What should I know about metal cladding?
- Types of metal cladding
- Beneficial properties
- Installation options
- Finish options
- Additional characteristics
- Maintenance needs
Cladding is used in numerous projects — from agricultural to high-end commercial buildings, you’re likely to see cladding materials along the exterior of the structure. This offers sturdy and durable protection against weather conditions, abrasions, UV rays, and more environmental factors.
While a variety of materials are used to create cladding, metal cladding is the top option for many homeowners and business owners due to its form, functions, and advantages.
But what is metal cladding, and what should you know about it? This article discusses the fundamentals. Read on!
What is Metal Cladding?
Metal cladding is a product made of layered metal. It performs the same function as other cladding options — protecting the exterior walls (or the interior) of a building. Metal cladding may also be used for roofing material.
Aside from structural protection, the metal cladding also has aesthetic and design purposes, adding versatility to any structure.
Types of Metal Cladding
Compared to other types, — such as stone, concrete, and wood — metal cladding strikes an optimal balance between function and aesthetic. Various metals can be made into cladding, offering versatility and other mechanical properties:
Aluminum
Some projects opt for aluminum cladding, as aluminum offers more resistance against rust and corrosion. It is often used for homes, commercial centers, and other buildings in humid climates.
Aluminum cladding offers other benefits, such as being lightweight and highly versatile when it comes to coating and painting. However, it is not as strong as other metals, so it may not be applicable in harsher environments.
Steel
Steel cladding’s most important advantage is its high strength. When it comes to rust resistance, steel may not be the best option — but certain grades of steel offer good protection.
As it is extremely durable, it is popular for exterior and interior cladding. This type is best applied in buildings where long-lasting strength is required, such as in industrial settings.
Copper
Copper cladding offers adequate protection against the elements but oxidizes quickly — turning from shiny orange to light green — unless a protective coating is applied. Thus, it is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal rather than any protective advantage it may offer. It is typically used for roofing and other finishing work.
Beneficial Properties
All metal cladding systems offer more or less the same properties:
Protection and Strength
Metal cladding can protect and shield a structure from ever-changing and harsh elements that may damage it — such as rain, winds, pollution, and temperatures. They’re strong and durable enough that they improve the stability and lifespan of a structure. Often, metal cladding products are long-lasting and manufacturers sell them with warranties as long as 30 years or more.
Weight
Metal cladding can be quite lightweight, reducing the load of the building, and also making this material much easier to transport, install, and repair.
Non-Combustible
All metal building materials must be resistant to fire. This puts metal cladding above other materials — such as wood panels — in terms of protective advantages.
Aesthetics
Metal cladding is often used for architectural and design purposes. While there are many practical benefits to using this product, it offers many aesthetic benefits as well. Installing cladding can change the overall look of a building. Both material and installation choices may be used in such a way that it creates varying styles.
Environmentally-Friendly
As it is made from common materials, metal cladding can easily be recycled at the end of its life. As a result, you can reduce your building’s carbon footprint.
Installation Options
There are two main ways to install metal cladding:
- Single-skin — The cladding alone is applied to the building, and acts as the protective barrier to external elements.
- Double-skin — Insulation is installed in between two layers of metal cladding, improving ventilation and energy efficiency.
Aside from that, there are many different ways to configure metal cladding. Configuration is important as it affects the overall look of the building.
Common setups include panel, strip, brickwork, mesh, cassette, textile, tube, shingle. Some configurations offer better thermal insulation, protection, and durability.
Finish Options
Aside from configuration, there are multiple finishes to choose from that will affect the aesthetics of your building. The most popular options are: polished, smooth, natural, textured, ribbed, perforated, matte, oxidized, and lacquered. The best choice for your building will depend largely on your personal preference and budget.
Other kinds of finishes a manufacturer may offer are: grooved, patina, painted, high-gloss, brushed, sandblasted, 3D-printed, aged, oiled, brush-hammered, metalized, lozenge-patterned, and mirror.
Additional Characteristics
There are options for metal manufacturers to add additional characteristics to metal cladding projects. Aside from offering non-combustible, sturdy, and weather-resistant protection, your metal cladding may have other characteristics.
Common additions include LED lighting, backlighting, and planters (to grow plants like moss, ferns, vines, etc.). These additional characteristics improve the aesthetic appeal and help create better-looking facades and environments.
Maintenance Needs
Depending on the material, configuration, finish, and additional characteristics you choose for your building, your metal cladding will have different maintenance needs.
Here are a few pointers for taking care of metal cladding to extend its lifespan:
- Remove dirt and stains — Using metal cleaning products, remove any traces of dirt from your cladding to prevent rust or pollutant build-up.
- Apply to coat or paint — When the surface is completely clean, apply a new coat of protective paint to keep your metal cladding looking good as new. You may also treat it with weather protection coatings, such as sealant or glue, to keep it intact in harsh weather conditions.
- Replace broken pieces immediately — When you spot damage, have the cladding replaced immediately.
Key Takeaway
Now that you know what metal cladding is and the structural and aesthetic benefits it offers, you may be interested in learning more about this product and how it may be applied to your construction project.
If so, contact Regan Industrial Sales, Inc. — the leading steel manufacturer in the Philippines. Our metal cladding panels improve not just the appearance of your building, but also provide excellent, long-lasting performance. Message us today to learn more.
