Not sure which type of metal cladding will work for your home in Melbourne? Learn more about the unique traits of the main metal cladding materials.
Whether you’re searching for a way to give a home extra protection against the elements or simply want to improve the visual appeal of its exterior, metal cladding is a popular answer for properties in and around Melbourne. Not only is it versatile, but there are also various metal cladding types that you can choose from to ensure that you find a finish to match your style and preferences. Here are the four most common metal cladding types available and tips for identifying the best solution.
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1. How much does metal cladding cost?
Corten steel cladding
Corten steel cladding is one of the most popular materials used for cladding and roofing all across Australia. Made from a weather-resistant steel (in technical terms it’s an “Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Steel”), it ages well, making it an attractive option for external cladding specifically.
Much of its popularity can also be attributed to the customization that it offers and architects can choose from various colors and finishes. It’s also an affordable option.
What’s more, it requires very little maintenance. Its composition helps it to form a protective layer when it’s exposed to the elements.
While steel cladding is strong and durable, it means it’s heavier than many of the other cladding options and less malleable. These qualities can make it less attractive for projects that require a big section of cladding or properties that call for some flexibility in design.
Copper cladding
Copper is one of the few things in life that gets better with age, making it a great choice for exterior cladding. As it ages, it develops an attractive patina. Much of the material’s appeal can also be attributed to the fact that it ages unevenly to create unique surface patterns. Its characteristic, warm bronze tones change from a luminous brown that changes color depending on the angle to a beautiful, iconic green. These tones work well with traditional as well as modern styles, giving architects a high degree of creativity that they can play around with.
To help speed up this aging process and help ensure more even surface patterns, it’s possible to pretreat it. This way, you can encourage advanced oxidisation.
Also, as it’s very malleable, it can easily be used for curves and other types of appilcations.
However, this comes at a price. As it’s regarded as premium material, it’s generally more expensive than other metals that can be used for cladding and roofing.
That said, in the long run, it can help you to reduce costs in various ways. Firstly, it requires minimal maintenance after installation. Secondly, it boasts some of the best durability (it can last for 100+ years) which means that you won’t need to replace it in your lifetime. Lastly, as it’s a great conductor of heat, it can help you to reduce the energy bill.
Aluminum cladding
While aluminum is lightweight, it offers enough strength to make it suitable for exterior cladding. Considering this unique trait, it’s key that you get the thickness right to ensure it offers the same level of durability that makes metal cladding such a popular building method.
What sets it apart from other metal cladding options is that it’s a softer metal. Similarly to copper, it’s easy to shape, making it a great choice for creative projects. What’s more, it’s available in various colors that include popular colors and looks like copper, rust, and concrete. It can even be used to imitate natural materials like wood.
Other than getting the thickness right, there’s nothing else you need to keep in mind with regards to maintenance. With minimal maintenance, you can look forward to many years of service.
Another benefit that aluminum offers is that it’s more waterproof than some of the other alternatives. This quality makes it a great material to use for coastal properties or homes that are prone to moisture issues.
All in all, it’s a one of the most cost-effective alternatives to other traditional cladding materials, without compromising on quality.
Zinc cladding
Similarly to aluminum and copper, zinc is also a soft metal, which means that it’s easy to form. Thanks to this quality, it offers more flexibility, making it a great choice if you have a unique design.
In addition to being very malleable and versatile, it also offers great durability and minimal maintenance. The material won’t rust with age and has a long lifespan. As a matter of fact, zinc can last for anything from about 60 years to 100 years.
If sustainability is important to you, you can also enjoy peace of mind knowing that it’s recyclable.
Choose the right metal cladding material from Advanced Metal Cladding
One of the main reasons why metal cladding has become such a popular choice among architects in Melbourne is because it offers a timeless style. From lightweight aluminum to luminescent copper, architects can choose from a range of different styles, colors, and materials that offer great longevity. What’s more, all of these options require little to no maintenance.
Not only is it important to find the most suitable metal cladding type for your residential project but also the right company to make your vision truly come to life. By partnering with an experienced team like Advanced Metal Cladding, you can rest assured knowing that the workmanship will bring out the best qualities of the material. This means that you also don’t have to worry that poor installation will be the reason for potential problems such as oil canning or rust.
Established in 2013, Advanced Metal Cladding’s team has been in the architectural metal cladding industry for years. What’s more, as we’re Melbourne locals, we can share valuable insight about what works well in the area. From A(luminum) to Z(inc), we work with a wide range of metals and brands, helping you to find the look that you had in mind.
Call us on 0497 009 390 for more info about the different materials available or complete the online form for a free quote within 48 hours.
