Exterior metal wall panels have become a popular choice for modern commercial construction. Used primarily as a cladding application, metal exterior wall panels have been around since the mid-19th century and have evolved to offer an array of unprecedented benefits, including a long lifespan, minimal maintenance, and protection against the elements.
In this blog by Americlad, we’ll explore how metal exterior wall panels have become the go-to solution for architects and contractors who are looking for the ideal balance between functional and visually appealing structures.
What Are Exterior Metal Wall Panels?
Exterior metal wall panels are a modern building construction technique that uses prefabricated metal to form the outer layer of a building. The panels are commonly made from aluminum or steel and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. In addition, metal panel wall systems typically consist of three main layers: an interior panel, insulation, and an exterior panel. The panels are attached to the building’s frame using a support system, which can be exposed or hidden depending on the design.
Due to the modular nature of exterior metal paneling installation, these systems are known for their ease of assembly, strength, and durability, making them an unambiguous choice for designs that require robust materials. Some of the industries that utilize exterior metal wall panels include:
- Architecture
- Automotive
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Education
- Industrial
The 3 Main Types Of Metal Exterior Wall Panels
- Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) – Insulated Metal Panels are composite exterior roof and wall panels with metal skins and insulating foam cores. They offer superior insulating properties, which can contribute to high energy savings and more comfortable indoor environments. IMPs are also lightweight, easy to install, and come in a variety of profiles, colors, widths, and finishes. They are ideal for all types of commercial and industrial buildings, including schools, retail centers, and power plants. IMPs are an excellent option for buildings with straightforward designs that do not demand intricate geometry.
- Solid Plate Aluminum and Metal Composite Material (MCM) Panels – Plate Aluminum wall panels are formed out of a solid sheet of aluminum. The use of solid aluminum offers the benefit of unlimited design flexibility as well as superior strength and impact performance when utilized in high-traffic areas. Metal Composite Materials have been used in construction projects for nearly 40 years. These panels are formed by bonding two metal skins with an engineered plastic core between them. The result is a metal/plastic composite. MCM panels offer design flexibility and the ability to be formed into various shapes and configurations in nearly any color. Though installed on various building types and applications, they are frequently used to join other building materials, such as glass and precast panels.
- Single Skin – Single skin wall panel systems can be classified into two different categories: roll-formed corrugated products and formed profile panel systems. Corrugated panels are a popular option for residential and commercial roofing applications, featuring excellent ventilation and wavy patterns that add unique aesthetic elements. They are made of lightweight materials, making them easy to install, and come in various colors and finishes. Corrugated panels are commonly used on agricultural buildings, storage sheds, and other commercial and industrial buildings such as warehouses and factories. That said, profiled single-skin panels are a popular choice due to their durability, longevity, and easy installation. For instance, Americlad’s flatlock systems are designed with concealed fasteners, providing superior aesthetics with the added benefit of being safer and more secure than exposed fasteners found in typical corrugated panels. Moreover, their lengthy lifespan and sleek appearance are excellent for commercial/industrial investors looking for a long-term value-add.
Click to explore Americlad’s metal panel wall systems.
The Benefits of Exterior Metal Wall Panels
While many materials offer advantages, exterior metal wall panels come with numerous benefits that make them a top choice for architects, builders, and building owners.
- Aesthetics: One of the most obvious benefits of metal exterior wall panels is the aesthetic appeal. With shiny and matte finishes, these panels can be shaped into an array of patterns, making them look ultra-modern or vintage.
- Low Installation and Maintenance Costs: Installing metal exterior wall panels can be quicker and less expensive than using materials like brick, concrete, or granite. They require minimal support structure and are often lighter in weight, making them relatively easy to install. Regarding maintenance, exterior metal wall panels have an added advantage since they don’t rot, decay, or corrode easily. As such, they can be maintained at minimal cost over an extended period.
- Fireproofing: Exterior metal wall panels can act as a barrier to fire, helping to keep an active fire from spreading. This benefit can be especially useful in areas prone to wildfires or buildings requiring strict fire codes.
- A Choice of Materials: Today’s architectural exterior metal wall panels offer abundant material choices to fit nicely with almost any type of design. They can be made from zinc alloys, galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. Many types of finishes can be added to accentuate the natural metal finish or add more depth with different textures or colors.
- Rain Screen: Exterior metal wall paneling can serve as a rain screen/barrier, keeping water from entering inside the building – perfect for areas with high precipitation levels. As a result, you prevent mold and decay and ultimately save time and money on building maintenance and repairs.
- Durability: Metal exterior wall panels are tough and resilient, making them impervious to everyday wear and tear. These panels do not dent, tarnish, or ding easily, which in turn provides the confidence that they will maintain their beauty for decades.
- Malleability: Metal exterior wall panels can be bent to conform to curves or specifically engineered into almost any shape. Because metals are malleable, they offer many more design possibilities than competing materials.
Exterior Metal Wall Panels by Americlad
From superior protection against the elements to dynamic design options, exterior metal wall paneling offers architects and contractors an ideal solution for modern commercial construction. If you’re interested in finding out more about metal exterior wall panels and how they can benefit your next project, contact Americlad today for a quote.
Constantly exceeding their client’s expectations through their commitment to excellence and agility for the last 25+ years, Americlad is a name synonymous with superior quality and innovation.
