Aluminium in buildings proven to be durable and sustainable

A recent study by renowned architect Professor Michael Stacey, on behalf of the International Aluminium Institute, has concluded that aluminium in buildings is proven to last and remain in excellent condition for decades longer than previously expected.

The report, titled Aluminium and Durability: Towards Sustainable Cities, looked at buildings such at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol and the FT Printing Works and the USB Offices, both in London. The findings resulted in the following recommendations by the report authors:

· Coated aluminium used in buildings is now being given warranties of up to 40 years.

· Aluminium used in window frames should be given a service life of 80 years, an upward revision of 40 years.

· Aluminium used internally has an infinite lifespan.

· Coated aluminium stands the test of time, with power coatings applied in the '70s still performing well today.

ALFED’s CEO Will Savage, who welcomed this report, said: “This is really good news for the aluminium sector. We already know the great qualities of this versatile material, which is corrosion resistant, lightweight and fully recyclable, has and to have this independent confirmation of increased longevity is very welcome.

“Companies that have chosen aluminium as a key material in their buildings will undoubtedly be pleasantly surprised to learn that they’re unlikely to require maintenance of aluminium parts for years to come, except regular cleaning,” Mr Savage said.

Aluminium has been used in buildings for more than a hundred years, with the metal first appearing in the Church of St Edmunds, Derbyshire in 1895. It has been used in many famous architectural landmarks including the Empire State Building (New York), the Gherkin (London) and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank HQ (Hong Kong).

The report concluded: “This research has revealed aluminium-based architecture that is performing well in our towns, cities and rural landscape. The durability of this aluminium architecture should be recognised and celebrated. The interim conclusion of this research suggests that well specified and well detailed aluminium architecture should be considered to be very durable and have a very long life expectancy.”