Since the first screen porches and patios were fabricated out of aluminum extrusion the alloy used has always been 6063. This dates back over 55 years. The reason for this derives from the window industry. The mechanical construction of the aluminum screen enclosure evolved from aluminum window construction. The window industry primarily uses the 6063 alloy for its products. Thus the aluminum framing for screen enclosures use the 6063 alloy. The 6063 alloy is not an extremely strong alloy and definitely not an alloy to rely on with today’s strict building codes. The construction of enclosures using material made with the 6063 alloy was fine for the first thirty years because most municipalities did not have building codes in place for screen enclosures. Over the past twenty five years we have seen building codes established and meticulously groomed in all municipalities. The building code for screen enclosures has evolved from sustaining 70mph winds to 100mph winds to 120mph winds and now 150mph winds in some communities. This increase has been a positive action for Florida’s residents. The gauge of the aluminum increased, the size of the roof beams and wall uprights have increased, more fasteners were called on and better bracing designed. But one thing remained constant in the extrusions and that is the 6063 alloy. Its time for aluminum extrusions to evolve and catch up with today’s building codes. To do that the alloy has to change.

Aluminum Direct, Inc. is introducing the “Super Strong” 6061-T6 alloy. This alloy is 14% stronger than the traditional 6063-T6 alloy. This means beams will span farther and uprights will reach higher. Take for example a flat 2”x9” box beam spaced on 8’ centers in the 150 mph wind zone. Using the standard 6063-T6 alloy that beam can only span a maximum of 28’-6”. Using the “Super Strong” 6061-T6 alloy that beam can span a maximum of 32’-6”. That is an increase of FOUR FEET!!!!! Finally there is relief from the shrinking beam spans. You may be asking- Why does an aluminum supply company care about this? It’s because the founders of Aluminum Direct are originally from the screen enclosure industry. We have an understanding of the construction of the enclosures and the code changes the industry has gone through in the past. The “Super Strong” 6061-T6 alloy will permit the contractor to save material and therefore increase profits. Take a look at the span tables and see how much money you can save on the fabrication of your next enclosure.