What Makes Aluminium Decking Sustainable?

02 Nov What Makes Aluminium Decking Sustainable?

The subject of sustainability has been at the forefront of building projects and has become a key component of the entire lifecycle of a project. Whether it’s in specification, build, or operational efficiencies and occupant wellbeing, we are all seeing a shift towards more sustainable practices within the industry.

What Has Caused The Shift Towards Sustainability?

Environmental issues such as climate change and fossil fuel depletion have put pressure on the construction industry to become more environmentally responsible and proactive.

Sustainable construction methods include:

• Using renewable and recyclable resources;
• Reducing energy consumption and waste;
• Creating a healthy, environmentally-friendly environment;
• Protecting the natural environment.

Why Aluminium Deck Boards?

Aside from the obvious look and feel of the product, aluminium is a lightweight, high strength material, and as such, is used in almost every facet of the modern construction industry.

Here are just some of the benefits of aluminium:

• Easy to transport, reducing environmental impact and cost of transportation
• Can be shaped into innumerable designs
• Durable and resistant to rust and corrosion
• Incredibly long lifespan
• Class A fire-rated

Recyclable & Sustainable Aluminium Flooring

Aluminium is arguably the most sustainable building material in the world due to a number of factors.

In some situations, a recycled material can lose its effectiveness. However, the recycling process for aluminium loses none of the physical properties of primary aluminium. It also uses just 5% of the energy it takes to create primary aluminium.

Did you know that 75% of the 1 billion tons of aluminium produced in the last 100 years is still in use today?

Because of this, aluminium is considered one of the most valuable materials as it can be recycled infinitely to make exactly the same product.

Sustainable & Non-Combustible Aluminium Decking

Aside from aluminium’s green credentials, it is also a non-combustible material. In fact, many aluminium deck boards will be classified as Class A fire-rated, meaning they can be safely utilised in a variety of high-rise applications.

However, pay close attention to any components that have been added to the aluminium deck boards to improve slip resistance. For example, rubber may be added to the surface of the aluminium decking to provide an extra element of safety and stability for the user, but as rubber has combustible properties, you are limited as to where you can specify these kinds of modified products.

To overcome this, opt for an aluminium flooring material that contains a unique coating to improve slip resistance, whilst maintaining the non-combustible properties. This way, you can specify the aluminium decking in any high-rise external flooring or balcony project.

Aluminium Decking Joists from Alfresco Floors

The latest innovation in non-combustible aluminium decking solutions, the AR-Deck, is Alfresco Floors’ answer to a 100% aluminium decking system.

Comprising of deckboards with a fully adjustable aluminium pedestal and joist sub-frame, you can achieve a safe, hard-wearing, sustainable solution that  will complement any scheme for many years to come.

To learn more about Alfresco Floors’ unique aluminium decking solution, don’t hesitate to talk to an expert today. Simply fill out the form below or drop us a call on 020 8977 0904.