What are the Most Common Metals Used Within the Construction Industry?

Construction industries worldwide utilize metals to form durable parts and components for simple and advanced applications. Metals such as carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper provide a range of beneficial features and properties that allow them to be used in all construction phases. This blog will explore the most common metals found within the construction industry and their specific applications.
Some of the most common metals found within the construction industry include:

Carbon Steel

Primarily utilized in structural framework applications, carbon steel provides enhanced hardness and strength and is the most widely used metal in the construction industry. Steel manufactured through carbon and iron processing is sturdy, reliable, and provides decades of structural support for many construction industries. Carbon steel construction applications include:

Structural framework beams
Highway construction plates
Rectangular tubing frames
Bridge support
Metal homes
Stadiums
Security fencing

Aluminum

Aluminum is extremely light and provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal material for various industrial construction projects. Since aluminum materials also offer good corrosion resistance, they are used for indoor and outdoor construction projects. Aluminum is an ideal choice for the following applications:

Metal buildings
Ceiling structures
Roof covers
Window frames
Doors
Signage

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the choice materials within the construction industry. This superior quality material serves numerous construction industry sectors, making it one of the most sought-after materials on the planet. Due to its enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, and limited maintenance needs, stainless steel alloys are considered some of the world's best metal materials. The most common construction-related uses for stainless steel include:

Metal structures
Handrails
Wall supports
Roofing
Architectural cladding
Drainage
Balustrading

Copper

Both rigid and soft copper products are used for all industrial construction projects. Copper products, most often copper tubing, are some of the most versatile metal materials in existence. Copper’s conductivity, corrosion resistance, strength, flexibility, durability, and anti-bacterial qualities make it a trusted construction material for the following applications:

Roofing
Plumbing
Electrical
Cladding
Water systems
HVAC components

Which Metal is Right for Your Project?

In the world of metal, project specifications will always dictate which material is ultimately chosen for each application. Each metal utilized within the construction industry maintains specific properties and features that differentiate it from other materials. More than one material can often provide beneficial features for a particular job; preference dictates which material is selected.

Contact IMS for Industrial Construction Metals Today

Industrial Metal Supply provides carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper products for all types of industrial construction applications. Contact us to learn more about our advanced construction metal options today.