluminium’s Perth Branch, first started at Ullrich he was advised, “Whatever you do, don’t ever think that you know this aluminium industry all the way through because it’s constantly changing!”

In the 20 plus years since Gareth has worked with Ullrich, he has seen aluminium used absolutely everywhere in the ever-evolving industry. From internal fit-outs to facades, balustrading, fencing, art features and everything in between.

What are the most popular applications of aluminium in building?

Gareth explains, “The most popular aluminium applications overall are windows and door frames.”

“Every building needs them! It’s rare that builders use timber now unless it’s a heritage build.”

In commercial buildings, internal fit-outs are most popular and in residential buildings, it’s balustrading, fencing, wardrobes and shower screens.”

Adding to the reasons builders use aluminium and something that’s gaining momentum, particularly in Perth, is aluminium as an art feature.

Gareth continues, “In Perth, new buildings are required by local councils to have a percentage of artwork on the side of the structure. The art features are designed by architects, and they often select aluminium because it’s versatile, strong, lightweight and maintains its original look with no maintenance.”

aluminium sliding doors

How do you work with builders to get the best result?

Gareth explains, “A lot of the time, our products have been specified by architects. They’ve seen our products online or have used our products before and know exactly what they want.”

“We also get independent builders who will come in with an idea and need help to accomplish it. At Ullrich, we use our expert knowledge of all kinds of aluminium products to figure out the best way to achieve it.”

builders work with aluminium plans

Need help with your next project?

To find out more about how we can help with your next building project, speak with your nearest Ullrich Branch today.

Posted at 02 November 21

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