Rusting and Corrosion Considerations
The main problem with metal is that it can rust and corrode. This reduces its effectiveness as it gets older which means that it cannot be used in applications where longevity is a serious concern. Some metals like aluminium and copper do much better in this regard, but they have their issues such as being dented easily which, again, reduces their longevity.
Plastic does not present any rusting or corrosion concerns. It will remain as is until it is destroyed in some process. This is one of the reasons why plastic is considered in applications where cleanliness and material stability are serious concerns.
Roofing
Roofing is one area that has previously been dominated by metal. We still see metal roofs everywhere, but plastic roofs, especially PVC and polycarbonate solutions, are becoming more common. Both metal and plastics used for roofing are lightweight which makes them easy to transport and install. However, metal is a lot heavier which makes a significant difference in larger applications.
New solutions including Corrapol PVC are made to be lightweight and easy to install. The workability of this material is what makes Corrapol PVC installation a straightforward process. Although metal is typically stronger than plastic, things get interesting when we look at strength to weight ratio. Plastics like polycarbonates have a much higher strength-to-weight ratio than metals, with solutions like Corrapol stormproof made to provide strength and durability comparable to that of metal.
If you are completing a project where light is very important, there is no doubt that you will use clear materials like Corrapol PVC which is a perfect option for DIV and low-cost projects. This corrugated roofing material allows daylight to pass through parts of a roof or a whole roof if you decide to use this material for such applications. As with other PVC materials, Corrapol PVC installation is pretty straightforward due to how easy the material is to work with.
Piping
If your home improvement project includes any piping, that is another area where you need to consider the material you use. As with roofing, this is an area where metal has been used for a long time. However, the corrosion that happens when a pipe has been in use for a long time presents serious concerns leading to a switch to plastic popping, mainly PVC.
Also, some metals release harmful ions when they have been used for too long. While exposure to these ions is not usually harmful, continuous exposure to drinking and using water that contains these ions is harmful.
Flexibility
The use of plastic in roofing and plumbing is not only because of its stability, but also due to its flexibility. With metal, you have to use more parts to fasten things or make joints. The use of plastic allows you to eliminate the use of parts like joints and elbows because you can cut, bend, and reattach plastic using a little heat.
This flexibility is what also gives us the many forms and shapes of PVC in roofing. Although there are many more metal roofing designs than the corrugated forms many people are familiar with, we can have many more plastic forms and designs. This is because plastics, especially thermoplastics, can be formed easily at the factory and can be deformed and then reshaped in the field. You cannot do this with metal, and you have to use the parts you have received as is.
Carrying Weight
Another serious consideration when choosing materials for your home improvement project is how much weight the material can carry. Most plastic roofing materials are very strong and resilient, and take impact very well, but they cannot carry a lot of weight. They cannot, for example, be walked on during installation unless they are purposely made to be walked on.Metal, on the other hand, can withstand a lot more weight. A person can walk on it and even though it will dent past a certain weight limit, these dents can always be removed easily.
Metal Installations are Hotter
Installations that use metal are typically hotter than those that use plastic. This is because metal is a great conductor of heat, so it passes heat into a space as it becomes hotter. Plastic, on the other hand, is a poor conductor and does not radiate as much heat inwards.Metal and plastic are both excellent materials for different types of home improvement projects. However, metal has so many downsides that you cannot overlook. Additionally, plastics are becoming much better and will continue to do so to eliminate the issues people experience using them today.
