Heavy Metal Art: Stainless Steel Construction Fasteners

The use of stainless steel as a construction material has created dramatic changes across the skylines of many major cities around the world. It is not a new material by any means and has in fact been used in this industry since the 1920’s.

Stainless steel was particularly in vogue during the art deco period, the most famous example being the upper portion of the Chrysler Building in New York City. Some diners and fast-food restaurants used large ornamental panels and stainless fixtures and furniture. Because of the durability of the material, many of these buildings retain their original appearance today.

The number of different stainless steel alloys used in building and construction has expanded, and the use and range of applications has been growing. Consider some other buildings that have impacted the skyline and the character of the cities they reside:

• Chicago’s Millennium Park
• Bank Boston in São Paulo, Brazil
• Minneapolis’ Frederick R. Weissman Art Museum
• The Gateway Arch in St. Louis
• The pedestrian bridge at Cheung Kong Center in Hong Kong

All of these impressive buildings feature stainless steel exterior finishes. This stunning use is obvious visually; but stainless steel is also being used in many new construction projects in a manner that is not immediately noticeable. For example, non-reflective stainless steel finish is used on roofs and exteriors of buildings where low glare is important, like the Sacramento Airport’s Terminal B airside concourse. Of course there are interior elements as well, such as elevators that use stainless steel for its qualities, not its appearance.

Stainless steel lasts indefinitely without coatings. It requires minimal maintenance and has no leaching or runoff as with less stable materials. Plus it is highly recyclable.  Worldwide stainless steel is 60% recycled, in the United States the figure is 80%, so a truly green, sustainable product.

The same features and benefits that make stainless steel an excellent choice for building exteriors also make stainless steel an excellent choice for construction fasteners. Often designers and engineers overlook the value of stainless steel due to its initially higher cost. However, upon closer consideration, 300 series stainless steel may be the best value available today.