Stainless steel, an alloy of chromium and other metals, has vastly increased in popularity in the construction industry around the world. South Africa has secured a significant position in producing and exporting steel to the rest of the world. It has produced remarkable employment in and around Africa too. (Information source: https://www.eurosteel.co.za/)
Stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant, ductile, and has exceedingly high resistance to extreme temperatures. It is attractive, as well as tough. Manufacturers do not have to compromise on quality to make it attractive. Another reason behind the growing popularity of stainless steel is its low maintenance cost. All this contributes to the position that stainless steel holds in the construction industry. There are several stainless steel bar suppliers in South Africa who are dedicated to offering top-quality products for the construction industry.
Below, some of the several reasons why the building and constructional sectors rely on stainless steel will be discussed.
Easy to bend and mould
The ductility of stainless steel allows architects to bend and curve it as they desire. This gives shape to the several different creative, unique, and abstract structures being developed today. Therefore, we often find that stainless steel has been used to manufacture canopies, sheds of a swimming pool, and even staircases. All these structures are exposed to the heat of the sun and due to its high heat strength, it is able to endure extreme temperatures. We also know that some metals expand when exposed to heat. However, it does not affect stainless steel.
It has a remarkably high strength to weight ratio
The structures of the roof on which the aluminium and asbestos sheets are laid are made up of aluminium sheets. The windowpanes that help the sunshine through it and keep away rain and snow are made up of stainless steel. Its high heat resistant properties make it significant in building rooftops and window walls. They can be recycled and moulded into any shape. This is one of the various reasons why it is so popular on construction sites.
It is water-resistant
You can also find traces of stainless steel in bridges, like that of Europe. ‘Why do they use stainless steel?’, you ask.
The answer is simple - its water and heat resistant capacity. Bridges are exposed to the adversities of nature. The wind, the heat waves, and the rain all fail to affect this metal easily. Therefore, builders prefer stainless steel over other metals. These metals do not rust easily, which is one of the main reasons why they are used in structures that are exposed to moisture. Apart from this, stainless steel is also used to produce taps, screws, nuts, and bolts.
Stainless steel is popular not only in construction, but also in households. All kinds of utensils, starting from knives, and appliances are manufactured using this metal. Apart from households, stainless steel is also used in constructing a power generating plant. The process of manufacturing the turbines requires stainless steel, due to its high heat resistance.
