Perforated Metal Panels are an Environmentally Friendly Solution
Green building technologies are being incentivized by government at the local, state and federal levels through the use of tax credits, rebates and other programs. However, even without these incentives, building with eco-friendly, sustainable materials are a great idea. Perforated metal cladding is an environmentally responsible building material that is also versatile and attractive. Read on to find out more about the uses and benefits of perforated metal panels.
What Is Perforated Metal?
Perforated metal panels are increasingly being used as cladding for buildings of all sizes. Perforated metal resembles a grid or mesh, and the openings can be square, round, hexagonal or even custom in shape. The perforations decrease the weight that must be supported by the building’s framework. Different thicknesses, or gauges, are available and are selected based upon expected wind loads and other factors like ventilation. Perforated metal is easier to install than many other types of siding and has a long expected service life.
Environmental Benefits of Perforated Metal
Metal is considered an environmentally-friendly building material for several reasons. Although metal is derived from ores mined from the earth, large quantities are already available thanks to increased emphasis on metal recycling. Metal can be recycled not once but many times, and a large percentage of the metal used to make perforated metal siding panels is obtained from recycled aluminum and other recycled metals. Waste created through perforation is recyclable, so the perforations decrease the amount of metal used in each panel by between 10 and 40 percent. The reduction in material translates to reduced weight and lower fuel costs to transport the siding to the building site. Metal panels also improve the energy efficiency of a building, and perforated panels allow light to pass freely through when used as screening elements for aluminum and glass curtain wall and parking garage applications, decreasing the amount of indoor lighting required.
Additional Advantages of Using Perforated Metal Siding
In addition to being environmentally-friendly, perforated siding improves the appearance of any building. When perforated metal panels are used to screen glazing, light from the interior will shine through the perforations at night, making the building appear open while preserving a degree of privacy. Perforated metal is available in a range of finishes and can replicate the appearance of copper, zinc or stainless steel. The surface may be burnished or coated with a weatherproof paint. Perforated metal offers the same protection to a structure as other types of metal siding while allowing more effective pressure equalization between the space behind the panel and the exterior of the building. Pressure equalization is important to consider on large high-rise structures subjected to variable wind loading. Perforated metal cladding also flexes better in response to the natural swaying of large structures. Rainwater is able to penetrate behind perforated metal panels, but, like many other types of metal cladding, the panels can be designed to incorporate waterproof barriers behind the siding that allows rainwater to drain away without damaging the structure.
Perforated metal offers strength, durability and sustainability to any project. To find out more about using perforated metal siding panels on your next commercial construction project or building renovation, contact Wade Architectural Systems today for more information.