COLUMBARIUM MATERIAL COMPARISON
Professional Engineer Certified
Columbarium systems are all different. Each has different features, materials and construction. Materials directly affect long-term durability and appearance. It is especially important to keep local conditions in mind when choosing a columbarium material.
The following material matrix was developed by engineers to describe and contrast typical materials used for columbariums. It has been certified by a professional engineer who concluded that stainless steel is by far the best material for a columbarium. This data emphasizes the need to think in terms of long-term potential costs, not just "sticker price". Long term costs are usually monetary, but they can also involve reputation and relations.
|
Stainless Steel |
Aluminum (see Notes) |
Granite |
Concrete |
Cement Board |
Hard Plastic |
Low weight |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
Flexible (thermal, wind, seismic, etc.) |
Y |
Y |
N |
N - 1 |
N - 1 |
N |
Impact resistant |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N - 2 |
N - 2 |
Water / freeze proof |
Y |
Y |
3 |
N - 4 |
N - 4 |
Y |
Plasticity (deformation) |
N |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
Flammable |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
Emits fumes with heat/fire |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
Stain proof |
Y |
N |
Y |
N - 4 |
N - 4 |
N |
Eroded by water |
N |
N |
Y - 4 |
Y - 4 |
Y - 4 |
N |
Chemically reactive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corrosion proof (water & oxygen) |
N - 5 |
N |
Y |
6 |
Y |
Y |
Corrosion proof (oxygen) |
N - 5 |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Corrosion proof (ambient acid) |
N - 5 |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
Corrosion proof (salt) |
N - 5 |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
Corrosion proof (sand) |
N - 5 |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Corrosion proof (light) |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Corrosion proof (galvanic) |
N - 5 |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Corrosion proof (electrolytic) |
N - 5 |
N |
9 |
9 |
9 |
N |
Restorable to near-original condition |
Y |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
Y |
| Key: |
- Requires reinforcement
- Most cement board or plastic is 0.5 " thick or less
- Most granite is very dense
- Depends on sealant and life of sealant
- Far superior to aluminum; far less chemically reactive
- Not if reinforced with rebar or steel mesh
- Limited possibility of surface pitting
- Depends on nature of damage and method of repair
- Can introduce potential for elecytrolytic corrosion
|
Notes:
- Sealant life is determined by type of sealant, traffic/use, type, interior/exterior venue, ambient conditions. Sealant life averages 5-7 years.
- Aluminum has a fatigue (endurance) limit, meaning that it eventually wears out due to stress, regardless of thickness. It is extremely reactive, meaning that it corrodes easily and from multiple causes. Anodization and specific alloys like marine aluminum provide resistance to - not elimination of - corrosion.
- Cement board is not typically used for structural support.
- Plastic includes styrene and polystyrene.
Conclusion: Stainless steel is the best material for columbaria, especially in exterior venues. Architarium uses 100% stainless steel in its columbarium system.
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