Aluminum railings and their fantastic qualities make for a great choice when it comes to your deck railing.
As far as metals go, aluminum is quite unique. It just simply doesn’t behave like other metals, including steel, which is a common railing option you see out there. However, some of those unique properties that aluminum has can translate into big benefits when used as a building material. You may need to decide between aluminum or steel railings for your deck, so it’s important to understand where aluminum rests in the equation. Let’s take a look at why you may want to consider choosing an aluminum railing for your deck.
A Light Metal
Aluminum is far less dense than steel, resulting in a lighter building material that’s easy to work with. This means a single worker can lift a 16-foot-long hollow piece of 6×6 aluminum tubing all by themselves—something which certainly cannot be said of steel. If you want to DIY your aluminum railing project, this is a big deal in getting the task done. It also allows a professional to get the job done easier and quicker.
Corrosion-Resistant
Aluminum won’t suffer from rust, though it may end up undergoing corrosion damage. That said, it’s far less likely to develop any corrosion issues than rust is. Even when corrosion does begin to form, it doesn’t spread like rust does, and your aluminum railing should hold up over the years.
Thermal Properties
Cold weather is a big concern for steel, as it ends up making the material much more brittle. On the other hand, aluminum gets stronger! This is because it’s an excellent thermal conductor, allowing it to absorb and disperse heat quickly. The result is that you get a much more durable material that isn’t uncomfortable to touch on hot days and can keep functioning even in places with extreme weather conditions.
Steel Vs. Aluminum
Because they’re both metals, some may think that steel and aluminum are similar enough. That couldn’t be any further from the truth. Steel can do the job when it is protected from the elements, and it’s also a cheaper material. On the other hand, if the weight, the cold, or other extreme weather conditions are a concern for your metal railing, you may want to look into how aluminum can be of benefit to your project. No matter what, you want to look for a railing system that has been engineered to last.
HAVE QUESTIONS? ASK HERCULES CUSTOM IRON
If you are ready to install your massive duty iron fence and add iron railings or you still have some more questions, we here at Hercules Custom Iron are here to help. We have many years of experience and will ensure that your chain link fence will serve you and your family for years. Visit us online or call us at 1-800-331-2590. For advice, updates, and to see what we are up to, be sure to follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest