Most Australians love spending time outdoors. New South Wales’ generally great weather throughout the year makes having a great outdoor space essential for fully enjoying it. However, if you don’t choose the right construction material for your outdoor space, you’ll end up spending more time and money on repairs than actually enjoying the space. Since homeowners and contractors are looking for smarter ways to build, aluminium structures have become the logical choice. Aluminium makes outdoor decks, pergolas, and patios look fantastic without requiring constant maintenance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about building maintenance-free outdoor spaces with aluminium structures.
Why Traditional Building Materials Fail Australian Outdoors
Traditional building materials such as timber, steel, and concrete have a difficult time under Australian conditions. Here’s how the constant exposure to Australian conditions can wreak havoc with traditional building materials.
Extreme UV and Thermal Stress
Australia experiences some of the highest solar and UV exposure in the world. When building materials are not designed, they will develop defects over time. For example, the temperature fluctuations cause steel to expand and contract. The constant change will cause the materials to develop cracks and become brittle.
Moisture, Humidity, and Fungal Decay
Traditional softwood and untreated timber are extremely vulnerable to moisture. The moisture gets absorbed by the wood, resulting in swelling and warping. The moisture also creates the perfect environment for fungal decay and the growth of mould.
Coastal Salt and Corrosion
With constructions close to the coastline, the constant exposure to coastal salt can lead to the premature corrosion of standard steel and other untreated metals.
Natural Defects in Timber
As a natural, hygroscopic material, timber continuously absorbs and releases moisture. This reaction can result in the splitting and shrinking of wood. With this, the bonds in the wood can weaken, compromising the structural integrity of the construction.
What Makes Aluminium Truly Maintenance-Free?
Compared to traditional building materials, aluminium is considered relatively maintenance-free. This is thanks to its unique chemistry and several other properties.
- Natural oxide shield – When exposed to oxygen, aluminium undergoes a process called ‘passivation’, forming a thin aluminium oxide layer. When the aluminium is scratched or dented, the oxide reforms almost instantly.
- High corrosion resistance – Since the oxide layer strongly adheres to the metal surface, aluminium is highly corrosion-resistant. Since the oxide is insoluble in water, rain and humidity will not wash it away.
- Dirt and grime repellency – Aluminium does not have an electrostatic charge. The lack of a charge means that they won’t attract dust and other airborne grime.
How Long Do Aluminium Outdoor Structures Last in Australia?
High-quality aluminium beams and other structures can typically last between 20 and 30 years in Australia. They are rust-proof, do not attract pests, and do not attract dust and grime. They are also able to withstand Australia’s intense sun and UV exposure.
However, when it comes to constructions in humid and coastal areas, the construction must use special-grade aluminium. Since they are designed to handle the conditions of the area, they can last for a considerably long time. However, in areas where extreme weather conditions are common, even aluminium structures can benefit from additional coatings and protections.
Keep in mind that aluminium is not completely maintenance-free. It helps to check on the structures often and give them a good wash and clean to remove any dirt and debris.
Is a Maintenance-Free Outdoor Space More Expensive Upfront?
Yes, compared to constructions made from wood or untreated steel, aluminium constructions can be 20% – 50% more expensive. The exact cost will depend on factors such as the scale and complexity of the construction. As such, it can be tempting to go with the cheaper option.
However, while aluminium will be more expensive upfront, it can save on a lot of repair and maintenance costs down the line. For example, the upfront cost of aluminium pergolas can range between $3,500 and $10,000. This is comparatively more expensive than a wood or steel construction. However, over time, wood and steel can rot and warp. When that happens, you will need to spend a lot of money on repairs and maintenance. Given the nature of the materials, these repairs will be very frequent.
The bottom line is that aluminium constructions have a higher initial price tag. However, the long-term value of the construction is high compared to traditional construction materials.
Conclusion
You can’t build a maintenance-free outdoor space by cutting corners. You need to make smart choices from the get go, especially when it comes to the construction material that you intend to use. When you choose the right materials, everything else will fall into place. You can say goodbye to weekend repairs and enjoy your outdoor space to your heart’s content.
If you’re ready to build a low-maintenance outdoor space, Spamor is the place for you. With years of experience, we are ready to offer Australian-made aluminium constructions that get the job done.
