Cladding Materials
Cladding harnesses the rugged properties of various types of metals, most popularly, aluminium and stainless steel. While both metals offer excellent performance, specifiers must assess the distinctive qualities of the cladding materials to determine the optimum choice for the process and outcome of the cladding application at hand.
Aluminium
- With corrosion barrier
- With moisture barrier
One of the most sought-after features of aluminium cladding is its outstanding inoxidizability. Corrosion is a common problem when working with other metals, such as copper. On the other hand, aluminium resists moisture, saline solvents and other corrosive agents in any given environment. Its protective oxide coating promotes structural integrity for long-lasting cladding applications.
Working with aluminium is easy, due to its versatile physical forms. Aluminium has a low melting point making it flexible to shape, mould and adapt to a variety of applications. It is a popular choice among architects, especially when applying to curved or irregular surfaces. When compared to stainless steel cladding, aluminium cladding is the lightweight option. Steel is generally 2.5 times denser than aluminium, making the latter easier to handle and apply with less manpower.
In the sustainability department, aluminium registers satisfactorily with high recyclability at no compromise for the quality of the material. Re-smelted all the time, aluminium takes very little energy in the process.
Stainless Steel
- With corrosion barrier
- With moisture barrier
For cladding applications that are high in both performance and aesthetics, stainless steel cladding is the preferred solution. Stainless steel is known for its unique, glossy and polished finish that suits a wide range of building styles.
Stainless steel is widely used for its outstanding strength and resilience. As compared to aluminium, stainless steel is less likely to bend, warp or deform when subjected to force and heat. The tradeoff is its lower degree of malleability to adapt to complex applications.
Stainless steel is well-known for its anti-corrosive nature, reinforced by hygienic properties. Along with non-magnetic attributes, the build of the material delivers high performance that can last a lifetime, even in a moist environment.
Colorbond steel
Galvanized steel