Aluminium skirting profiles are a popular choice for finishing the perimeter of buildings. Made from lightweight yet durable aluminium, skirting profiles offer several advantages over traditional wood or PVC alternatives. In this article, we will explore 5 key benefits of using Aluminium skirting profiles.
1. Durability
Aluminium is an exceptionally durable material for skirting profiles due to its resistance to corrosion and weathering. Unlike wood, aluminium will not rot or decay when exposed to moisture from rain or snow. It is not susceptible to damage from humidity levels or ground contact like wood is prone to.
The aluminium material is also highly resistant to rusting. This sets it apart from ferrous metals which are prone to oxidation when exposed to outdoor conditions. Aluminium maintains its structural integrity even in coastal environments with salt air laden with chlorides that can cause other metals to corrode.
Being a non-ferrous metal, aluminium is not as vulnerable to damage from impacts and abrasion as wood or plastics. Skirting made from aluminium can better withstand occasional bumps or scrapes from lawn equipment or other contact. Its strength and flexibility make it less likely to crack, chip or break than more brittle alternatives.
2. Low Maintenance
One of the major advantages of aluminium skirting profiles is that they require very little maintenance over the lifespan of the building. Unlike other common skirting materials like wood, aluminium will not deteriorate when exposed to weather and environmental conditions outdoors. The metal is highly resistant to corrosion from rain, snow, sunlight and other elements. This means that after the initial installation, aluminium skirting will retain its appearance for decades with minimal upkeep needed.
Some manufacturers may recommend applying a clear protective sealant to the aluminium upon installation. This helps maintain the finish but is not completely necessary. After any initial treatment, routine cleaning of aluminium skirting involves simply washing it occasionally with soapy water. Harsh chemical cleaners are never required. In comparison, other materials demand much more labor-intensive maintenance routines. Wood skirting needs regular sanding, staining or painting to prevent rotting and protect its surface from the elements. Over time, this repetitive maintenance can become quite costly and time-consuming.
The low-maintenance nature of aluminium skirting is a huge benefit, especially for large commercial buildings or multi-story structures where exterior upkeep may be difficult. With aluminium, there is no risk of deterioration that could compromise the building envelope or aesthetics. Property managers save both money and man-hours normally spent on repairing or replacing damaged skirting over the years. Homeowners also appreciate aluminium’s resilience that means less chores spent keeping skirting looking its best. Overall, the durable material requires minimal effort to maintain its good looks for decades.
3. Lightweight
One of the major advantages of aluminium skirting profiles is their lightweight nature compared to other common building materials. At just over one-third the weight of wood, and approximately half as heavy as vinyl or PVC alternatives, aluminium skirting is significantly lighter. This light weight has important practical benefits, especially for larger construction projects.
The reduced strain on the building structure is important when working with big buildings that require long runs of skirting material. The cumulative weight of heavy wood or vinyl skirting could potentially put undesirable stress on foundations not designed to carry that load. Aluminium helps avoid this as it is so much lighter.
Installation is also easier and safer with lightweight aluminium. Individual pieces are very manageable for one person to carry and position into place alone. Multiple lengths can be transported and fitted during a single trip versus heavier options that may require two workers or multiple trips. With less weight to wrangle, installers are not as prone to back or muscle fatigue either.
4. Variety of Styles and Finishes
Aluminium as a material allows for great versatility in the styles and finishes that can be achieved for skirting profiles. Due to its lightweight yet durable nature, aluminium can be formed into a variety of profile designs both traditional and contemporary to suit different architectural aesthetics. Profiles may have straight, curved or fluted outlines depending on the look desired.
In addition, several coating processes exist that result in a wide spectrum of colour and texture options from aluminium skirting. The mill finish retains the natural silver colour of the untreated metal. This works well for modern designs where the true material is part of the appeal. Powder coating involves applying electrically charged pigmented powder and baking it to produce an even, durable colour finish. This is a popular method that yields vibrant, long-lasting hues like deep greens, blues and greys.
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that thickens and seals the metal’s surface. It allows the natural aluminium to show through with a transparent coloured layer. Anodized finishes mimic wood grains, stone textures or metallic shades. They protect against corrosion while enhancing the aesthetic. Textures may also be added during anodizing or powder coating.
5. Energy Efficiency
Aluminium is a highly conductive metal that disperses heat very well. This thermal property makes it an efficient choice for skirting profiles around buildings in various climates. In warm regions, aluminium’s high reflectivity helps reject solar radiation before it can be absorbed as heat near the base of exterior walls. By reflecting sunlight, aluminium skirting prevents excess heat from building up and transferring into the indoor areas through the walls. This keeps interior spaces and nearby outdoor areas cooler without mechanical cooling systems working as hard.
In colder climates, aluminium skirting helps insulate buildings against heat loss. As a conductor, it draws heat away from drafts that enter through small gaps near the foundation. The metal also resists heat from transferring outside through its own surface. This retains more warmth close to the building envelope. By assisting with natural insulation and blocking drafts, aluminium skirting helps buildings maintain interior heat levels with less energy usage for heating systems during cold weather.
All year round, the thermal properties allow buildings to use heating and cooling systems more efficiently with lower operating costs. Whether reflecting sun or retaining heat, aluminium skirting profiles harness the metal’s conductive abilities to boost a structure’s energy efficiency passively without any additional components. This can provide long-term savings on utility bills.
Conclusion
Aluminium skirting profiles from a reputed Aluminium Extrusion Company in India provide an attractive, durable and low-maintenance solution for finishing the perimeter of any building. Their corrosion resistance, variety of styles, light weight and energy efficient properties make them a smart choice that can enhance both the appearance and performance of a structure for decades. Whether for new construction or renovation projects, aluminium skirting is a versatile and practical option offering many benefits over wood or vinyl alternatives.
