Aluminum
Aluminum is a high-quality metal that can be used for a variety of home projects and is very versatile and reliable. Some of the most common uses of aluminum around the home and for building projects include aluminum roofing, gutters, garage doors, and much more. We recommend using aluminum for industrial building projects where low maintenance and high quality are the main priorities, as aluminum compares well to its more expensive counterparts, such as copper.
Benefits of Aluminum The main benefits of aluminum include its resilience and reflective properties, its high quality and durability, its flexibility to form and mold it into different shapes for various uses, and its resistance to corrosion for many years, meaning you don't have to worry, in the near future, about your aluminum deteriorating when your metal becomes overexposed to the elements. Aluminum is a contender to other metals and can accommodate virtually any industrial building project you have in mind, taking on the form and shape and providing protection and comfort, where you need it most. Aluminum Gutters One of the most common uses for aluminum is aluminum gutters. Aluminum gutters can be found on most homes and are formed into a squared c channel shape to adequately trap and filter water away from a home's roof. Since aluminum has more resilience against corrosion, it does not easily rust when exposed to water. This makes aluminum one of the best metals to use for your gutters because it offers enhanced durability and can securely divert water away from important areas of the home while also holding the weight of water as well. Aluminum Roofing Aluminum roofing is another popular use for aluminum in and around the home. Aluminum slates can be used to securely protect the roof of a home and don't require as much maintenance or repairs as typical asphalt shingles might. Since aluminum can also combat water, the slates can slide the water off onto the gutters and without ever showing hints of rust or discoloration. Aluminum slates are also easier to repair, as they simply require removing the damaged slate and replacing it with a new one that is fitted in with the rest of the roof. Aluminum roofing is also fire-resistant, giving it another benefit and way to protect your home or property. Costs As mentioned previously, aluminum is a high-quality and durable metal that can be used for a variety of projects around your home or commercial property. Many people opt for aluminum because of its lasting strength in comparison to metals such as carbon steel and copper. Along with the initial cost of aluminum, we offer low-cost installation and service solutions that make it easier for you to find the metal services you need, order the supplies you want, and achieve the building project results you expect, especially when you decide to invest in aluminum. To order your aluminum or speak to one of our pros about the benefits of aluminum, be sure to give us a call so we can help. Looking at the Different Grades of Aluminum During the processing and refinement stages, standard aluminum branches out in several directions. It’s formulated into various alloys, or combinations of metals. Each alloy, or grade of aluminum, offers its own unique set of benefits.
These are the common grades of aluminum. Some are stronger and more versatile than others. Certain alloys are appropriate for diverse applications whereas others shouldn’t be heat treated and don’t take welding well, which limits their functionality to an extent. Choosing the Right Aluminum Grade for Your Project Several considerations come into play when choosing the right grade of aluminum for a project. Price is a concern for most people, and aluminum cost varies by grade, size, and other factors. Keep in mind, though, the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the right one for your project. Other aspects should be taken into account as well. Workability If you plan to use aluminum to create machine parts or other components, workability is an important factor. Aluminum 1100 and 3003 excel in this department, but they lack certain other attributes. Alloy 7075 is not an appropriate choice for workability. In the middle of the spectrum, 6061, 6063, 5052, 2024, and 2011 are suitable options. Machinability For those who are using aluminum for machining purposes, 2011 offers the highest level of machinability though it falls short in terms of corrosion resistance and weldability. That said, 1100, 3003, and 6061 are all good for machining, and 2024, 5052, 6063, 7075 are fair options in this department. Heat Treating When it comes to heat-treated materials or those you plan to heat treat on your own, aluminum 1100, 3003, and 5052, are not the right choices. None of these respond well to heat treatment. On the other hand, 2011, 2024, 6061, 6063, and 7075 can be heat treated to reinforce their strength, temperature resistance, and other traits. Weldability Alloys 1100, 3003, 5052, 6061, and 6063 can be welded. If you’re planning a project that requires welding, those are the grades that would work best. Other grades don’t take well to welding. Resistance to Corrosion Aluminum alloys 1100, 3003, 5052, 6061, and 6063 hold up well against corrosive factors, such as chemicals and salt water. Alloy 7075 offers some level of corrosion resistance, but it’s not the most favorable option. Alloys 2011 and 2024 shouldn’t be used in applications where corrosion could be an issue. Those are some of the main factors to consider when choosing the best grade of aluminum to meet your needs. As you might have noticed, 6061 and 6063 tend to work well in virtually all situations. If you’re looking for a grade that covers the full range of factors or aren’t sure of exactly which traits you might need in your aluminum products, those two would most likely be the more suitable solutions. Exploring the Different Aluminum Structural Shapes In construction and other applications, certain aluminum shapes are widely used. Each shape can be useful in situations where good strength-to-weight ratios are required as well as those in which all the benefits of steel would be helpful. The following are common aluminum shapes you might need in some instances. Aluminum Angle As the name indicates, aluminum angle has two legs that come together to form a 90-degree angle. It’s used for a long list of purposes, some of which are manufacturing trailers, giving form and rigidity to buildings, and fabricating some types of agricultural equipment. It’s also used for reinforcing structures, covering gaps, and a wide range of other applications. Aluminum Beams Aluminum beams, often called I-beams, are typically used for providing overhead support, building frames, enhancing the strength and durability of structures, making screw machine parts, and creating truck beds and trailers to name a few. They’re used throughout the construction industry as well as in other sectors. Aluminum Channels Aluminum C and J channels are suitable for many applications. They’re generally used for framework, railings, and trim work but can also be used to create slides and tracks for various purposes. They can also be applied as protective edges and decorative elements. Aluminum Square Tube An extruded aluminum that is most commonly used in a variety of construction and fabrication projects that require a lightweight and corrosion resistant material, used in frame design, support beams, custom gates, industrial and residential fencing application, commercial handrails and much more! Aluminum square tube has corners on its inside and outside with no welded seam. Our aluminum square tube is available in both 6061-T6 and 6063-t52, If you are needing a more malleable material you should look at 6063 and 6061 being more ridged for most general construction projects. Aluminum Tees Shaped like a T, aluminum tees have 90-degree angles inside and out. They can be used for structural reinforcement in certain circumstances but are often used for architectural trim work and framing, retail fixtures and displays, and some types of furniture. Though you can purchase aluminum structural shapes in many grades, 6061 and 6063 are the most popular. These grades of aluminum offer incredible strength, versatility, and flexibility when compared to others. Angles, beams, channels, and tees can also be combined with one another and used with many other materials. Aluminum Sheet & Plate Aluminum sheet comes in many different grades, most commonly used grades consist of 3003-H14, 5052-H32 and 6061-T6, Aluminum sheets are ideal for many applications such as trailer siding, roofing, food & material handling, fuel tank fabrication, and much more. Bottom Line Aluminum is one of the longest-running metals in use today, and it’s perfect for many applications. It’s strong, durable, and versatile along with numerous other benefits. Different grades and shapes are available to meet a variety of needs. Though not all of them are right for all situations, aluminum 6061 and 6063 are among the most widely used and adaptable. 
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