Expanded metal for external claddings 

Thanks to its aesthetics and functionality, expanded metal is increasingly being used for the external cladding of buildings. In modern architecture, it provides both personality and innovation, satisfying design-related demands as well as ensuring long-term durability and optimizing the outcome.

Which types of metal sheets are used for exterior walls?

In the building industry, alloys are primarily employed. Pure metal, in fact, lacks the necessary characteristics. Alloys, on the other hand, are obtained by combining multiple metals. Steel and cast iron are exceptions: these metallic materials also consist of carbon, which does not belong to the category of metals.

Therefore, the metal sheets used for external cladding are made of:

• aluminium;
• steel;
• bronze;
• copper;
• zinc.

Regardless of the material, the result is guaranteed. These materials all adapt to different kinds of processing and ensure:

• reliability;
• durability;
• resistance to weather agents;
• creativity;
• easy maintenance;
• internal temperatures’ management.

To cover facades, metal panels with a varying thickness are preferred. It is crucial that the surfaces they are applied to are uniform to prevent the panels from having an unintended wavy appearance.

Waviness, however, can be achieved through specific processes and targeted interventions, for purely aesthetic reasons. In this case, the final goal is to create a game of light and reflections, harnessing sunlight. The structure appears even more unique, and its colours stand out due to the tones of natural illumination that change throughout the day.

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Expanded metal for architectural cladding

To enhance the aesthetic element of cladding, perforated and embossed panels are highly taken into consideration. They provide greater lightness and originality. Embossed panels, in particular, reintroduce a wall treatment already used in the past and revived up to contemporary times, with different methods and forms.

From straight lines to curved ones and even three-dimensional forms, these panels cater to any architectural and design requirement.

On the other hand, expanded metal is one of the few materials with innovative sun shading solutions. Its high transparency offers excellent outward visibility. Alongside the reduction of irradiation, it lowers energy consumption. With expanded metal, it is possible to have bright and cooler indoor environments.

Durability and easy maintenance are two other significant strengths. A key role is played by the oxidation process: it allows the metal to continually renew itself and maintain its aesthetic function over the years.

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Insulated metal panels for facades

Insulated metal panels are particularly appreciated for external cladding. They are used to enhance the thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings and are installed for roof and exterior wall coverings. They can also be applied to interior walls and floors.

The insulated panel, also known as a composite or sandwich panel, consists of two metal sheets with an insulating metallic layer in between. It is made with surfaces in galvanized and stainless steel, aluminium, and other metallic materials that meet loads and strength requirements.

Expanded polystyrene, polyurethane foams, paper, wood, and cork are among the materials used to provide insulation.

Insulated metal panels for roof cladding significantly impact the energy efficiency of a building. Inside a construction, heat tends to rise. If there is no resistance, it easily dissipates outward. Conversely, if it encounters an insulating panel, the heat remains indoor, reducing thermal loss and optimizing costs and resources.

The benefit is twofold because this kind of cladding stops cold air from outdoor environments.  

The prices of composite panels vary according to their application. There are three main usage methods:

• Internal insulation. This is the most economical option. It involves installing panels composed of an insulating material layer with a plasterboard thickness that can be plastered and painted. It does not require extensive masonry work.
• External thermal insulation. It is the most effective and the most expensive method. The initial investment, however, results in significant energy bill savings. Installation can be carried out after the building’s construction.
• Cavity insulation. The panel is inserted inside the wall, creating a sort of air chamber filled with insulating material. The application must be performed during the construction of the building.

Insulated panels contribute to the creation of ventilated facades. These facades are a cladding system that combines protection against weather elements with breathability.

They effectively act as secondary walls, applied at a certain distance from the building’s main facade. This leaves an interstitial space through which air flows. They take advantage of the natural upward movement of warm air, stabilizing the cladding’s temperature. 

Ventilated facades find their place in green building and sustainable architecture, reaffirming the immense potential of expanded metal as a cladding element.