Metal cladding is an appealing, modern way to enhance a building's aesthetics. There are many creative ways architects can use metal cladding in unique ways to create something that&#;s truly spectacular. For example, the titanium designs of Frank Gehry have received global accolades.
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Metal cladding is a solution Architects love since they can choose the materials and finish according to the client&#;s needs. Metal also provides a sturdy cladding option that can withstand the wear and tear over the years and maintain a sleek appearance.
In this article we will explore the perfect cladding system for your next project.
Metal cladding is a practical solution since it can protect your building from the elements while providing a beautiful finish. Metals are versatile, malleable and foldable and can be fixed to a building in many ways.
The metal cladding system best suited to your building project depends on the complexity of the design and the desired finish. Some of the most commonly used cladding systems are &#;
You can easily identify the standing seam cladding by the string folded connection between the panels. Architects often prefer this system as it enables them to form sleek exteriors. Aluminium, zinc, titanium, weathering steel and galvanized steel can be incorporated to make a standing seam system stunning.
Snaplock resembles standing seam with the ribbed look however, Snaplock can be assembled without any special closing equipment. The installation is comparatively hassle-free, with Snaplock panels that snap together.
For a smooth appearance, you can go for an interlocking system. The width of the metal cladding panels can vary according to your needs. You can fit it to run vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
Flatlock or shingle panels are linked to form a thin and flexible façade. You can opt for reversed flatlock, for deeper express lines. Shingled metal façades deliver a stunning appearance. To create this appearance, shingle metal panels are folded into tile shapes so they can be interconnected when installed.
The cassette system is suitable for huge metal panels. You fit the bent cassettes with invisible clips, which give you a flat look. Generally, the cassettes are fitted to an aluminium frame. This system provides a contemporary appearance.
The sky&#;s the limit when it comes to creating unique metal cladding systems. You can create something completely new by hiring a specialist manufacturer. An existing system can also be altered according to your requirements. However, consider the costs of the customization.
Metal cladding can be made using a variety of materials. Each of the materials has its own strengths and weaknesses. The materials you choose to use will depend on the nature of your project including the environment, the weather, structural engineering, and the desired aesthetics.
Aluminium is currently a favourite with new projects. Aluminium has its perks, it is highly resistant to rust, it is lightweight, and has a great strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminium may get a few dents and scratches so it may not be ideal at ground level.
Titanium is robust and light. Its aesthetic appeal comes from its glossy and reflective surface. During treatment, it gets covered by a thin oxide film which acts as protection against corrosion. Titanium needs maintenance, or it can develop brown stains.
Zinc is known for its many amazing attributes. Zinc withstands the weather and corrosion very well. It is also self-healing. If zinc surfaces suffer a few minor scratches, they recover automatically.
Copper is light and durable when juxtaposed against other materials. It has a shiny surface that turns green due to oxidization.
Brass borrows its properties from zinc and copper. As it is quite malleable, it can be used for ornate sheets. With time, it takes on a greenish hue due to oxidization.
Stainless steel is layered by chromium oxide. It prevents oxidization due to this chromium coating. This is why stainless steel does not erode or rust. If you want a clean looking finish, stainless steel is a great option.
Galvanized steel contains a thin coating of zinc that resists rusting. Galvanized steel gives off a mottled look with crystallites, which we often refer to as 'spangle'.
Popularly known as COR-TEN, it has a rusty appearance and acts as a barrier to corrosion. One perk of using weathering steel is that you don't have to paint it. Weathering steel is 'industrially beautiful' if you nail the detailing of the cladding.
If you get the materials and system right, your cladding can enhance the life of the building. Here are a few factors worth considering when deciding on suitable materials for your project.
Generally, metals are quite durable. But metals differ in their durability. Softer metals are prone to scratches and dents. Location and climate conditions can affect the life cycle of a building.
Some metals expand or contract depending on the heat, humidity, weather, and pressure. Using unsuitable materials can ruin the building structure.
Metals are fire resistant, but you should still discuss the fire-resistance rating with the manufacturers. Also, ensure that the metal cladding is compatible with the building envelope.
For acoustic insulation, you need to look at the RW rating, STC, and other whole-of-wall ratings. Typically, there is very little sound insulation between internal and external surroundings due to metal cladding.
For weather and thermal resistance, you might get a sheathing board for the outer part of the infill walls. The U-Value requirements are taken into account. Metal cladding does not contribute much to insulation. Consult your manufacturer for appropriate insulation options.
Cladding systems need to be durable against the wind and ensure the primary structure is not compromised. You need to consider the wind of the location before selecting suitable metal cladding.
While determining the right materials for your building, consider the impact your project might have on the environment. The manufacturing process, instalment and maintenance requirements should all be assessed. You should also consider the life cycle of all materials used. In many instances you may find metal cladding is a wise option for the protection and preservation of our environment.
As we have covered, there are many points to consider when selecting Architectural Metal Cladding for your building project. We highly recommend seeking professional advice from a manufacturing supplier who specializes in metal cladding. When selecting a manufacturer, you&#;ll obviously be looking for the right price but you should also consider their specialization, reputation and any other KPI&#;s you wish to set. There&#;s been some horror stories in the media about poor quality building materials. Many times, you can mitigate the risks by selecting the right manufacturers to partner with for your projects.
Jul. 07,
When it comes to polished metal alloys, two of the most commonly used worldwide are brass and stainless steel. Both alloys have played integral roles in architecture, manufacturing, and more. Despite their apparent differences, choosing between brass and stainless steel for various projects can often present a challenging decision.
Let's start by examining the composition of both metals. Stainless steel, at its core, is an alloy of iron, carbon, and chromium. Unlike ordinary steel, which consists solely of iron and carbon, stainless steel gains its "stainless" properties from chromium, which enhances strength and corrosion resistance.
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Stainless steel encompasses various specific alloys, including 304, 316, and 430, each containing varying amounts of chromium along with additional metals like nickel or molybdenum.
In contrast, brass is primarily composed of copper and zinc, typically in a 2:1 ratio. Similar to stainless steel, different types of brass may incorporate varying proportions of copper and zinc, sometimes combined with additional metals such as tin or lead.
When comparing brass clad steel and stainless steel, it's essential to analyze these crucial metal alloys across various dimensions, evaluating their properties and characteristics. Brass and stainless steel differ significantly in terms of appearance, strength, conductivity, and more. Here&#;s a breakdown:
Stainless steel typically offers higher strength compared to brass. While this can vary based on the specific alloy of each metal being compared, common types of stainless steel generally exhibit greater strength than common types of brass. However, brass is surprisingly strong and can rival stainless steel in certain applications.
When it comes to both thermal and electrical conductivity, brass is among the most conductive metals in the world, while stainless steel is significantly less so. Depending on the specific composition, brass may be as much as 15 times more conductive than stainless steel.
Brass is generally considered more corrosion resistant than stainless steel. However, the comparison between them can be nuanced. Specific alloys of stainless steel may offer superior corrosion resistance compared to brass, making it essential to assess each alloy individually.
One of the most noticeable differences between brass and stainless steel is their appearance. Brass, being an alloy of copper, belongs to the "red metals" category. Traditional brass exhibits a yellowish-gold hue, though some alloys can appear darker, nearing bronze. In contrast, stainless steel has a distinct silver color.
Neither appearance is inherently superior; the choice between these metals often boils down to aesthetic preferences, particularly in projects where appearance matters.
When planning a major project, choosing between brass and stainless steel involves considering their overlapping but distinct use cases. Ultimately, the right choice depends on the specifics of your project, including the particular alloy being considered.
Stainless steel is generally preferred in applications where structural strength is critical, such as engineering, construction, and many architectural projects.
Conversely, brass is favored in electrical, heating, and plumbing applications due to its superior conductivity and corrosion resistance.
For design and ornamentation, the choice between brass and stainless steel depends entirely on the creative vision for the project. Both metals offer aesthetic appeal and can be finished to achieve a variety of polished looks, from high mirror shine to satin finishes.