In short, architectural sheet metal is a type of material used on the roofs and walls of different building types. The composition of this material could be any type of metal including aluminum, copper, steel, lead, tin, and zinc. Materials like tin and steel will be altered and specialized to better suit the architectural need. Steel is used in its stainless or galvanized variation. Tin will be corrugated. When architectural sheet metal is used for roofing, it is set in a triangular shape so that the roof slopes downward. This helps the stability of the building without adding too much weight.
When used as roofing, sheet metal can be found primarily on homes, restaurants, schools, small business buildings, and other establishments that do not utilize flat roofs. While architectural sheet metal is primarily used for roofing, there are a number of other ways to incorporate it into a building, especially its walls.
Creation
Architectural sheet metal varies in thickness with plate metal being thicker and foil being thinner. Sheet metal is created by rolling a large cast ingot, then cutting that material into sheets for a shop to further refine. When sheet metal is initially rolled, that is where the preferred thickness is applied.
Pros and Con
One major reason people incorporate architectural sheet metal into building construction is for durability. Metal is durable against unfavorable weather conditions like storms or tornadoes. This material is also useful in incidents such as fires or explosions because metal is more resistant to extreme heat temperatures than other building materials. Another benefit of architectural sheet metal is its malleable quality. Sheet metal can be incorporated into a number of different designs for roofs and walls.
The only major reason people will not opt for sheet metal during construction is the price requirement. Without knowing the perfect design, initial construction and all subsequent construction can become costly very quickly.
Service
Services are available in most American states, but there are certain companies with renown that extend beyond their state. Any quick web search will reveal companies that supply a great amount of architecture in their area and also sends their sheet metal to other locales. Roofers provide services at various costs depending on the exact design and building size required by a client.
Specialty designs incorporated into the metal through methods such as laser cutting, welding, punching, and shearing will also affect the price. Many companies even offer the finished project in various colors. For more information about architectural sheet metal, reach out to a professional.