An Architect’s Guide To Metal Cladding and Build Design
Commercial construction is an industry that requires innovation as businesses seek to outperform each other. Metal cladding has been enhancing the outside look of commercial businesses for decades. Its highly desirable flexibility and sleek finish make it a sight to see. However, from an architect’s standpoint, metal is a very strong material that can create a challenge when building.
What Are The Benefits Of Metal Cladding?
Architectural design has many different components. This type of metal cladding is one that is commonly used in many metal roofing, commercial construction, and other projects. Here are the top benefits that cladding can provide for your project.
- Enhanced Mechanical Stability Of The Structure
- Increased Protection For Building Interior
- Non-Combustible Material
- Typically Low-Maintenance
- Lightweight Solution Easily Transportable
- Superior Aesthetic Finish
- Environmentally-Friendly Product
Properly understanding the various types of metal cladding out there is a must. This way you can formulate a design for your client’s that fits their wants. In today’s article, we’re going to take a look at the various types of finishes, methods of attachment, and forms that cladding products can be purchased in. This should give you a great understanding of how you can incorporate metal cladding into your next commercial project.
The Various Metal Cladding Systems
Standing Seam
This is one of the more popular early styles of cladding by the leading manufacturer of cladding materials. It sports a recognizable seam between each panel. This cladding seals the connecting panels so that from the exterior, the viewer will only see robust folded metal connections. This type of system is very versatile and can be used with many different types of metal. These include stainless steel, titanium, zinc, weathering steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum.
Interlocking Metal Panels
This is a newer version of the standing seam system. It sports a simple snaplock design that provides a smoother profile from the exterior of the building with express joints. These snaps can be in the form of vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines. Architects tend to prefer this particular style system over others because they are a low-fuzz install. There’s no special equipment needed as the panels simply snap together.
Flatlock Shingles
A True Variety of Metal Building Materials
Metal walls can be constructed of different metal materials. Each particular material has a different look to it that can help to satisfy the wants of your client. You’ll need to take into account both the aesthetic finish as well as the physical use of cladding when deciding on the perfect material for your next build.
Stainless Steel
Metal walls and metal siding are commonly manufactured with steel. This steel has a very thin coating of chromium oxide that gives it the famous stainless steel look. The actual chromium layer is added to protect against corrosion from the outdoor elements. Your client can expect a clean and polished final look from stainless steel material.
Galvanized Steel
Instead of chromium oxide, galvanized steel has a thin layer of zinc. This also works to protect against rust. This particular finishing coat allows for a spangle look with visible crystallites in the final coating. This is a different type of aesthetic look than the polished stainless steel metal siding.
Aluminum
This particular material is naturally resistant to blistering and rust. Due to this attribute, it’s a very popular product chosen by architects. This sports a strength-to-weight ratio that is much better than traditional steel. This allows for a less bulky installation than the Architectural Panel Products made of steel. However, this material is more prone to scratches and dents.
Titanium
This lightweight commercial construction material is perfect for sheet metal designing, architectural panel products, and metal roofing. It provides very high strength with a reflective and glossy appearance. This type of material does require regular maintenance to ensure that there is no brown staining that occurs from the exposure to the outside elements.
Architectural design is a career that offers the ability to be creative and make the dreams of others come true. By crafting relationships with the leading manufacturer for metal building supply panels, you can be sure to have a wide variety of options when it comes to your next project.
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