All posts by Brandon Cordoves

Blog, Metal Supplier

What Are The Benefits of Stainless Steel?

Used throughout a multitude of applications, stainless steel has been a popular choice for builders across the country—and for good reason! Stainless steel offers builders a wealth of benefits all combining together to create not only allows for stunning design applications, but one that exceeds functionality expectations. Stainless steel remains an incredibly versatile building material while staying inexpensive compared to other options. If you’ve been considering using stainless steel for your next project, consider the following benefits!

Cleanliness

Stainless steel is actually incredibly easy to clean and sanitize, allowing you to easily wash away any dirt, grime, and bacteria effortlessly when cleaned down. Its low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for application in areas such as hospitals and clinics that require easy to clean surfaces.

Corrosion Resistance

One of its most well-known benefits, stainless steel has a very high resistance to corrosion. Originally advertised as a “rustless steel”, the inclusion of chromium made it highly resistant to corroding in any environment. Only under certain conditions (exposure to cleaners, chloride, high humidity, high salinity environments, and/or mechanical abrasions) will stainless steel show signs of rusting, however in most other cases the chromium oxide layer protects the steel and is able to repair itself fast enough to avoid the metal rusting.

Aesthetically Pleasing

One of the key reasons people elect for stainless steel on their projects is that it’s simply beautiful! Whether used as accent notes throughout a home, or as wall cladding for an office building’s exterior, stainless steel is simply great to look at. If you’re looking for a building material that’s guaranteed to turn heads, look no further than stainless steel.

Durability

Stainless steel is remarkably tough, thanks to its high impact resistance due to low brittleness in both high and low temperatures. This means that stainless steel will keep its shape no matter the environment it’s dropped in. In addition, at its melting point stainless steel can be molded, welded, and fabricated to fit your specifications as needed.

Sustainability

Stainless steel is actually a sustainable building material, typically constructed from 70% scrap metal. From there, stainless steel is 100% recyclable, ready to be used yet again for another project. Stainless steel will continue its cycle of usability long after it’s removed from your project.

Stainless steel is an unbelievable building material that only positively impacts your project, and Wieland-Wrisco is here to supply you with the highest quality stainless steel! We offer 24GA & 26GA Stainless Steel Sheet & Coil in both 2B & 2D finishes. For other gauges and finishes, contact us today online so we can properly assist you!

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Architectural Copper Applications

Over the last few years, we’ve seen a substantial increase in the use of copper being used for architectural applications across the country. A material that dates back hundreds of years, it’s quickly becoming very popular yet again. Copper has always been an integral part of architecture, from the ancient Egyptian temple doors to European medieval designs. Most notably in American culture is that which was built using 80 tons worth or copper sheet-the Statue Of Liberty! This metal proved so easily manipulable by humans through pounding and cutting with hammers producing thicknesses equivalent two US pennies placed together at their finest point.

We still rely on copper for its ability to be easily stretched, molded and shaped. This is why it’s used in a wide variety of applications today such as wiring or pipes that need an aesthetically pleasing finish with low maintenance characteristics – something not all metals can provide! Today, we find architectural copper being used in a variety of applications, including:

Architectural Applications:

Roofing

When it comes to roofing, the durability of copper is unparalleled. Not only does this metal withstand fire, hail and mildew with ease but can also last up to 50 years or more in regular care! Copper roofs are an efficient way to keep your home cool and light. They also have many other benefits, such as being incredibly lightweight in comparison with heavier metals such as lead and steel that can significantly weigh buildings down or require expensive support structures.

Wall Cladding

Copper wall cladding is not only beautiful, but it also offers an excellent solution for architects in need of protection from the elements. It can be used on exterior surfaces such as building exteriors or roofs with varying levels requirements including those that require more durability than other materials might provide without sacrificing aesthetics.

Fueling increased interest among designers has been this new availability—copper sheets offer stylish yet functional solutions tailored specifically to each project’s specific needs! Architectural copper is work-ready, capable of being shaped to fit your specifications immediately.

Interior Accents

Copper has been used to create a luxurious feeling in public spaces like hotels and restaurants. The rich tones of this building material can be found aesthetically enhancing interior design elements such as walls, ceiling fixtures, furniture, and hardware with its warmth, tranquility, and calmness. In addition, copper has natural, intrinsic antimicrobial properties against a variety of disease, viruses, and bacteria. This makes it ideal for things such as handrails where multiple hands have to touch it every single day.

Architectural copper is surely to grow in popularity as the years go on—make sure you’re ahead of the trend with Wieland-Wrisco! Wieland-Wrisco proudly offers its architectural copper products throughout the United States. You can learn more about our copper roofing sheet, copper roofing coil, and other architectural copper products today, simply contact us today!

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Which Metals Won’t Corrode or Rust?

When you’re looking for a metal material for any particular project, it’s critical that you find one that’s both rust resistant and corrosive resistant. Some materials, like iron, start the countdown to being covered in rust the moment you expose it to any oxygen source. While a key resource in human history’s development, there are other materials that tend to be much better suited for the elements thanks to their natural corrosion and rust resistance. 

 


Stainless Steel

While an alloy of iron, stainless steel is also made of a high amount of chromium. Chromium in some cases makes up nearly 20% of stainless steel. Due to its highly reactive nature, the chromium oxidizes very quickly, creating a protective layer of chromium oxide that resists corrosion, while also blocking oxygen from reaching the steel layer. Additional materials such as Nickel, only add to its resistance to rusting. 


Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is a carbon steel that’s been coated with a layer of zinc. This zinc acts as a barrier between the steel and the elements. With that said, this zinc barrier will eventually wear down over time (a very long time). With that said, zinc is highly reactive to oxygen, creating a barrier between the iron in steel and the elements.


Aluminum

Aluminum is much lighter than other traditional metals, but make no mistake: aluminum is just as strong if not stronger. There’s absolutely no iron present in aluminum, meaning it can’t rust. However, when aluminum is exposed to an electrical current run through water, aluminum’s top layer will oxidize, creating a tough, durable exterior while keeping aluminum’s lightweight properties. 


Copper

Copper contains little iron, however it will react when exposed to oxygen. Copper oxide creates a green layer, much like the one seen covering the Statue of Liberty. Once light brown when it was first brought over to America, years of exposure to oxygen has turned the Statue of Liberty entirely green.


Bronze

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, meaning it inherits the same properties and resistances as copper mentioned above. With that said, bronze is much more corrosion resistant than just copper alone, thanks to the tin included in the alloy. 


So, Which Metal Is The Best?

These metal options are all ideal for any exterior facades, however stainless steel and aluminum stand supreme. Their propensity for being highly corrosion resistant and rust resistant make them ideal for facing the elements head on. Thankfully, Wrisco is your source for aluminum and stainless steel sheets for any project. Contact us today to learn more how we can help supply your next project!

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Anodized Aluminum FAQs

As one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of anodized aluminum sheeting in the country, we receive a number of questions regarding our sheets each day. We strive to answer your questions as best as possible, which is why we’ve compiled a list of some of our most commonly asked questions to better assist you! 

What Exactly Is Anodized Aluminum?

Anodized aluminum is aluminum sheeting that has gone through the anodizing process, which is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. The aluminum sheet is dipped into an acid electrolyte bath and an electrical current is passed through the bath. As the electricity passes through the bath, the oxygen ions are released from the electrolyte to combine with the atoms of the aluminum. This creates an aluminum with a tough outer layer while still maintaining the benefits of aluminum. 

What Applications Can Anodized Aluminum Sheeting Be Used For?

Anodized aluminum sheeting is incredibly flexible, allowing it to be used throughout a variety of applications. Some of the most common ones we see being used for include:

  • Building facades
  • Storefronts
  • Boating
  • Motor Vehicle components
  • Food Preparation Equipment
  • Vents, Awnings, Duct Covers, Storm Doors
  • Interior Decoration

Are Anodized Aluminum Sheets As Strong As Steel?

While steel is commonly considered to be far stronger than anodized aluminum, anodized aluminum is actually an incredible durable material. The anodized layer is three times stronger than the base layer of the aluminum sheet. Additionally, because of the oxidation that occurs during the anodizing process, anodized aluminum can never rust.

How Sustainable Is Anodized Aluminum?

Anodized aluminum is an incredibly sustainable material! The most abundant material in the Earth’s crust, aluminum is 100% recyclable and reusable — meaning that when it reaches the end of its life, it can be completely reused for another project. 

I Have A Custom Project And Need A Specific Color, Do You Offer It?

Yes! While we have our standard color options (which you can find here), anodized aluminum can be colored to any custom color in the visible light spectrum. Additionally, it can be fabricated in a brake, roll-formed, stamped, laser engraved, laminated, perforated, welded, embossed and silk screened for whatever your needs may be. The anodizing process guarantees consistent color throughout all of the sheets for your project, so you never have to worry about some of your panels being slightly off.  

Have any other questions about our anodized aluminum sheets? Contact Wrisco today!

Product News

Aluminum VS Steel: Which Is Better?

You’ve probably asked yourself this at some point in your life, especially when taking on a construction or renovative project. Which of the two is better between steel and aluminum, and what variables are there to consider when choosing either? Both materials have their pros and cons that outweigh each other but it’s important to recognize which of the two is best for the job depending on what you plan to do with either. Wrisco is here to explain which is better for your next construction or renovation project in this post from our blog. 

Cost

The cost of both metals is always fluctuating due to global supply and demand and so the steel can usually end up being more pricey than aluminum or vice versa. But, in most cases, steel costs much less than aluminum. However, most forms of steel, such as stainless steel, are pricier and aluminum will likely end up as a cheaper option.

Strength

In terms of strength, there is no definitive answer as to which of the two is stronger. Most will say that steel is typically a stronger material due to its concentrated carbon and aluminum’s lack of density. But it’s also important to keep in mind that aluminum is lighter in weight. So you must keep in mind the strength-to-weight ratio when deciding between the two. However, if you were to decide in protection against hurricanes, as an example, aluminum has proven to be much more effective due to its lightweight versatility. Aluminum allows for easy setup when putting up panels on your home and can easily disallow impact from damaging your home. Aluminum can also get much stronger and denser when it becomes cold.

Malleability

There’s no debate as to which is more malleable. Aluminum beats steel in this area by a landslide. Due to it being much less dense than steel, aluminum is able to be formed into whatever you desire when in contact with high temperatures. It is also very ductile so it can be stretched without breaking. Because of Steel’s immense carbon density, its malleability is only possible by the application of intense heat.

Corrosion Resistance 

Aluminum is resistant to most corrosion and does not rust as opposed to steel. After Aluminum has been extruded, no treatment is needed to further increase its resistance to corrosion or rust. Aluminum is also further protected by its naturally occurring oxide film. Steel requires a coating of paint or other treatment to protect it from rust or corrosion. Such treatment is especially imperative if the steel will be placed in an outside environment where it will often come into contact with natural forces.

CHOOSE WRISCO TO BE YOUR METAL PROVIDER

Wrisco has over 100 years of industry experience and has catered to multiple clients across the USA. They have establishments in Atlanta, Chicago, Edison, Dallas, and, Florida.

 

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All About Wrisco’s Endurex Products

Wrisco’s Endurex exterior architectural products provide a substitution to glass for a window frame, curtain-wall, or storefront. The purpose of this is to extend the life of a building while also giving off the appearance of a glass panel. These metal panels are more durable than glass and can easily match the design of a building with the different finishing options.

What Is Endurex Made From

The Endurex product is composed of a stabilizer positioned between two sheets of aluminum. There are many options for the type of aluminum, core, and appearance of the finish to allow flexibility for any architectural design. These components offer great fire and moisture resistance

The stabilizer core is a solid thermoplastic that will stay dry and firm against harsh weather conditions. A composite stabilizer can also be formed for extra resistant properties, making it the ideal choice for all glazing and storefront applications.

Why Choose Endurex Over Traditional Glazing

The Endurex exterior architectural products are not just a durable product. They are extremely usable for construction projects because of their ability to be cut in sizes appropriate for the space provided. Polyester paint finishes can also match all standard door and window designs.

The installation of Endurex is very simple because the panels are not as fragile as glass although they can be scratched. Once installed they require almost no maintenance and can be cleaned easily with a spray on detergent if necessary. This is perfect for buildings that want an appearance of glass but don’t necessarily want the functionality of glass or the responsibility of maintaining it.

Wrisco offers a wide range of options to the composition of the stabilizer core and the color of the finished metal. This assures the best possible solution and longest lasting panel for a building, storefront or curtain wall. If this exterior architectural product fits the design demands of your property, consider contacting Wrisco. We are an aluminum coiling manufacturer with many other products for construction. Call us at 561-626-5700 to learn more or order now.

Company News

Why Use Colored Aluminum?

The color of aluminum is a large concern in the construction industry. Whether for an outdoor park bench or an art presentation, colored aluminum is necessary to get the right look for the setting. Aluminum oxide is extremely strong and effective against weathering, and the process of anodizing aluminum allows coloring the metal with dyes that won’t flake or peel due to the electrochemical bonding process. Getting the right look also means doing so consistently throughout the project even while consuming many lengths of colored aluminum sheet metal.
 

Color Consistency Is the Main Concern of Aluminum Dying

Uniformity is historically one of the more common themes of building and construction. Some of the things that can influence the look of a metal are color, gloss, texture, and angle. These all add up to create a specific look. If they have all been done in the same way, they will look the same.
 
Texture includes grain which can appear to be a pattern on the surface of the aluminum. Because textures can vary widely from the same source, they pose an issue to consistency. Keeping a texture the same throughout will require the same machine to process the aluminum.
 
The coloring of metals will yield different results when the same dye is used on different metals. Color consistency is difficult to achieve with alloys and different qualities of aluminum. Purchasing anodizing quality aluminum ensures the same consistency of color in the aluminum all throughout. Anodized aluminum is unaffected by ultraviolet rays and allows the color to remain consistent even when different parts of a building receive varying amounts of sunlight.
 

Controlling the Color of Aluminum with External Factors

Different presses and mills can also have different effects on the metal. Wrisco can produce an identical color of aluminum for all of our sheet metal by processing our aluminum under identical conditions with a specific recipe of alloy and a singular high volume press. Though this is not always possible, a sample can be taken from one anodizing machine and used as a template for the other.
 
During the dying process, saturating the metal will also minimize the difference in color due to the precise miscalculations. The point at which a metal becomes saturated means it can’t take any more dye, so adding excess dye won’t change the color. This way every piece of saturated metal will have the same look. This also adds more resistance to the metal to keep the surface from wearing away and dulling the color or changing the texture. Angle also matters for installation. The color will change with a different reflection of light, so imitating a glass formation during construction will reduce this problem.
 
If color consistency is not necessary, a color range is nice. Wrisco offers many different colors to choose from when aluminum is needed for any project. Our prefinished colors will create a uniform look that expresses the theme or tone of the structure. Call us now at 800-627-2646 for more information.
Blog, Product News

All About Our Estolga® ACM Wall Panel Fastening System

As an architect, you want to ensure that the quality of your foundation and structure as a whole stands the test of time. It’s more than just a building; it’s your work of art and you want it constructed with not only the best materials around but also with the best care. Which is why we here at Wrisco offer clients the opportunity to have their buildings built with our Estolga® ACM Wall Panel Fastening System. With this wall panel fastening system, you can trust that your aluminum panels supplied by us will remain secure and provide the ultimate appeal to your project. To learn more about why you should rely on our Estolga® ACM wall panel fastening system, continue reading below.

Estolga® ACM Wall Panel

 

Fastening System

There are many reasons why utilizing our Estolga® ACM Wall Panel fastening system will benefit the construction of your projects. However, out of all of them, the most prominent three include:

Versatility

Whatever your preference is for constructing your work of art, you can trust the Estolga® ACM wall panel fastening system can get it done for you. This fastening system isn’t just bounded to providing patrons with only a singular means of construction. The Estolga® ACM wall panel fastening system allows construction to be performed with three different methods:

Strength & Durability

The Estolga® ACM wall panel fastening system possesses a unique design that is performed with patented technology. Because of such qualities, this system has developed into the strongest system that’s available in the industry today.

The Estolga® ACM wall panel fastening system has been fully ASTM tested for structural, thermal, water, and temperature performance. Moreover, the system has also been proven to withstand wind pressure up to 180 miles per hour. Generally, you can trust that whatever your building is being afflicted with, it will stand strong against the elements thanks to its implemented strength and durability provided by Estolga®.

Quick & Efficient

 

Installation

Construction can often be a timely activity. However, it can be performed quicker with our Estolga® ACM wall panel fastening system. Each fastening method under the Estolga® ACM wall panel fastening system is carried out with detailed instructions so that it can be completed efficiently. Also, as an added bonus after completion, you’ll have no exposed fasteners, ensuring a clean and complete finished appearance.

Contact

Interested in learning more about the Estolga® system? Simply contact the Wrisco team today and a team member would be more than happy to assist with providing you with any other information or answers to your questions.

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Myths and Facts About Aluminum Sheeting

Every day our team receives questions about our aluminum sheeting products from clients around the country. As the leading supplier and distributor in aluminum sheeting in the US, we pride ourselves on assisting our clients with whatever questions they have about our products. Surprisingly, we tend to see prospective partners inquiring about some of the most common myths surrounding aluminum sheets. Thankfully we here at Wrisco are here to dispel these myths and provide you with the facts about aluminum sheets and how they can be a huge benefit to your next project.

Myth: Aluminum Rusts Just Like Iron and Steel
Fact: Rusting is a type of corrosion that’s specific to iron, steel, and other ferrous metals. In fact, rusting is just another name for “iron oxide”, or when iron and iron-based alloys bond with oxygen. As aluminum sheets do not contain iron, rusting is not a concern. The oxidation process is a major benefit for aluminum. When aluminum bonds with oxygen, it forms aluminum oxide, which creates a very hard layer that protects the aluminum from being damaged indefinitely.

Myth: Aluminum Is Not Readily Available, Making It More Expensive Than Alternatives
Fact: There is a major misconception that aluminum sheets are far more expensive than typical materials like steel when in actuality one of the most cost-effective building materials available. Aluminum sheeting’s strength-to-weight ratio provides customers with a lower overall cost per square foot use. Anodized aluminum weighs 60% less than stainless steel, brass, and copper allowing you to get far more bang for your buck. Aluminum sheeting can keep its cost down since there is such a high volume available worldwide compared to traditional materials.

Myth: Aluminum Does Not Hold Up To The Durability Of Steel
Fact: While steel is rather durable, aluminum can be just as tough. Thanks to Wrisco’s coil anodizing process, anodized aluminum creates an oxidized layer that is three times stronger than standard aluminum sheeting. This allows our aluminum sheeting to withstand even the toughest environmental stresses. You will never have to worry about your aluminum sheets getting weathered or rusted. While highly durable, anodized aluminum is also highly versatile, capable of being utilized in several different applications, such as:

  • Architectural Exterior
  • Windows and Doors
  • Rail Cars
  • Storefronts
  • Interior Wall Panels
  • Appliance
  • Curtain Walls
  • Ceilings
  • Food Service
  • Architectural Interior
  • Lighting
  • Signage and Nameplates
  • Exterior Panels
  • Recreational Vehicles
  • Solar
  • Roofing
  • Automotive
  • Electronics

The team here at Wrisco is more than happy to help dispel any other myths you may have heard about aluminum sheets and showcase their variety of uses and benefits for your upcoming project. Have a question, or ready to inquire about an order? Contact us today and a team representative will assist!