There are several reasons why you would choose one material over another when selecting balustrades, handrails, and railings for a project. For example, you might prioritise aesthetics, durability, corrosion resistance, or cost, with your selection determined by elements such as the metalwork’s location, ambient conditions, function, and your client’s budget.
However, an increasing number of individuals are focused on sustainability, concerned that their purchases and behaviours would have a detrimental influence on the environment. So, whether you’re thinking about investing in balustrades, handrails, or railings, it’s a good idea to compare the sustainability of aluminium and steel so you can make an informed selection.
Steel Is Stronger & More Durable
The longer you can keep your balustrade without changing it, the less impact manufacturing and fabrication have on the environment. Steel is more than three times stronger than aluminium and can bear more than 100kg of force per square centimetre. Steel balustrades will very probably outlast their aluminium equivalents, eliminating the need for replacements and the related environmental effect.
Steel Is More Recyclable
Aluminium, like steel, is an alloy, but unlike steel, there are more variances in component metals, which might complicate the recycling of old aluminium balustrades. Aluminum and magnesium are frequently found in beverage cans, for example. While this simplifies recycling a can if it is to be reused as a can in the future, changing usage is more difficult and necessitates a more involved recycling procedure. Steel, on the other hand, can be easily recycled for many applications, regardless of the specific component metals, with no loss of quality, making it a more sustainable alternative.
Steel Production is Better for The Environment
Steel is also ecologically beneficial throughout the manufacturing process. It’s a fantastic alternative if you’re concerned about big amounts of metal ending up in trash, and there are no poisonous components or coatings that will create harmful run-off, with up to 70% of the alloy made from recycled material. Modern production processes that are more efficient have also substantially lowered the amount of energy consumed in manufacture, lowering the carbon footprint and making steel a green alternative for any consumer worried about its environmental effect.
Galvin Engineering Provides High-Quality Custom Steelwork
Building Contractor KY understands what it takes to provide high-quality products on time. Galvin Engineering is one of our reliable partners. Steel laser cutting and steel processing are their specialities. They’ve worked with a lot of project managers to help them deliver long-term value for their clients, and they’d be pleased to assist you through the process. If you are putting together a building and construction strategy, please call for additional information about their quality manufacturing engineers. They would be pleased to discuss your choices with you and create a solution that is suited to your specific requirements.