The first major use of metal for the construction of buildings was large steel-framed buildings, which appeared a little over 100 years ago. Until then, the main building materials were bricks and wood. Metal is becoming more popular as a building material, particularly for small buildings. It is used for roofs and walls as well as for frames. Completely metal buildings are becoming rather commonplace.

For many years steel was known, but was so expensive and hard to make that it was only used for special purposes such as sword blades. The Bessemer steel making process from 1855 changed this by dramatically reducing the cost of steel. It was now cost effective to use steel as a framing material for buildings.

Steel alloys are formed by combining other materials such as chrome and nickel into the mix when the steel is made. Some alloys such as stainless steel are resistant to rust. Those that aren’t can be plated with zinc in a process called galvanizing to protect them from water. Paints have also been formulated to be protective against rust.

Aluminum was considered a semi-precious metal until the last century. Innovations in aluminum refining have made it quite affordable. It is not quite as strong as steel, but it for many applications it is easier to work with. Unlike steel, it does not require special treatment to protect it from water. On exposure to the air, aluminum develops a thin, tough coat of oxide that protects it from the elements. future steel buildings are often painted, but only to improve the way it looks.

Copper is not known for its structural strength, but it can make a very attractive wall or roof. It will develop a thin oxidized layer, but this does not generally go deep enough to compromise the material. It does create an attractive green patina.

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