With so many profiles and materials to choose from, sheet metal cladding system selection can be overwhelming.
Aesthetic preference is often the first deciding factor when specifying metal facade panels, heavily influencing profile and material selection. However in addition to the overall ‘look’ of your project, there are other aspects to consider. For example, panel width, wall suitability, and wind load requirements. To assist, we’ve put together some key points to consider when specifying metal cladding. By answering, or at least thinking through some of the points below, a suitable system should start to become apparent, and your specification decisions easier.
Consider panel widths and their impact on your desired facade style.
- Will wide or narrow pan widths suit your project?
- What will best fit across your wall and material coil? Is there is an opportunity to minimise waste and keep material costs low?
- Do you like the look of random, uniform patterns, or a combination of both across different facades?
Determine an ideal panel length.
- Would you like to avoid horizontal hairline, or seam joins, and can longer cladding panels allow you to do this?
- Will seam, express and hairline junctions act as design features or will you conceal them?
Identify appealing shadow lines.
- First decide on a style. Do you like seamed, recessed express, or hairline profiles?
- Once you have selected a suitable shadow line style, consider how high, deep or wide each join should be.
Asses project wind load requirements.
- Some profiles, such as Standing Seam (in particular Double Lock Standing Seam), are better suited to high winds and others can not be used at all.
- When working with high wind requirements, always speak to Metal Cladding Systems and seek engineering approval.
Understand project water penetration demands and mandatory substructures, especially when specifying sheet metal roofing.
- Not all sheet metal cladding profiles are suitable for roof applications. Are you cladding a roof, walls or both?
- Some systems offer superior water resistance compared to others, confirm what your project needs.
- Have you looked at different substructures and their waterproof performance?
- Will additional waterproofing membranes be required?
Gain a sound understanding of each profile’s appearance, features and limitations.
- Each of our eight roof and wall cladding systems is unique. There are different levels of flexibility, material availability and application suitability. Each system offers something different.
- At Metal Cladding Systems we recommend always researching online and in person before selecting a system.
To assist you on your system selection journey, we have a team of product experts ready to answer any questions you have. We are happy to supply sheet metal cladding system samples in the material/s of your choice for project specification and profile clarification.
To discuss your project in more detail, or ask any metal cladding questions, contact our project team, on 03 9587 4554 or info@metalcsystems.com.au.