Aluminum profile systems are an excellent choice for housing applications of all kinds. They have several advantages over more traditional housing materials, including being lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and impervious to rot or rust. Aluminum profiles are also easy to work with in the field, thanks to their lightweight and flexibility compared to other commonly used materials like wood or steel.
As an experienced builder will know, aluminum profiles come in many forms; square tubing, hollow sections, wide flange beams, and custom extrusions (amongst others). This versatility makes them invaluable within the construction industry. There is always a need for lightweight building materials to suit various projects. Given this knowledge, it stands to reason that manufacturers can use these profiles with a few limitations in mind. This article looks at some of the elements of a suitable aluminum profile system.
§ R-value: The most crucial aspect of a framing system is its “R” value or insulation efficiency. Aluminum has a solid heat conductivity, but its high thermal mass and low heat conductivity allow aluminum structures to maintain great insulation values without insulating foam backers. It is an essential element to consider when seeking aluminum profile services from different companies, like Minitec.
§ Durability: A-frame will last as long as its brackets do. Aluminum has a natural protective oxide barrier coating that inhibits corrosion, allowing aluminum frames to require very little maintenance. Weathering will improve their appearance over time instead of deteriorating it like steel. Additionally, various profiling companies utilize welding with aluminum frames across all brackets for increased strength and aesthetics.
§ Appearance: Most aluminum frames on the market are painted. Painting is a very time-consuming and expensive process as it requires constant heating and cooling cycles and the disposal of toxic solvents. The paints applied to these other systems can fade, peel, and even flake off in time, making them look drab and uninviting. Incorporating powder coatings will remain beautiful for years without fading or chipping.
§ Thermal Efficiency: Aluminum has one of the best volumetric heat capacity ratios. This means that the much larger air pockets between joists allow your home to retain more heat during those cold winter months than any other frame system on the market today – keeping you much warmer at a fraction of the cost!
§ Seismic Upgrade: Seismic codes require that structures be able to withstand lateral forces. Joists’ shape is used to meet such requirements and provide unparalleled strength in resisting future earthquakes, giving you peace of mind when planning your custom home.
§ Waterproof: Aluminum is the only metal on the planet with zero percent humidity absorption, making it naturally moisture-proof and therefore impervious to rot and mildew, unlike most wood-based systems today.
Quality aluminum systems are made of high-quality materials, have good load ratings, and reinforce any connections between framing members. In addition, a well-designed aluminum framing system is not only cost-effective and durable, but the ease of installation makes it an attractive alternative to conventional wood framing.