Whether picturing an entirely metal-made building or not, there is no doubt that metal is a valuable material in construction. It can form a strong frame or structure to bested harsh elements and provide practical solutions for building owners.
Many types of metal are commonly used in construction, each with unique properties that make it suitable for a particular application. Some of the most important ones include steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, and iron.
Steel – An alloy of iron and carbon, steel is the most typical metal used in construction because it is solid, durable, affordable, and recyclable. Moreover, steel is purposeful for a variety of applications, and it comes in different types.
Tip: Learn how metal and steel differ.
Let’s go with the typical steel types, which include:
- Stainless Steel – Steel is also susceptible to rust and needs protection from the elements. One answer is to alloy it with chromium, which creates stainless steel. It is a metal alloy type recognized as one of the best for being fire, high impact strength, and corrosion resistant.
- Carbon Steel – Remember that steel has carbon already? The increase of its atom to medium (0.3-0.6%) or high (0.6-1.4%) produces results that matter for particular purposes. For one thing, it makes the material scratch-resistant because of the increased strength and hardness.
- Tool Steel is primarily carbon steel alloy with a carbide-forming additive like cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, or vanadium. It is typically for manufacturing tools that should be tough and resist wear or abrasion.
- Alloy Steel – Carbon and chromium are only two of the several elements to mix with steel to make it better. Manufacturers also prefer alloying it with boron, copper, manganese, nickel, silicon, tungsten, or vanadium.
Aluminum – Another common type of metal used in construction is aluminum. Aluminum is also strong and durable, but it is also lightweight and corrosion-resistant. It makes it a popular choice for roofing and siding applications.
Copper – It is a soft metal that has been used for construction since ancient times. It has high conductivity and resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for use in plumbing and electrical wiring. Copper is for roofing, gutters, and downspouts.
The other side of using copper is it is also costly. For this reason, copper is a popular choice for high-end construction projects.
Titanium – A silver-white metal often used in place of other metals, such as steel, because it is lighter and does not corrode easily. Additionally, titanium is non-toxic and has a very high melting point, making it a desirable material for construction applications, especially outdoor.
Iron – There are several reasons why iron is a common choice for use in construction. For one, it is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It is also strong, making it ideal for use in building materials that need to support a great deal of weight. Iron is relatively affordable compared to other metals, making it an attractive option for builders and homeowners alike.
Iron is also serviceable for decorative purposes, such as in iron railings or gates. Moreover, it is a component in manufacturing nails, screws, beams, pipes, wires, and other structural elements.
