Why Most Architects Prefer Exterior Metal Panels | CCC

While wood, drywall and cement are the traditional materials that have been used to construct buildings for decades, more architects are turning to materials such as exterior metal panels, for the following reasons.

Greater Pest Control

While wood siding has an attractive appearance, it is vulnerable to pests such as termites, not to mention woodpeckers and carpenter ants. Over time these critters can inflict serious damage, and while vinyl or plastic has been used as an alternative, both have their own issues and can serve as a pest haven. Metal siding, by contrast, avoids these issues completely, to the extent that property owners won’t even have to spray the pests since they will be deterred from entry.

Reduced Installation Cost

In comparison to granite, brick and concrete, metal panel installation is much more cost-effective. Since it is also lighter, this means the support structure won’t have to manifest the same robustness to finalize a similar design. Another benefit is that metal siding installation doesn’t need special training, which is not the case with concrete and brick.

Enhanced Water and Fire Resistance

Water and fire are the two greatest threats to architectural structures. The majority of properties still use materials that retain and absorb liquid, making them vulnerable to floods, leaks and heavy rain. Adding metallic panels will give your property a water screen, which stops the entry of liquid into the building. This will protect your wood and drywall from mold.

Anyone that lives in the American Southwest knows that wildfires there have been increasing year after year. While metallic panels aren’t guaranteed to protect a building that is directly in the path of an incoming inferno, its resistance will be much higher than a building that doesn’t have it. Even if your home or business is miles away from the flames, wildfire embers may travel as far as five miles ahead and can ignite a building’s façade.

Greater Energy Efficiency

Metallic panels differ from vinyl and wood siding since they are extremely reflective. This means that buildings that use it will have interiors that are cooler during summer since their surfaces will reflect the UV radiation of the sun rather than absorb it. As a result, your property will have greater energy efficiency with a lower monthly power bill.

Greater Durability

Many contractors consider metallic panels the most durable materials they’ve ever worked with. Though they are a bit heavier than materials such as vinyl, they are lighter than concrete or brick and can withstand the elements just as well. If you own property in a location that is known for experiencing severe weather like hurricanes, tornadoes or hail, there is no better choice than metallic paneling.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Once you’ve installed a siding material on your building, the last thing you want to do is spend a bunch of money, time or energy maintaining it. If you install wood you’ll have to periodically perform inspections to ensure pests aren’t damaging it, while vinyl siding needs yearly power washes to ensure no algae or mold grows on its surface. Metallic panels by contrast will not retain moisture and are resistant to mold and algae.