When you own a construction company, your work is only as strong and durable as the materials you use. For this reason, using construction supplies that have been mechanically tested is ideal. Mechanical testing is the process of putting metals, plastics, and other materials through rigorous stresses to test strength, flexibility, durability, and more. Here are some reasons why it's important that you only use building materials that have been thoroughly mechanically tested for your many projects.

Wind resistance

When building homes and larger structures, wind should always be considered a factor, especially if you are doing construction in areas that are known for large gusts of wind (such as North and South Dakota). You want to use materials that have been tested to resist high levels of winds, including large gusts of several miles per hour. When choosing building materials where wind resistance is important, check the testing limits of vinyl siding pieces and metal sheets for roofing to make sure they are up to par.

Flexibility

Some projects require the use of materials that are able to bend easily without stress or breakage. Aluminum and vinyl are often used for column-style additions or pitched roofing for this reason. Mechanical testing is very important for materials used in projects where odd curvatures are desired since you want to make sure you only use supplies that have a stronger stress point and are able to bend or have elasticity without compromising strength.

Strength

Steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals should always be tested for their weight-bearing strength. Every nail or screw that is placed in these materials can potentially compromise their balance and weight distribution. Mechanical testing is perhaps most beneficial in this area as it lets you know just how much weight every metal piece you use for beams or siding can actually handle. It's wisest to stress weight under the testing limits by adding more support beams or thicker layers of alternating metals rather than allowing your materials to be used free-standing to their highest strength.

As you explore the materials you need for each of your building projects, always look at the mechanical testing results prior to making a purchase. Many things effect the testing outcomes, such as type of material tested, the weight or thickness of the piece, its flexibility, flammable points, and more. Always use the right materials that are most pertinent to your construction projects for the most durable and long-lasting results.