3 Tips On Enhancing Metal Cladding Durability | CCC

The metal cladding has been an essential and choicest need of architects for decades. It is popular owing to its incredible versatility, flexibility, and infinite shaping abilities. Metal cladding is generally used to protect the structure from weather, and other degrading elements, while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the structure. Being soft and easily foldable, metal panels can be joined together and erected on any construction in different designs and ways.

In this article, we will explore some tips to enchance metal cladding durability.

Types of Metal Cladding

To know about the durability of metal cladding, we will have to understand the types of metal cladding being used in various projects.

• Standing Seam: Standing seam cladding is the most popular and commonly used type of cladding. Its main characteristic is the folded connections between each panel. The fixing joints easily conceal and allows a great finish and sleek architectural exteriors.
• Snaplock: The snaplock panels display a similar ribbed profile as a standing seam. These are designed to snap together, thus offering an easy and simple installation.
• Interlocking:  In this system, metal cladding panels offer a smoother look, interlocking panels with express joints.
• Cassette: This system is most suitable for large cladding areas. The cassettes are fixed with invisible clamps to an aluminum framework.
• Flatlock and Shingle: The flatlock panels can also be installed in reverse fashion to get deeper express lines. The shingle panels are folded into interconnecting tile shapes, thus creating diamond or scale patterns.
• Custom Folding: If none of the conventional systems is fit for the proposed project, the fabricating engineer can alter an existing system to create something completely new. The possibilities are endless.

Metal cladding is exposed to all types of climates and weather. Other deteriorating factors include dust and rust, which causes the top coating of the metal cladding to become discolored and erode away.

Here are three tips to enhance the durability of your metal cladding:

Material Selection

Selecting a durable material plays an essential role in the lifespan of your metal cladding. A metal cladding may be subjected to harsh weather conditions depending on where it is installed. Such conditions also increase the risk of corrosion, which reduces the durability of metal cladding. Hence, it is important to consider the type of material and its characteristics while selecting the metal cladding for your walls.

Regular Cleaning

To improve the durability of your metal-clad walls, you can clean them periodically. You can use a hose and a brush to remove dust, atmospheric salts, dirt, or moss from the surface. Hydro jetting is not recommended for this purpose. You can also use a mild cleanser to get rid of the debris formed on the surface and rinse it off.

Painting

After a few years, the coating on your wall cladding may begin to fade. Its color may become chalky and pale. Rust deposits may form around the fasteners and edges. And the initial paint coating may start peeling off, revealing the metal. Painting is a budget-friendly method to improve the aesthetics and durability of your metal cladding walls.

Metal cladding walls have many benefits like durability, aesthetics, longevity, fire resistance, and insulation. It is readily available and easy to install. These handy tips can help you with regular maintenance and cleaning to prolong the life of your metal cladding walls and save money.