There are so many options in the market for sheet metal cladding systems that finding the right profile and material to suit your project can be overwhelming.

While aesthetics is the first consideration for most when specifying metal facade panels, there are other aspects that will need to be factored into the final decision. For example, aspects such as panel width, wall suitability, and wind load requirements will need to be considered.

Metal Cladding Systems has put together a few key points to consider when specifying architectural cladding. Let’s begin with answering these questions.

Consider panel widths and their impact on your desired facade style.

Will wide or narrow panel widths suit your project?

What will best fit across your wall and material coil?

Is there an opportunity to minimise waste and keep material costs low?

Do you like the look of random, uniform patterns, or a combination of both across different facades?

Determine an ideal panel length.

Would you like to avoid a horizontal hairline, or seam joins? Would longer cladding panels allow you to do this?

Will seam, express and hairline junctions act as design features or will you conceal them?

Identify appealing shadow lines.

Zero in on a style. Do you like seamed, recessed express, or hairline profiles?

Once you have selected a suitable shadow line style, consider how high, deep or wide each join should be.

Assess project wind load requirements. Some profiles, such as Standing Seam (in particular Double Lock Standing Seam), are better suited to high winds while others cannot be used at all.

When working with high wind requirements, always speak to Metal Cladding Systems and seek engineering approval.

Understand project water penetration demands and mandatory substructures, especially when specifying sheet metal roofing.

Not all sheet metal cladding profiles are suitable for roof applications. Your selection will be based on whether you are cladding a roof, walls or both.

Some systems offer superior water resistance compared to others; confirm what your project needs.

Have you looked at different substructures and their waterproof performance?

Will additional waterproofing membranes be required?

Gain a sound understanding of each profile’s appearance, features and limitations.

Metal Cladding Systems offers eight unique roof and wall cladding systems, each one with different levels of flexibility, material availability and application suitability.

Consult with Metal Cladding Systems’ team of product experts on the most suitable cladding system for your project.