Cladding Alternatives
Retrofit programs are taking over the construction industry and are producing the largest amount of works. Cladding has become one of the most popular alternatives for renovating the exterior of existing buildings. This solution gives a building a new look, new life and will generate savingS on electricity when thermal and insulation issues are attended. Cladding benefits are greatest when dealing with high story buildings, or buildings confined in a small site, where demolishing process is almost impossible and not feasible.
CLadding Benefits
Aesthetics is a huge factor when dealing with wall cladding projects. Several solutions have become available that minimize system depth, achieving the expected aesthetic. Some of the benefits that you will get from the cladding process are:
- Increases the service life of the structure.
- Increases revenue and value of the building.
- Improves appearance of structure.
- Improves thermal, acoustical and natural daylight performance.
- Optimizes the use of considerable thermal mass.
- Helps eliminate internal problems.
- Protects the structure from water penetration and improves air tightness.
- Lowers maintenance costs and allows upgrading of building services.
- Cladding retrofits pay for themselves in reduced energy costs.
Cladding Alternatives
1. Composite Panels
- Ideal for industrial and commercial projects
- Panel lengths ensure fast and economical installation
- Cladding panels provide excellent acoustic performance
- Air and water tightness is improved
- High performance fire resistant performance and integrity
2. Rain Screen Cladding Panels
- Normally attached to a lightweight support structure which is secured to the building's wall creating a cavity between it and the façade. Then insulation is applied to the external wall.
- Weather-resistant decorative skin attached to the main structure by a supporting grid
- Rain screen cladding panels create a ventilated and drained cavity in between
- Reduces condensation risks associated with internal or cavity wall insulation
- Allow the building fabric to breathe without the risk of interstitial condensation
- The need for complicated damp proof membrane detailing is eliminated
- Reduces the risk of cold bridging
- Provides pressure equalization across the outer skin
3. Built Up Cladding Systems
- Manufactured from pre-finished steel or aluminum
- Can be use in a vast array of colors; providing a wide choice of aesthetic finish
- Wide range of profiles, materials and orientations
- The acoustic and thermal performance can be adjusted achieving specific requirements
- Semi-rigid slab insulation ensures continuity of insulation and no risk of sagging
- Wall cladding systems fire wall options are available
4. Cement Cladding
- Highly resistance to impact damage, weathering, atmospheric pollutants
- Will not support mold growth or fungi
- Cement panels have a life expectancy of at least 40 years
- Specially developed ultra-violet light and weather resistant surface
- Lightweight and easy to cut and fix
- Frost proof
- Color matched or concealed fixing systems
- Low maintenance
- Several colors available, including metallic and wood grain options
- Colored on both sides
For the cladding industry, the wider choice of finishes that are now available, as well as the practical advantages that these are proven to deliver, means cladding renovation can now be fully considered as a cost effective option and at the same time achieve a high quality finish to rival even the most premium of new builds.
