Metal panels are gaining popularity as wall finishes because of their robustness and streamlined appearance. A modern building with sleek, well-defined lines almost certainly incorporates metal panels into its architecture. Although installing metal panels requires more than just hanging shiny sheets of metal, they can give your walls a modern, fresh look. To obtain the best outcomes, it’s critical to comprehend a few crucial details.
The preparation of the wall surface is among the first things to take into account. The metal panels will adhere well and remain in place over time if the wall is properly prepared. This entails checking that the wall is clear of any leftover paint or debris and that it is dry and clean. Before the panels are installed, any flaws in the wall should be fixed.
The installation procedure itself can then be a little challenging. Metal panels typically include installation instructions on how to fasten them to the wall. Precise measurements and alignment are frequently required for this to guarantee that everything aligns precisely. To finish some projects correctly, you might need specialized tools or fasteners. The expansion and contraction that occur with temperature changes can also have a significant impact on how the panels fit together.
Lastly, final details are important too. To give the wall a polished appearance after the panels are installed, you might need to add trims or seal the edges. These little elements can have a significant impact on the longevity and appearance of your metal wall finish. A space can be enhanced visually and functionally with metal panels if one approaches the task with the appropriate care.
Features of metal facades
To what extent are metal facades popular?
Ultimately, there are numerous choices available, such as polymer panels, which are less expensive and simpler to install. There are exquisite and long-lasting fiber cement panels available; despite their higher cost, they match or even outperform metal in terms of strength and fire resistance.
- And the whole point is that a metal cladding panel is the "golden mean", an ideal combination of price and quality. This type of cladding has one drawback – high thermal conductivity, so such cladding does not retain heat.
- But if you consider that any type of panels are mounted on a frame, according to the ventilated facade system, then such a requirement for the cladding is not imposed. For this, there are thermal insulation materials that are laid in the sheathing.
- The panel only provides a beautiful and durable shell of the structure. The thickness of the metal cladding may not exceed 0.5 mm, which means that its weight is insignificant. This is very important for any building!
The cost of building a foundation decreases with decreasing load. This may not matter much for a small building, but it is crucial for structures with a lot of facade area.
For metal panels used to face walls, proper installation is essential for both durability and appearance. There are several important details to take into account, ranging from making sure the panels are aligned correctly to controlling thermal expansion and securely fastening them. Gaining an understanding of these subtleties will enable you to apply a polished, weatherproof finish that will look good for years. You will learn the necessary procedures and advice for a successful installation of metal panels from this article.
Types of panels
It should be mentioned that metal panel cladding is almost always done individually and that it has a more formal, respectable appearance than any other material. Because of this, metal panels are primarily used for exterior decoration of office and administrative buildings, sports facilities, train and airport terminals, and shopping malls (see Shopping center renovation and decoration).
Siding
However, some materials are also excellent for low-rise building; siding is one such material.
As "siding" is a synonym for "facing," this term can, in theory, be applied to any kind of panel. However, it so happened that long panels styled like lumber are its primary application.
- And also, not so long ago, panels appeared, including metal ones, which were called "baseboard siding". They are distinguished by their small size and external design, imitating various types of brick and stone masonry.
- But, what is good for a private house is unacceptable for some office center. And the cost of basement siding is three to four times higher than the price of facade cassettes, which we will talk about later.
- Now, let"s talk about the design features of metal siding. Its fundamental difference from other types of panels is the method of fastening the sheathing elements: both between themselves and to the sheathing.
- All siding panels, and not only metal ones, have a locking connection along the lower horizontal edge, and a mounting strip with slot perforation along the upper edge. This applies to both long-length and modular panels. Therefore, they are fastened in a similar way – there are only some nuances regarding the design of the sheathing and end connections.
- The quality of the front finish of facade siding (long-length) is in no way inferior to those panels that are used to decorate office buildings. It can be not only paint and varnish, but also polymer or powder coating. You can see the last option in the photo above.
Because it is inconvenient to work at height with a long object and because such cladding takes too long, metal siding (see Facing the facade with metal siding will make the protection of the building reliable) is only used in low-rise construction. And time is money, as we all know.
Cassette panels
The majority of panels used in finishing public and industrial buildings are cassette-type panels. These claddings come in two varieties: linear panels and facade cassettes. They can assist you in covering a facade of any architectural complexity while ensuring that it keeps its original look for many years.
- Facade metal cassettes have replaced porcelain stoneware: a beautiful, but very heavy material. These are volumetric panels made of sheet aluminum or galvanized steel with powder or polymer spraying. The facade cassette has curved edges, can be manufactured both in the factory and directly on site.
- By the way, for the production of metal cassettes in construction site conditions, they often use not galvanized steel, but sheet composite material such as "Alucobond". In order to make a cassette, you need to have the appropriate equipment, and also such a small thing as the skill of working on it.
- So, just instructions on how to cut, mill and bend metal will not help here – you need to learn this. The production of facade cassettes at sites is carried out by specialized teams with highly qualified specialists. This gives more scope for imagination, the ability to combine panels by shape or color.
- Well, for those who want to clad, for example, their store or warehouse with their own hands, you can simply buy ready-made cassettes or make them to order. The configuration and dimensions of cassette panels can be very different. Of course, there are also restrictions, and they are due to both the size of the workpiece and the capabilities of the equipment used for this purpose.
- It is clear that there are always more opportunities in a factory workshop. Linear panels are manufactured only in factory conditions, and in principle, they are similar to metal cassettes. The difference is that the cassette is often square, and the linear panel has an elongated rectangular shape – we mean the main, not additional elements.
Copper is utilized in the production of these materials in addition to steel and aluminum, though this has a significant impact on cladding costs. Metal cassettes with a smooth surface can have linear panels with open or closed ends, perforations, rustication, or geometric relief. In the example above, you can see how harmoniously the cladding with linear panels looks.
Aspect | Details |
Preparation | Ensure the wall surface is clean, dry, and level before starting installation. Repair any holes or imperfections. |
Measurements | Accurately measure and mark the area where the panels will be installed to ensure proper alignment and fit. |
Panel Placement | Start installing panels from the bottom and work your way up. Use a level to keep panels straight. |
Fastening | Use appropriate screws or clips for securing panels. Ensure fasteners are evenly spaced and not too tight to avoid warping. |
Seams | Align seams properly to minimize gaps and ensure a clean finish. Use sealant if necessary to fill any small gaps. |
Finishing Touches | Check for any adjustments needed after installation. Clean the panels and check that all fasteners are secure. |
A sleek and long-lasting finish is achieved when installing metal panels on walls, and proper installation is essential. When it comes to installing commercial or residential space, paying close attention to detail can really make a big difference. For your metal panels to look fantastic and function properly over time, every step—from careful surface preparation to exact panel placement—is essential.
A stable, even surface is essential before beginning, and this is one of the key nuances to remember. Any flaws in the wall should be fixed beforehand, as metal panels need a smooth base to adhere correctly. Furthermore, meticulous measurement and planning are essential to prevent alignment problems and gaps in the layout. You can avoid having to make annoying adjustments down the road by taking the time to measure twice and cut once.
The kind of fastening system you choose is another factor. Some panels and installation situations may require the use of particular fasteners, such as adhesives, clips, or screws. To ensure a secure fit, make sure you use the right hardware and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition to guaranteeing that the panels stay in place, proper fastening contributes to the preservation of the installation’s overall structural integrity.
Finally, don’t undervalue the significance of appropriate sealing and final details. Since metal panels expand and contract in response to temperature changes, sealing joints and edges helps extend the life of your installation by preventing water damage. You’ll be well on your way to a long-lasting and professional-looking wall finish if you keep these subtleties in mind.