4 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Aluminium and Steel for Your Carport
In general, metal carports are easier to install and cheaper to buy than wooden ones, so they tend to be more popular. However, even after you've chosen to install a metal carport, you'll still need to decide what kind of metal you'd be better off going with. Typically, you'll find yourself having to choose between either steel or aluminium, and there are plenty of things to consider.
Here are four of the most important factors.
1. Weight
One of the most important things to think about when choosing between steel and aluminium for your carport is just how heavy you want or need the carport to be, and this will generally depend on where you are in the country. Steel is significantly heavier than aluminium, so it is going to hold up a lot better against high winds. If you live in an area that is frequently subject to strong winds, aluminium carports are not recommended. However, if wind isn't really an issue then aluminium's lighter weight is going to make your carport easier to install.
2. Corrosion-Resistance
So, if you live in a part of the country that gets plenty of strong winds, steel is where it's at. However, aluminium is going to be a far more effective solution for your carport if you live quite close to the sea. Since the sea air contains a lot of salt, any uncovered metal is going to be at risk of rusting. However, aluminium is extremely resistant to rust and boasts a high tolerance to oxidation. Steel can be galvanized or coated to prevent corrosion, but any scratches can make such measures ineffective.
3. Strength
It's quite easy to become confused when considering the relative strengths of aluminium and steel. Aluminium actually has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel, but that's only because it is very light. In fact, steel is a much stronger material that will better put up with bumps and bashes. If you have children that like to kick a ball around outside or think that your carport might need to put up with other knocks and bumps, steel is preferable for your carport.
4. Expense
Aluminium tends to be cheaper than steel, and its lighter nature means that it will be far cheaper to install an aluminium carport rather than a steel one. However, you should already be saving some money by opting for a metal carport instead of a wooden one, so expense shouldn't be your guiding consideration.
Share
