Not sure if metal cladding will work for your property in Melbourne? Find out what you can gain and potential problems to avoid.
Whether you’re attracted to cladding for your architectural project because of its unique look or simply searching for a solution to keep your exterior protected, metal cladding offers a number of pros. However, just like with other building materials, there are several downsides that you’ll need to consider, too. To help you figure out if it will be the right answer for your residential building project in Melbourne, here’s a quick look at what you can expect.
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1. How much does metal cladding cost?
5 main pros of metal cladding
Durability
As metal is such a strong material, metal cladding can offer much better durability than other types of cladding options like wood. While wood or timber cladding might be a good insulator and relatively simple to install, it’s costly. The clients will also have to pay more for maintenance.
Metal cladding, on the other hand, is more durable which means that your homeowners can look forward to years of enjoyment. For example, if you settle on copper, it can last for decades, possibly even a century.
What’s more, to keep metal cladding in tip-top shape requires very little maintenance. As it offers effective weather resistance, your clients can expect years of service even if it’s exposed to extreme weather.
Visually appealing
Adding a section of metal cladding to an exterior wall can create a unique look. It’s a great way to set a property apart from similar homes and improve the curbside appeal of a residence or office building. It’s designed with visual appeal in mind and is one of the easiest ways to add a modern and contemporary look and feel.
Customization
Not only is it visually appealing, but by going the metal route, you open up a world of choices. There are various colors that you can opt for. Whether you prefer a light white, in-between gray, or something much more dramatic like a deep red, you’re bound to find a color that works with the existing style or design for the home you are working on. Then, you can also choose between different styles and finishes to create a result that matches your homeowner’s preferences.
Sustainable
Nowadays, sustainability is a hot topic and for very good reason. If you’re wondering what impact it will have on the environment, you can rest assured knowing that it’s an environmentally friendly choice. As the panels can be made from recycled products, it can actually help to reduce the percentage of building material that ends up in the landfill.
Easy to install
If you thought that adding metal cladding is a cumbersome process, you’re very much mistaken. As it’s surprisingly lightweight, it’s easy and quick to install, making it a favorite among contractors.
5 downsides to metal cladding to keep in mind
While the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, there are still a few cons that you’ll need to consider when installing metal cladding. After all, by knowing which potential problems to be on the lookout for, you might be able to extend the lifespan of the metal cladding for your clients.
Rust
While metal cladding requires little maintenance and has a long lifespan, rust remains a potential threat, especially if the property is situated in an area that’s blessed with a wet winter. That being said, if you choose a high-quality steel siding and you see to it that the panels don’t get scratched, the chance that there will be issues with rust or corrosion is much lower. Steel materials are at the very entry level of materials. As an upgrade we offer Aluminium, Copper and Zinc products that are more resilient to marine environments for example.
Delamination
Even if the metal cladding doesn’t end up rusting, there’s a risk that you’ll have to deal with delamination. Metal cladding is typically covered with a layer of polyester. If moisture finds its way through, this layer can detach from the metal.
Fading
As time passes,the coating on the metal cladding may begin to fade. There’s not much that you can do to prevent this, unless you can find a way to eliminate environmental factors like harsh climate, salty air, and ultraviolet light. To counter act this choose a natural material that is not painted such as Copper or Zinc. These materials will continue to change appearance and build their own patina protection layer.
Oil canning
In short, oil canning refers to when a wavy pattern appears on a metal panel’s flat area. When this happens, it can negatively impact the visual appeal of the cladding and can even make the metal panels look distorted.
Luckily, you can assure your clients that its structural integrity won’t be affected. The root cause of oil canning is hard to pin down, however, it’s believed that stresses during the manufacturing process and installing the fasteners incorrectly can lead to it. It’s also more common with darker colored metal sheets that have a very glossy finish. So, to reduce the likelihood of oil canning becoming an eyesore, opt for thicker metal, preferably one with a lightly colored, matte finish.Narrower and shorter panels will also help to reduce the amount of oil canning. With all types of thin gauge sheet metalsheetmetal based cladding system some form of oil canning needs to be expected. It is not a defect.
Denting
Another potential eyesore is denting. While metal is less likely to dent, it’s still something to keep in mind, especially if you’ll be using it at ground level.
Reap the rewards of metal cladding and partner with Advanced Metal Cladding
While there are a few cons to adding metal cladding to a property, an experienced firm will be able to guide you through the process, helping you to minimize the risks of rust, oil canning, and denting.
Boasting more than four decades of experience, Advanced Metal Cladding is perfectly suited to help you with installations of architectural wall cladding and roofing. As we’re Melbourne locals, we understand the weather and will be able to offer practical suggestions to help you make the most of your metal cladding. Our team of experts has helped architects and other professionals from all over Melbourne to breathe new life into their designs’ facades.
What’s more, we work with a huge selection of brands and metals. After all, one of the main pros of metal cladding is that you’re spoilt with choice. While we believe that architects should be given options, this shouldn’t come at a price. To help architects reduce costs, we use technology to ensure our estimates are as accurate as possible so that there’s less waste.
If you’re ready to reap the rewards that metal cladding has to offer, call us on 0497 009 390 or complete the online form for a free quote within 48 hours.
