Steel vs. Aluminum Construction: The Pros and Cons

Metal buildings have many advantages over wood, concrete, and other traditional construction materials. Metal buildings resist many of the common problems associated with conventional structures, like water damage, pests, and fire.

When choosing to build with metal, you will need to explore the pros and cons of steel vs. aluminum. This guide will give you information about these types of metals to help you make this decision.

Learn more about metal building construction by contacting the team at Titan Steel Structures. Explore our range of pre-fabricated metal building kits or get a customized quote for your project. Bring your project to life by getting in touch today.

Steel vs. Aluminum Construction: Which is Better?

Steel and aluminum are durable metals that contractors can use in a wide range of construction projects. As more people are turning to metal homes, office buildings, and other structures, it is essential to understand the differences between these metals.

Here is an overview of some of the most important factors to consider when choosing steel vs. aluminum construction.

Strength

When comparing steel to aluminum, there are many factors to consider. Carbon steel is one of the strongest and most durable construction materials available. It can withstand weather conditions, wear and tear, and natural forces without sacrificing its structural integrity.

Aluminum is significantly lighter in weight. Based on weight alone, aluminum has a better strength-to-weight ratio. It also has superior strength when exposed to cold temperatures.

However, when comparing aluminum vs. steel, steel has greater sheer strength and overall durability.

Versatility

Aluminum has a higher degree of malleability (ability to hold different shapes) than steel. This means you can create customized structures without the risk of cracks, gaps, or breaks. Aluminum is also able to stretch without the risk of fracturing.

However, steel is generally a tougher building material. Its greater weight, strength, and durability mean that it will hold up to intense winds, heavy rain, earthquakes, and years of use without losing its integrity.

Steel buildings are also endlessly versatile. Steel’s strength means you can build vertically or add layers of insulation. The clearspan design of a steel building gives you more usable interior space.

Many people choose steel buildings because of their strength and versatility. Choosing steel allows you to customize your building to meet your exact needs and ensure you enjoy using the structure for decades to come.

Weight

Aluminum is well-known for being strong and lightweight. Stainless steel’s higher carbon content means it is about 2.5 times more dense than aluminum. This density makes it a more durable construction material.

Steel buildings resist many problems associated with wood, concrete, and aluminum structures, including:

  • Warping
  • Bending
  • Deformation
  • Corrosion
  • Wear and tear
  • Fractures
  • Fissures

Steel’s superior weight and strength reduce the risk of cracks, warping, and corrosion, which can lead to costly structural damage. Every structural element of a steel building is steel, meaning your entire building will hold up to years of use in any condition.

Durability

Corrosion resistance is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a metal building. Aluminum resists rust and corrosion over time in normal conditions. However, steel buildings are best in areas with high wind, heavy rain, fluctuating temperatures, and humidity.

But why is steel a more durable choice in damp conditions? Steel building components have an oxide layer that makes them water-repellant. Carbon and stainless steel are highly resistant to rust, oxidation, corrosion, and other forms of water damage.

Steel buildings also resist many of the common problems of other types of construction. They are fire-resistant, resist pests, and can withstand high winds and fluctuating temperatures.

When it comes to durability, nothing beats the strength of steel. Choosing steel means you can use your building for decades with minimal maintenance or repairs.

Cost

Aluminum is a lightweight building material. While it may cost more than steel, it may cost less to ship it. This is one of the only advantages of choosing aluminum over steel when it comes to the cost of construction.

Considering the lifetime cost of owning and maintaining your building is also important. There are several advantages to choosing steel when it comes to the overall cost of ownership. First, steel is generally less expensive than aluminum. The raw materials may cost less if you choose steel.

Second, steel buildings require less maintenance over time. Steel’s strength and durability mean these structures resist common, costly problems. You’ll spend less time and money maintaining a steel building over its lifetime.

Next, it is often less expensive to insure a steel building. Insurance rates can fluctuate based on a building’s materials. Steel resists fire, wear and tear, and other costly problems, and insurance rates may be lower for this type of structure.

Finally, steel buildings can support heavy insulation, solar panels, and eco-friendly HVAC systems. These features allow you to save money on energy costs over your building’s lifetime.

Get a Quote

If you want to build a steel building, the experts at Titan Steel Structures are ready to help. Explore our pre-engineered metal building kits or get a customized quote by contacting us today.

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We are excited to work with you to create your ideal steel structure. Give us a call and we can provide you with a quick quote. We look forward to speaking with you!

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