Industrial cladding refers to the closing of the exterior of an industrial building using metal sheet, joined to form an impregnable bonded surface. Metal cladding for industrial applications is now a typical method for enclosing a building from “top to bottom”.

Gone are the days of an industrial building being sheathed in wood or some other product, that at its time may have been the best available. As with the evolution of construction, in general, cladding for buildings has evolved with practicality, taste, ease of construction and longevity in mind. 

A Little History

In the beginning, the first homes were dwellings of rock caves. The sheathing was the natural material available at that time. Dwellings evolved, and so did the sheathing with the first home in the modernistic time being made of logs.

Moving into the 20th century, exterior sheathing on buildings began to be separate material from that used in the rest of the building construction. It took on a life of its own with practicality, ease of construction and longevity being priorities for use.

We have seen many exterior cladding materials, from wood to brick, to cement and now metal cladding. The reasons for the changes have all been the same. The best materials are used at any point in time that derive the best value considering practicality, ease of construction and longevity – and we might now add aesthetics as people want buildings that are emotionally pleasing to the eye and mind.

Metal Cladding

Metal cladding has evolved in form and function to where one finds it widely used in industrial settings. The cladding normally encapsulates all outside surfaces, including the roof, and as well, metal cladding has found its way into the inside of buildings. The reasons for use inside of buildings are the same as for using metal cladding outside. It is found to be practical, easy to install, it now is available in just about any profile making it aesthetically pleasing, and it will last a long time.

Pros of Metal Cladding

The use of metal cladding in an industrial setting presents a number of significant advantages, and these are discussed below:

Ease of Installation: Used in a retrofit, metal cladding can be installed over top of other materials, eliminating removal expenses. In new construction, metal can be placed directly over concrete, or without any sub-sheathing having to be applied to the exterior of a building, reducing overall construction costs.

Prefinished: Metal panels usually come to the construction site prefinished. They are already painted, usually with a bonded surface, eliminating the need for additional painting costs, and certainly positively increasing longevity.

In situations where temperature control is important, one will also see the cladding material delivered and already with the insulation bonded to it. This creates a better insulation factor, eliminating the possibility of insulation voids, and it reduces construction costs.

Aesthetics: The metal cladding comes in a large range of profiles, and it is certainly now possible to find a profile, from the rustic to the modern, that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and mind.

Cons of Metal Cladding

Return On Investment: Metal classing may be more expensive to purchase compared to other cladding materials. One must carefully assess the material and labour costs, and savings to ensure an appropriate comparison to other materials.

Installation Time: Metal cladding could take longer to install than is typical for other materials. This all depends upon the type of building and materials considered.

Repair: It is difficult to repair a damaged exterior. It can easily be dented, and protective measures should be taken to ensure that impacts from vehicles are reduced.

Conclusion

Industrial cladding is finding greater use as the material of choice for building retrofits and new construction. It has its definite advantages over other types of cladding material, and certainly comes in sufficient variability to address the major considerations