There are various types of metal wall cladding systems available that can be installed based on your location and weather conditions in Canada. Hence, your wall cladding specifications will depend on whether your home or office is located in a coastal area or an area prone to hailstorms or wildfires or areas with specific problems.
The metal cladding on your walls should not only enhance the aesthetics of your home or commercial structure, but should also protect it from heat, wind, rain, snow, and hail. In addition, some claddings also need to provide support to the structure. You can choose from different types of metal wall cladding systems based on your specific needs.
Different Types of Wall Cladding using Metal
You can choose from single skin metal wall panels where fasteners may be exposed or concealed. Many manufacturers also offer composite materials where steel or aluminum sheets are bonded together with a polyethylene core. In addition, you can opt for metal panels with rigid foam insulation that is sandwiched between two metal sheets.
Metal wall cladding systems are also available in the form of barrier walls as well as rainscreen walls. The function of a barrier wall is to prevent rainwater from penetrating the outer wall itself. This is achieved by using sealants such as silicone sealants, butyl, or other forms of sealants on each joint face. These sealants are designed to contract and expand with the cladding to adjust to temperature variation or movement of the structure.
A rainscreen wall system will allow a little water to penetrate through the joints. However, an effective drainage system in the wall cavity will effectively drain the water out from the structure. This system too will prevent water or moisture from entering or damaging your home or office.
Care to be taken with Wall Cladding
Whatever your form of metal wall cladding, care should be taken to ensure water does not find a way to enter the structure and cause damage. You must ensure that your contractor designs an appropriate wall cladding system based on your needs, your location, and surrounding weather conditions. Proper installation to prevent water and moisture seepage and water accumulation will prevent problems that could shorten the life of the installed product.
In a rainscreen wall with open joint design, care should be taken to ensure the right air gap between the structural frame and cladding to provide efficient drainage of water at all times along with proper evaporation. The contractor should also pay special attention to joints, fastener locations, and spots where the metal wall cladding intersects with other materials.
A well-designed and properly-installed cladding made of top quality metal should last for several decades without any problems. There are different types of metal wall cladding systems available in the market that must be considered based on your specific needs, weather conditions, and geographical location in Canada.
This post contributed by Lewis Benjamin who works with Precisioncladding metal roof specialists and highlights the reasons why metal roofing is considered as a preferable means of defense against nature. Learn more from Lewis Benjamin by checking out more articles and blogs.
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