In the UK alone, they estimate that nearly 5 million tonnes of plastic is used every single year. These days we know the huge detriment that is having to the planet.
In the guttering world, plastic gutters had become the norm for a very long time, mainly due to their cheap cost. So how do we find a type of guttering that is just as affordable but better in almost every way?
Fortunately, we don’t have look very far to find an alternative.
Aluminium guttering is often overlooked for its numerous green credentials. In fact it is one of the most recyclable materials on the market – as it has the ability to be infinitely recycled into itself.
In this blog we will take a look at how Aluminium Guttering affects the environment and compare those effects to other guttering materials that are still used today.
Aluminium Guttering is Green
As one of the most recyclable materials on the market, aluminium is the definition of ‘green’. That’s because it has the ability to be infinitely recycled into itself over and over again, ensuring zero waste.
Aluminium is actually one of the most environmentally friendly metals you can find on this planet. For example, did you know that 75% of the near one-billion tons of aluminium produced in the last 100 years is still in use today?
Aluminium as a material is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. To put that into perspective, there is more aluminium than iron in the world. The only two elements we have in more abundance than aluminium is oxygen and silicon!
These days, environmentally friendly buildings are becoming more and more sought after and specified on a regular basis. Aluminium guttering is a great way to make a difference, by reducing our use of other polluting materials – like plastics.
Environmental Impacts: Aluminium Guttering Vs. Plastic Guttering
Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, so much so that 75% of the world’s aluminium remains in use decades later.
The properties within aluminium mean that it doesn’t lose quality or integrity when being recycled, time and time again. Not only that, but by recycling it, we save more than 90% of the energy we would need to make new aluminium.
On the other hand, many plastics we see in use today cannot be properly recycled, and don’t decompose or degrade. This in turn has meant that a lot of our disused plastics end up in landfill and pollute the Earth.
Most of us at one point or another purchased something because it’s marginally cheaper and sways our purchasing decision. At the time, we don’t consider if that purchase is a worthwhile investment, as we don’t consider the products durability or lifespan.
This much can be said for the buyer’s mentality with plastic guttering. In the past, specifiers have seen they can save on their margins by choosing plastic or their guttering. What they don’t consider is that plastic isn’t very durable or resistant to wear-and-tear.
Then in 1960, aluminium guttering entered the field. A material that is both durable and lightweight, aluminium answered the growing issue we faced in the guttering world. We now had a suitable alternative to plastic, that wasn’t just more environmentally friendly, but better in every way.
Why Choose Aluminium Guttering?
Aluminium guttering benefits from properties that make it hardwearing, flexible and lightweight. Innovative machines that allow for a single, seamless roll of aluminium to be cut have meant guttering doesn’t need to have seams.
This creates a guttering system that doesn’t have leaks or breaks and cut be custom fit to any length or specification.
So much so that about 70% of all guttering systems are now made from aluminium in this way.
With all these benefits, plus the flexibility in aesthetic design choices such as RAL colour powder-coatings, specifiers can receive bespoke solutions tailored to their projects.
Conclusion
There is no reason not to choose aluminium guttering in your future projects. This ground-breaking material manages to not only be green, but also the most worthwhile investment you can make in your rainwater system.
As the world shifts away from polluting materials like plastics, aluminium guttering is only going to see continued use and popularity as the years go on, so get ahead of the game with your own.
About Us
For any of your rainwater and guttering system needs; we can provide trusted help and advice along the way – especially with design and material choices. The key benefit to using HJA for your roofing and guttering needs is that we can provide a complete system from bespoke fabrications to soffits and louvres.
We pride ourselves on our unrivalled technical experience in the aluminium trade and the understanding and care we provide for our customers. Our business principles are the foundation of our company – reliability, consistency and quality.
We understand the quality and efficiency that is required by our customers and we deliver every time. Get in touch with an expert today.
