Recent studies have shown that cars, trucks, homes and other large ticket items built with steel are more sustainable than those made with aluminum. This is because the production process required to produce steel components generates fewer pollutants and greenhouse emissions than those required to produce aluminum components and because capital goods made from steel are sturdier and longer lasting which means these items need to be replaced less frequently. According to the study, over the life cycle of aluminum products, the greenhouse gasses produced by aluminum processes and products is four times greater than those associated with steel.
Also, steel products are much more recyclable than aluminum. Steel retains its properties more readily than aluminum- and the metal offers a greater overall re-usability. In order to be reused, aluminum frequently has to be melted down and reformed into other components. This process degrades the material more than it does to steel. Also, steel can be reused without being melted down more frequently since its inherent strength makes it retain its formed characteristics more often than aluminum. Also, because steel is more pure than aluminum, it is more able to retain the properties that make it desirable after melting and recasting.
Finally, steel is quickly becoming the building material of choice in housing, commercial, and other development projects. Investors love it because of the superior value steel homes and other buildings have over traditional wooden framed structures. Steel is impervious to the ravages of mold and fungus. It is completely unaffected by termites, and other wood eating pests and steel is almost completely resistant to most fires and flames than could otherwise bring a structure to the ground.
When it comes to the construction of prestige buildings- capital structures and other facilities that are meant to have monumental significance- steel, along with reinforced concrete, is rapidly becoming the premium material of choice. For all these reasons and more, many experienced contractors are now turning to steel.
For information about steel contractors or if you need assistance with construction design, contact the team at Midwest Steel today.