Aluminum vs. Steel

There will always be an ongoing debate on whether or not aluminum is better than steel and vice versa. They can both be used in construction of architectural systems and used for building various types of transportation like cars and bikes. Each has their pros and cons, but what really is the difference?

Many say that steel is the better option, but this depends on the quality and how you’re using it. You can purchase cheaper steel but the quality is not nearly as good as higher grade steel. Steel can also be susceptible to rusting, and it’s typically not good for outdoor use, like its use in furniture or canopies. The biggest advantage of steel over aluminum is that steel is about 3 times stronger than aluminum but also  weighs much more when compared to it.

Aluminum is very lightweight compared to steel and in addition has a much higher strength to weight ratio. Although it is one third the strength of steel, it is extremely strong for its lightweight characteristics. It has a high resistance to corrosion and won’t rust in weather like steel would. It is extremely versatile and unlike steel, is extremely recyclable. Aluminum structures like aluminum awnings are also energy efficient, and help keep temperatures lower.

With its extreme versatility and aversion to weather, aluminum canopy systems are a great long term solution to cover your walkways, doorways and outside areas. At Perfection Architectural Systems, we specialize in creating aluminum canopies that last long term for every type of project. Whether you need a suspended canopy or aluminum carport, call Perfection Architectural Systems today at 800-238-7207.


Energy Saving Benefits of Aluminum Awnings & Sunshades

The use of aluminum canopy systems in commercial projects has been highly recognized as a cost-effect long term system that helps reduce energy costs while reducing temperatures inside. While offering a great alternative to blinds, aluminum awnings also provide your building with a unique aesthetic appeal. The energy saving benefits is one of the most significant benefits of aluminum canopy systems.

Aluminum awnings and sunshades can help reduce the inside temperature of a build by 20% because it blocks the sun from ever reaching the window. This makes awnings and sunshades more effective than any other window shading solution. By adding aluminum awnings to your commercial site, you can greatly reduce the amount of energy that would be used to cool the building if you only had blinds.

Contributing to a more sustainable building can be done by installing long term aluminum canopies. There is a decreased need for energy consumption resulting in a lower energy bill because you won’t need to use as much energy to cool buildings. Aluminum awnings and sunshades can also cut winter drafts resulting in less energy usage to warm a building.

At Perfection Architectural Systems, we design and construct an aluminum canopy solution that will best suit your commercial project. We construct high quality aluminum awnings and canopies that not only provide you protection from the sun, but also contribute to energy saving benefits. Call us today to learn more on how Perfection Architectural Systems can provide you with a long term canopy solution.


Did you know…?

Aluminum is one of the top materials of choice for a variety of industries, ranging from architectural systems and beverage production. Earning a reputation as one of the most versatile metals, aluminum lends a hand to many aspects of your daily life.

  • The beverage industry uses more aluminum than in manufacturing, cars, planes, and packaging, making it one of the most used metals in the world.
  • Aluminum has a melting point of 660°, over six times the boiling point of water.
  • At one point in time, aluminum was worth more than gold and silver.
  • It takes about 60 days for your can of soda to be recycled back onto the shelf.
  • Aluminum is strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, nontoxic, and not to mention aesthetically pleasing!
  • Every part of aluminum is recyclable. It is extremely durable and can be used over and over again!
  • Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust and is never found free in nature.
  • Aluminum was first available in ingot quantity in 1888, while the earliest production of aluminum foil was 1903. Commercial aluminum production begun in 1913.
  • A widely used in consumer and industrial production, aluminum’s lightweight and strong attributes make it the material of choice in the construction industry.
  • Aluminum is also widely used in the production of doors, windows, roofs, siding, and framing structures.

Perfection Architectural Systems provides our customers with high quality aluminum canopy solutions and would like to help you design and construct your next project. We utilize every characteristic of aluminum, making your structure strong, lightweight, and durable. Contact us today at 800-238-7207 to learn more about our long term aluminum canopy solutions.

 


Perfection Architectural Systems, Inc. Has Been Awarded a Contract to Provide Aluminum Sunshades for FAU Residence Hall

Boca Raton, FL (August 13, 2012) – Perfection Architectural Systems, Inc. (http://www.perfectionarch.com/), a recognized leader in engineered aluminum canopy solutions, is pleased to announce that they have been awarded a contract to supply aluminum sunshades for the windows on Florida Atlantic University’s new residence hall on their main campus in Boca Raton, Florida.

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Myths Regarding Aluminum Canopies

While working in the aluminum construction business, we have heard several misconceptions regarding aluminum canopies.  Here are a few myths concerning aluminum canopies and the reasons why these myths are untrue:

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The Biggest Uses of Aluminum

The properties of aluminum have made it the second most popular metal worldwide, as it is used in many different industries.  The material is lightweight yet strong, durable but recyclable, and safe for everyday use.  As a result of these characteristics and more, you can imagine the many uses for this silvery-white metal.  Here are some of the various ways the top industries in our society make use of aluminum.

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Aluminum Construction in the Eye of the Storm

Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust and has become the building material of choice for architects. The history of aluminum construction began in the late 1800s and early 1900s and has since been used in a variety of innovative ways. Its technological advancement has made aluminum one of the most used materials in construction not only because of its affordability, but because it can hold well over its weight, it can be as strong as steel, and it is recyclable. With its impressive range of opportunities, aluminum is one of the most diverse materials used in construction today.

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Perfection Architectural Systems, Inc. Contracts with Moss and Associates to Provide Aluminum Walkway Covers for Port Everglades Renovation Project

Fort Lauderdale, FL (May 14, 2012) – Perfection Architectural Systems (http://www.perfectionarch.com/), a leader in engineered canopy solutions, is pleased to announce that it has contracted with Moss and Associates of Fort Lauderdale to provide the aluminum walkway covers for three of the cruise terminals at Port Everglades as part of the port’s renovation project. Moss and Associates is the construction manager of the project.

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The Benefits of Recycling Aluminum

Recycling aluminum conserves energy and other natural resources that we currently need and will still need in the future. This is because it takes up to 95% less energy to recycle aluminum than to produce primary metal. Therefore, by recycling aluminum, we can avoid releasing emissions (greenhouse gases) into the atmosphere that occur when producing primary metals.

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From Idea to Finished Product

If you are looking to enhance your commercial property with an extruded aluminum solution, there are a few steps to take to make your idea into a finished product. First, create a design for your project. Once you know the shape of aluminum that you want, you can determine the shape of die that is needed to produce it. Standard dies are made in many shapes and sizes including square bar, rectangular bar, hexagonal bar, I-beam, H-beam, pipe, etc. At Perfection Architectural Systems, we can also create a custom die for you so that your aluminum project fits your unique needs.

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