Metal profile cladding
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Metal profile sheets can be used as a form of external cladding, and are commonly used for agricultural, industrial, retail and leisure buildings. Sheets are manufactured in a range of corrugated and other profiles, such as trapezoidal, sinusoidal or half-round. The profiles are manufactured from sheets fed through banks of forming rollers. Modern manufacturing techniques allow metals to be pre-aged, coated with preservatives, or painted a wide range of hues and texture.
Metal profile sheets can be installed vertically, horizontally or diagonally, and are capable of being applied to curved facades and other complex shapes.
[edit] Types of metal
The four types of metal that are most commonly used are:
- Steel: Generally the most affordable but not as durable. Usually supplied hot-drip galvanised to provide a robust finish.
- Aluminium: Very lightweight, with a hard protective layer that protects against corrosion.
- Zinc: Highly durable and weathers to an aesthetically-pleasing lead-like hue if left untreated.
- Copper: Capable of achieving long lifespans, and requires very little maintenance.
[edit] Types of installation
[edit] Built-up sheeting
Built-up sheeting is assembled on site, and generally consists of four components:
- A thin internal liner to ensure air tightness.
- Insulation (such as mineral wool).
- Spacer bars/brackets to support the metal cladding.
- Profiled metal facing sheet to provide weather protection.
Built-up sheeting can be fitted in vertical, horizontal or diagonal patterns, and is usually fixed in place by self-tapping fixings designed to match the chosen finish. While curved systems are possible, they require careful installation.
[edit] Composites
Two metal skins are bonded to an insulating core, forming a composite ‘sandwich’ panel. The metal component, can be aluminium, zinc, stainless steel, titanium and so on, available in a wide variety of colours, finishes and profiles.
For more information, see Metal composite panels.
[edit] Cassettes
These are similar to composites, and include insulation and liners, but differ in that they are designed with easy-to-use interlocking jointing systems for quick installation. They are suitable for horizontal or vertical application on low and high-rise buildings.
[edit] Standing seam
This system can be supplied as either pre-insulated panels or as sheets that are formed and crimped on site before being applied to a plywood or similar substrate. Standing seam systems have no exposed mechanical fasteners, but use a special weathertight clipped joint instead, which creates a distinctive projecting seam. The advantage of this system is that it is very flexible and can be used to form curves and provides unbroken finishes across walls and roofs.
[edit] Rainscreen
A rainscreen (sometimes referred to as a ‘drained and ventilated’ or ‘pressure-equalised’ façade) is part of a double-wall construction. Typically rainscreens are formed of relatively thin, pre-fabricated panels. The rainscreen itself simply prevents significant amounts of water from penetrating into the wall construction. Thermal insulation, airtightness and structural stability are provided by the second, inner part of the wall construction.
For more information, see Rainscreen.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.