Aluminum is everywhere in Middle Tennessee — jon boats and bass boats on Old Hickory Lake, utility trailers, equipment housings, tanks and brackets. So when a piece cracks or springs a leak, the natural question is: can it be welded? The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats.
Why Aluminum Is Tricky to Weld
Aluminum behaves very differently from steel. Three things make it challenging:
- It conducts heat fast. Heat spreads quickly, so the metal can warp or distort if it isn't controlled.
- It has a stubborn oxide layer. Aluminum forms an oxide skin that melts at roughly three times the temperature of the aluminum underneath, which has to be managed properly.
- It doesn't change color before melting. Unlike steel, aluminum gives little visual warning before it suddenly goes from solid to a puddle, making burn-through easy for the inexperienced.
This is why many general repair shops simply won't weld aluminum, and why a poorly done aluminum repair often causes more damage than the original problem.
What Can Be Repaired
Plenty. Common aluminum repairs include cracked boat hulls and transoms, leaking seams, broken trailer members, damaged brackets and housings, and tank repairs. The right approach is TIG welding, which gives the precise heat control aluminum requires.
How to Protect Your Investment
Choose a welder who specifically does aluminum work rather than someone treating it as an afterthought. Ask whether they TIG aluminum, and send photos so they can confirm the repair is viable before starting. Doing it right the first time protects the value of your boat, trailer or equipment and avoids repeat failures.
We specialize in mobile aluminum welding and come to the dock, driveway or shop anywhere in the Nashville metro. Tell us about your project for a free quote.
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Need a mobile welder in the Nashville area? Nashville Mobile Welding Co. brings on-site welding and metal repair to your home, business, farm or job site. Request a free quote and we'll come to you.