Metal sheets have applications in almost every industry including construction, mining, aerospace, medicine, transportation, etc. They are widely used because they are strong, durable, malleable, fusible, and ductile. All this is to mean they are easy to work with and can therefore be converted into virtually anything. Metal sheets are also easy to transport because of their lightweight nature.
Since they are so easy to work with, they make custom designing a walk in the park. Advancements in technology have also equipped construction workers with the necessary equipment to cut and form the metal into any number of items. Depending on their uses, different types of metal can be hammered into sheets. They include stainless steel, aluminium, galvanized steel, carbon steel, magnesium, copper, etc.
Corrugated Roofing for Buildings
Metal sheets are versatile, making them ideal for fabricating various construction materials. Metal roofing materials are examples of these.
Metal roofs are made of corrugated sheet metal such as extruded aluminum profiles. Although these are commonly used for roofing, some clients prefer to use them for exterior siding to give their homes a modern look. You can also use them to build sheds and other small structures.
Since these sheets are treated during manufacture, they are less susceptible to UV light, rusting and other forms of corrosion. They also last longer than other types of roofing materials which ensures your home will always be protected.
Most suppliers will supply the metal sheets into pre-formed designs that fit your specifications. Unlike before when you had to physically buy the items, you can conveniently buy metal online and at affordable prices.
Making Roof Trusses
A roof truss is used in construction to guarantee structural integrity and hold the shape of a roof. It is a joint frame that can support a load that is either vertical, horizontal, or inclined. Traditionally, the roof trusses on residential buildings were constructed using timber. Modern construction, on the other hand, has shifted to metal.
A roof truss should be both lightweight and durable. The weight of a building is supported by its structural framing and load-bearing walls. This means the lighter it is, the safer it would be. Aluminium and stainless steel are the most widely used metals for roof trusses due to their high durability and lightweight nature. Sheet metal is formed during construction to make angle bars, tubular metals, and furring which are used to make the trusses.
Making the Structural Framing
Timber is one of the most original construction materials and has been used for centuries as part of the structural framing of a building. However, timber has its downsides. They are generally too heavy to carry around and are prone to insect infestation, rotting, and fungal attacks especially when they are not properly treated.
Metal sheets on the other hand are lightweight, durable, and immune to corrosion and termite infestations. Their resilient properties make them the best alternative use for structural framing. The most commonly used metal sheets for structural framing include steel and aluminium. These metals can also be used to provide framing for doors and windows. This gives your home an added sense of security since they are burglar-proof.
Beams, Columns, and Decks
Beams, columns, and decks provide additional reinforcement when constructing a building. Traditional concrete slabs were expensive to purchase. Steel decks on the other hand are a cheaper alternative and still provide the required level of support for your building the same way concrete would. They are manufactured to provide strength by corrugating the material.
Beams and columns on the other hand are made from galvanized steel. Your manufacturer can custom-make them to fit the desired specifications of your structural engineer in terms of length, width, and tensile strength. Because they are ready to be bolted and assembled on site, this method allows for faster construction.
HVAC Systems
The most noticeable use of metal sheets in a building is your vent system. Because HVAC systems are susceptible to moisture and mold growth, stainless steel, aluminium, and galvanized steel metals are mostly used for the job. Their protective layer shields them from corrosion due to the humid conditions. Furthermore, metal sheets are the most malleable material for making air ducts.
Conclusion
Metal sheets have a wide range of uses in construction because they offer durability and almost no downside to using them.
