Exterior cladding serves as the protective outer layer of buildings, covering walls and roofs. For commercial and industrial projects, single-skin panels are typically pre-formed from metal. Their exceptional durability and ease of installation make them a popular choice for low-maintenance construction. However, like any material, metal cladding has its advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of using metal cladding.
ADVANTAGES OF METAL CLADDING
1. DURABLE
There is no better cladding material option that can beat the durability of metal panels. Metal cladding is remarkably strong and highly resilient to water damage, electrochemical reactions and corrosion. Overall, metal panels boast of an impressively long lifespan while requiring almost no maintenance.
2. WIDE RANGE OF STYLES AND FINISHES
Metal cladding can dramatically change the overall look of a building. It comes in a wide range of finishes and varying styles; including a wide range of colour options.
3. LOW MAINTENANCE
In comparison to wood, stone and painted surfaces; metal cladding panels required very little maintenance or repair work. Metal cladding is very resistant to harsh weather conditions, so can often simply be cleaned to keep it looking good.
4. SUSTAINABLE
Metal cladding panels can be made of post-consumer recycled products, making them environmentally friendly and reducing the amount of material that goes to landfill. This is a great opportunity for contractors to reduce the carbon footprint in the environment.
DISADVANTAGES OF METAL CLADDING
1. RUST
Cladding sheets are coated when they are manufactured to protect them from the elements. When these sheets are cut to size, the edges aren’t re-coated, leaving them exposed. Over time, the edges of the cladding sheets are likely to rust. This can lead to leaks and eventually lead to the cladding panels needing to be replaced
2. COLOUR FADING
The technical term for fading is photodegradation. This can be caused by a number of factors including UV light, harsh weather, pollutants and moisture in the air (especially in coastal areas where the air often contains salt).
3. CHALKING
Where paint naturally and literally wears away, different types of paint degrade at different rates.
4. DELAMINATION
While the durability of the latest generation of plastisol cladding has improved, ageing and weathering will still cause it to deteriorate over time. Moisture can seep in and create rust, which can split the top polyester layer from the metal of the cladding.
THE GOOD NEWS
Although metal cladding has some disadvantages, any of these problems can be rectified by a good cladding refurbishment contractor. Existing cladding panels can be repaired and the surface prepared, prior to applying a protective coating. This can extend the life of metal cladding by up to 20 years.
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Give us a call on 01603 405318, or email us and we will be more than happy to assist you: enquiries@cladspraysolutions.co.uk
