In rain or shine , the materials used to form outdoor structures are subject to harsh weather conditions . Steel can freeze and crack in the cold , while wood can expand and warp in high temperatures . Aluminium , on the other hand , makes a great alternative to materials that are commonly affected by weather conditions . Here , Nick Cowley , managing director at exterior cladding and outdoor living product supplier Endurawood , explores why aluminium is an ideal building material , whatever the weather .

With temperatures reaching 38.7 degrees Celsius , the UK saw its hottest day to date in July 2019 . In paradox , the same year also experienced the coldest January night in seven years , with temperatures plummeting to minus 14.3 degrees . When exposed to extreme temperatures , outdoor features such as decking , fencing and cladding can become damaged . To protect buildings and outdoor spaces , material choice is an important consideration during the design process .

Freeze and frost resistant

While walls support a building ’ s structure , they also form essential protection against the outside elements . If walls are not weatherproof , harsh conditions can cause damage . Steel is commonly used to produce I-beams that offer structural support to a building , thanks to the material ’ s strength-to-weight ratio when compared to other metals such as cast iron . However , like most metals , it can become brittle in low temperatures .

When a metal becomes brittle , it can become prone to cracking . When water freezes inside these cracks , it can expand and causes render to fall off . This reduces the building ’ s protection from weather conditions , increasing the need for maintenance .

Unlike steel , aluminium does not become brittle at low temperatures and is freeze and frost resistant . This means that the likelihood of cracks forming is extremely low , making it an ideal material for exterior wall cladding .

Dissipates heat

During summer , high temperatures can cause wood to expand and metals can become hot to touch . When applied to the outside of a building , warping wood can distort its appearance and reduce the strength and quality of the finished build .

For applications that require users to hold or touch them , such as decking or outdoor handrails , using metals can make them uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight . Aluminium dissipates heat , absorbing and releasing it slowly . This allows aluminium to be used in applications that are exposed to direct sunlight as the properties and physical appearance remain the same , and the surface remains cooler than other materials .

Non-porous

Wood has been a popular building and outdoor product material for many years , especially for decking . But tradition can have its downside , and wood can become infested with mould and mildew in cold and damp weather , making it slippery and difficult to use .

Aluminium , in contrast to wood , is non-porous and makes an ideal alternative . This means that aluminium does not swell and cannot create gaps that make a suitable home for moisture and mould . In addition , as it does not retain water , aluminium won ’ t require frequent maintenance to maintain its quality and appearance . However , the natural appearance of aluminium cannot deliver the desired effect that many people desire when constructing outdoor projects . Endurawood offers a colour palette of natural wood effect shades that can be applied to its range of aluminium batten and decking board systems . Using advanced powder coating technology , the appearance of wood is sprayed onto aluminium , with all of the metal ’ s structural benefits maintained underneath . Whether it ’ s for exterior cladding or outdoor decking , aluminium provides a durable alternative that warns off weather problems . Its resistance to freeze and frost eliminates brittleness and cracks , absorption of heat reduces material expansion and non-porous leaves it unaffected by water . From storms and showers to heat and sunshine , aluminium possesses properties that makes it resistant to all of the UK ’ s turbulent weather patterns .

www . endurawood . co . uk