Metal wall cladding

Types of Metal Wall Cladding

Metal wall cladding is a building exterior covering with different types of metals. It is installed on walls to provide extra durability and protection. Metal wall cladding is popular in the residential and commercial construction industries because it offers many advantages. These include low maintenance, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, among others.

The types of metal wall cladding are as follows:

• Steel Wall Cladding

  Steel wall cladding comes in galvanized, corten, and stainless steels. It is popular for its strength and durability. The wall cladding can withstand harsh weather conditions without corroding or rusting. Steel cladding is also low maintenance and provides an aesthetically appealing finish.

• Aluminum Wall Cladding

  This type of cladding is lightweight and versatile. It comes with different shapes and sizes. Aluminum wall cladding is also energy efficient and recyclable. Additionally, it can be customized to match different architectural designs. Aluminum wall cladding has high corrosion resistance. Therefore, it requires little to no maintenance.

• Copper Wall Cladding

  Copper wall cladding is loved for its aesthetic appearance. It develops a green patina over time, which is highly preferred by some homeowners. The cladding is durable and provides excellent weather protection. Copper is also recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly wall cladding metal.

• Zinc Wall Cladding

  Zinc is a less common wall cladding metal. However, it is very popular in modern and contemporary architecture. Zinc wall cladding is durable and requires little maintenance. It develops a protective layer known as zinc patina over time. The layer prevents it from rusting. Zinc wall cladding is also aesthetically appealing and comes in various finishes.

• Galvanized Iron Wall Cladding

  This type of metal wall cladding is popular for its affordability and longevity. It is galvanized to prevent rusting and corrosion. Galvanized iron cladding is also easy to install and maintain. It comes in different styles and finishes to match various architectural designs.

• Corrugated Metal Wall Cladding

  The cladding is made of steel or aluminum. It is shaped in a wavy pattern to provide extra strength and rigidity. Corrugated wall cladding is lightweight and very easy to install. It is also highly durable and requires little maintenance. The cladding can be painted or left in its natural state.

• Perforated Metal Wall Cladding

  This type of cladding has holes punched into it in a specific pattern. The holes allow light to pass through and create shadows on the wall. Perforated metal wall cladding is lightweight and visually appealing. It is also energy efficient and highly ventilated.

Functions and features of metal wall cladding

Metal wall cladding is a type of exterior covering that uses metal, such as aluminum, steel, or copper, to protect and decorate the walls of a building. It serves as a skin for the building, offering protection, beauty, and special features.

Think of metal wall cladding like putting on a sturdy and stylish jacket for the walls—one that keeps them safe from harsh weather while also making them look very cool. Just like a jacket protects someone from wind and rain, metal wall cladding shields the walls from things like water, wind, and bugs that could cause damage.

The metal acts as a barrier, preventing anything from getting inside the walls and helping to keep them safe for a long time. In addition to shielding the walls, metal cladding also helps to make the building more energy-efficient by keeping the temperature inside just right.

But it's not all about protection—metal wall cladding is also about style. Just as a jacket can be fashionable, metal cladding comes in various colors, shapes, and finishes that give the building a modern and sleek appearance. Whether the jacket is shiny and silver or dark and textured, metal cladding lets the building show off its personality.

Metal wall cladding is like that all-in-one tool—capable of doing many things. From adding elegance to a building's outside to keeping the walls in great shape, metal cladding is a smart choice for any structure.

Now let's take a closer look at the features of metal wall cladding:

• Durability: Metal cladding for walls is tough and long-lasting. It can handle being bumped into and doesn't get damaged easily. Unlike other materials, metal wall cladding won't rot, break apart, or let bugs inside. It stays strong for many years without needing much fixing.
• Protection: Metal wall cladding protects the walls from bad weather and helps keep them safe. Just like a metal wall garage can protect the car, metal cladding shields the walls from water, wind, and insects that could harm them. It prevents the walls from getting wet or allowing bugs inside, acting as a barrier.
• Aesthetic appeal: Metal cladding has many styles, colors, and finishes that make the building look very nice. Whether shiny and silver or dark and textured, metal wall cladding gives the outside a modern, sleek appearance that is pleasing to the eye. It allows the building to show off its personality and style.
• Insulation: Metal wall cladding helps keep the temperature inside the building comfortable. It acts as insulation, keeping the heat inside when it's cold and blocking it from getting inside when it's hot. This helps keep energy bills lower.
• Low maintenance: Metal cladding doesn't need as much cleaning or fixing as other materials. It stays looking good with just a quick wash. Since metal is tough, the outside walls don't get worn out from the sun or weather like other materials could.
• Fire resistance: Metal cladding won't catch fire easily, helping keep people safe.
• Eco-friendly: Many metals used for cladding can be recycled, which is good for the environment.
• Easy to install: Metal cladding pieces go together quickly, so the outside can be put on in less time.

Scenarios of Metal Wall Cladding

As mentioned, metal wall coverings are installed on exterior walls. But where exactly are they used? Let's find out.

• Residential Buildings

  Metal wall cladding for homes is used mainly for aesthetic functions. It gives homes a beautiful and sleek look. But it also offers some protection. Homes are protected from harsh weather, insects, and corrosion at the same time. But not all types of metal cladding can be used on homes. For this reason, it is important to consult an expert to choose the right type.

• Commercial Buildings

  Metal wall panels are commonly used on commercial buildings like offices, hotels, and restaurants. Unlike homes, commercial buildings use metal cladding for walls primarily for protection. They offer wall protection from dents, scratches, and corrosion. This is because commercial buildings experience high traffic. As such, the walls are likely to be hit or scraped more often than in homes.

• Industrial Facilities

  Metal cladding is used extensively in industrial facilities. This includes warehouses, factories, and manufacturing plants. It is preferred because it provides walls with long-lasting protection. Metal cladding is resistant to many harsh elements. These include extreme temperatures, chemicals, and even impacts. As such, it is ideal for industrial facilities since it can withstand the challenging environment. The facilities have heavy machinery that can hit or scrape the walls.

• Coastal Areas

  Metal cladding is commonly used near or in coastal areas. This is because it offers protection to buildings from salty water and strong winds. The coastal environment is challenging. It can easily damage and deteriorate other types of wall cladding. However, as discussed, metal cladding is durable and resistant to such elements. As such, it is preferred for use in coastal areas.

• Agricultural Buildings

  Farm sheds, barns, and stables use metal wall cladding extensively. This is because it offers them long-term wall protection. Cladding for walls made of metal can withstand impacts and are corrosion-resistant. This makes them ideal for keeping animals or storing farm produce since they are low maintenance.

• Climate Adaptable

  Metal cladding for walls can be used in any environment or climate. This includes hot, cold, humid, and dry climates. It is preferred in such climates because it can easily shed snow or rain. Additionally, metal cladding is durable and can last for decades.

How to choose metal wall cladding

When choosing the right metal wall cladding for a specific purpose, there are a few things that should be considered, such as:

• Consider the type of metal

  When it comes to metal wall panels for houses, the first thing to consider is the metal type. Each metal has its own advantages, disadvantages, and unique characteristics. Stainless steel is low maintenance and durable, but it is expensive. Aluminum is lightweight, and rust-resistant, and can be easily customized, but it is not as durable as other metals. Copper is attractive and unique but requires maintenance. Zinc is modern and long-lasting but can be expensive. Each metal comes with its unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider the purpose and location before choosing the right one.

• Consider the purpose

  The first thing to consider is the purpose of the wall. Is it for exterior purposes, interior, or both? If it is for exterior use, wall cladding can help protect the walls from harsh weather conditions. It acts as a shield protecting the walls from wind, rain, and UV rays. It also helps prevent rust and corrosion from happening. If it is for interior use, metal can enhance the look of the interior. It adds a modern and sleek design to the interior walls. Metal wall panels are also durable and easy to maintain when used on interior walls.

• Consider the location

  The location of where the metal wall panels will be installed plays an important role. If the location is near the coastline, it is exposed to saltwater and harsh winds. In this case, stainless steel or aluminum would be a good choice since they are resistant to rust and corrosion. If the location is in a city, it is exposed to pollution and may require more cleaning. In this case, stainless steel or aluminum panels would work well since they are easy to clean. If the location is in a rural area, it may be exposed to UV rays and harsh weather conditions. Here, durable metals that can withstand extreme weather would work well.

Metal Wall Cladding Q&A

Q1. What are the three types of metal wall cladding?

A1. The three types of metal wall cladding that can be commercially resold are aluminum, galvanized steel, and corten steel cladding. These metals are cladding favorites because they are durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing.

Q2. What is the primary purpose of metal wall cladding?

A2. The primary purpose of metal wall cladding is to protect walls from external structural damage and harsh weather conditions. Metal cladding acts as a shield for walls. It can also boost a building's energy efficiency and resale value.

Q3. What are the two types of cladding?

A3. The two main types of cladding are load-bearing and non-load bearing. As the name implies, load-bearing cladding supports a building's weight while non-load bearing does not.

Q4. What are the disadvantages of metal cladding?

A4. While metal cladding has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages. These include a higher initial cost compared to other cladding types, such as vinyl wall panels. Additional disadvantages include a higher level of noise and heat compared to other cladding types, such as vinyl.

Q5. What is the average lifespan of metal wall panels?

A5. Properly installed metal wall panels can last up to 70 years. However, this depends on several factors, including the type of metal used, the quality of installation, and the environmental conditions. Wall panel maintenance also plays a critical role in extending the panels' lifespan.