There has been a huge amount of attention on cladding since the Grenfell disaster. While it is still a fantastic strategy for buildings, people need to think very carefully about what products they choose. Specifically, they need to look closely at the materials and their fire resistance. A great option is products made from 3103 (H14) aluminium sheet and coil. It performs very well, has high resistance, and is great aesthetically.
Why use cladding?
People choose to add cladding to buildings for a number of reasons. Primarily the idea is to make the facade more interesting by including more visual elements. Panels are a really good option because they can vary in terms of colour, texture, finish, and style. The shape and layout can vary massively too, unlocking more opportunities to be creative.
In addition, there are performance advantages. The right cladding can improve heating and cooling, saving energy and making buildings more comfortable. It can also go one step further by providing shading and weather protection.
Why use aluminium?
One of the best things about cladding is it comes in so many different options. You can choose metal panels, timber, and a range of composites. That means it is easy to find a material that will enhance the property.
Products that began as 3103 (H14) aluminium sheet and coil are a great option. This is because it provides impressive mechanical properties and very good weldability. In addition, it has good resistance to atmospheric corrosion.
Aluminium in general provides plenty of advantages if you do want cladding. For example, it is strong and durable but lightweight. That means you can create a system for a building that will have excellent longevity without adding a lot of weight to the structure. The fact materials can be light also makes it easier to install everything.
A key factor here is aluminium is non-combustible. This gives a clear edge over materials like timber. You need to be selective though. Older ACPS panels can contain polyethylene. While is a popular plastic with some good properties, it is combustible. You are better off choosing solid panels or extrusions. If you must choose a bonded panel, ensure it doesn’t contain the plastic.
Aesthetically, aluminium is one of the best materials you can choose. The raw metal itself looks fantastic. However, you can also finish it in a massive variety of ways. For example, you can go for brushed or anodized to get texture. You can even opt for woodgrain. These give the panels a 3D effect that can generate visual interest. Plus, you can select almost any colour you can imagine if you want it to be something other than the silver metal.
Finally, aluminium is waterproof. A big issue with many building facades is that over time water can cause damage. This is the case with all kinds of natural stone and timber. It can even cause problems with glass because it can make any tiny cracks much worse. There won’t be issues with the metal though. This can safeguard the substrate beneath the cladding. You can even create designs that take advantage of aluminium’s imperviousness to create a great rain screen with effective drainage.
Do you want to order 3103 (H14) aluminium sheet and coil?
Brindley Metals is an excellent company if you want metal products. We provide friendly services and can cater for a massive array of needs. For example, you can come to us for materials in various basic forms such as sheets and coils. Or, you can arrange to order metal and then get additional processing to create a variety of items. We make everything easy and can advise you about properties, performance, and more.
Whatever you need, if you want 3103 (H14) aluminium sheet and coil, we can provide it. Contact us today to learn more and let us know about your design brief; we will ensure you choose a great material.