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Expert: - 2/10/2006


Question
i want to replace the bottom part of my pool enclosure with aluminum panels(?). there is an existing 2x2 rail 36in. high from the bottom track. i know i have to buy the aluminium but how dose it come?, in rolls or sheets. also i will need trim so i won't have bare alumium edges. my question is how do i measure for all of this and is there anything i may have forgotten? sincerly, larry  

Answer
Larry - thanks for your question!

Aluminum comes in both rolls and sheets, but you don't want either for this project!  Sheet aluminum is too thick, roll aluminum is too thin, both are difficult to work with, and both are expensive.

What you want are preformed aluminum panels.  These are available from a variety of sources - you might contact a local patio enclosure company, an awning company, or someone who makes carports, especially carports for mobile homes.

Preformed panels are thin, prefinished aluminum sheets that are corrugated for strength.  Some are a single thickness of metal, others are "sandwich" panels with foam insulation between the metal sheets.  There are also flat sandwich panels with a texture embossed on the outside faces.

Try searching "prefinished metal panels" in your area in the phonebook or on Google.  You could also try a call to a local building supply house.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomedesign.blogspot.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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