If you have taken on a project that requires copings, you might be wondering which material is the best to use – stone copings or aluminium copings. In this article, we outline the benefits of using aluminium copings, and how to decide what is right for your project.
Purpose of Copings
To know what is right for your project, you must first understand the purpose and functionality of copings. Copings are the strips of material that finish off the top of a wall. They project out vertically, directing water away from the wall. All walls need copings to direct water away, but they are particularly important for brick walls and brick parapets.
Benefits of Using Aluminium Copings
Aluminium copings have a wide range of benefits for both the project, and for the contactors working on it. These include:
Durability
Due to their purpose as a protective finish to walls, copings need to be waterproof, and to be able to withstand the elements. Stone copings often fall short here, as they are usually installed with a combination of mortar and anchor bolts. This allows water to get in, where freeze-thaw or rust can loosen the joints, and cause cracks in the stone.
Aluminium copings, however, are very durable, strong, and resistant to corrosion. However, they must be installed correctly to avoid heat expansion and to hold water at bay. When they are installed correctly, they should last far longer than stone copings.
Weight
Another benefit of using aluminium copings over stone copings is that they are considerably lighter. This makes them much easier, and faster, to move around a site, as well as being easier to install, especially when lifting to a height.
Unless stone copings are necessary to a project, this is a huge benefit of using aluminium copings, as it will save time and minimise injury on site.
Appearance
Aluminium copings offer great versatility in appearance. They can be coloured to any shade required, meaning that many different styles and finishes can be achieved. However, if a client is looking for more traditional designs, aluminium copings probably won’t cut it .
What’s more, aluminium copings will require less maintenance than stone copings. To ensure that stone copings last a good length of time, regular maintenance should be carried out to check for water damage, and to maintain its appearance.
Which Type of Coping is Best for My Project?
Unless the project really needs stone, we’d recommend always choosing aluminium copings. They are durable, and keep water at bay, whilst also being lighter and easier to move, less expensive, and offering a wide variety of options in terms of appearance.
Stone copings have their place but, due to their shortcomings, they should only be used on designs that require a more traditional finish.
Aluminium Copings at Kladworx
Kladworx offers a range of Alumasc aluminum copings that are made specifically for each project, to individual specifications. From 3m length aluminium wall copings , to junction wall copings, stop end wall copings, and 90 degree angle wall copings (all available in a variety of widths and colours).
Get in touch with us today to discuss your project. We offer tailored advice, and can also provide a site survey in London and across the South East to ensure that you get the best materials for the job.
