Top 3 Materials for Exterior Metal Cladding

Metal cladding is a popular choice for building exteriors and the construction industry in Australia. Cladding materials for walling installations can include perforated or solid aluminium cladding panels or other metals for a sleek, modern aesthetic and superior durability.

But just as crucial as the design and function of the panels are, the materials used to create them are also vital. At Metrix Group, we can supply everything you need for your exterior wall cladding project, including solid aluminium, steel or galvanised steel for durability, aesthetic appeal and excellent weather resistance. 

Facades Come in all Shapes, Sizes and Materials

Facade cladding materials can include various metals, colour-coated steels, metals with an oven-baked paint film, solid aluminium panels, glass, brick, stone, metal, and wood. Below are the three most prominent wall cladding materials Metrix Group uses for exterior use in Australia, highlighting their energy efficiency, strengths, aesthetic appeal and other considerations.

1. Stainless Steel: The All-Rounder

Stainless steel is a perennial favourite for use as a protected steel sheet or perforated metal for wall cladding installations and cladding systems due to its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetics. Some of the advantages of using stainless steel for exterior wall cladding include:

Superior Corrosion Resistance

• Australian weather can be harsh, with coastal areas particularly susceptible to salt-induced corrosion. Grades 304, 316, and 430 stainless steel offer varying levels of corrosion resistance for wall cladding, making them ideal for diverse environments.
   
• Grade 316 provides the best overall protection, particularly for wall cladding in coastal regions, while 304 is an excellent general-purpose option. Grade 430 is the most affordable but offers less corrosion resistance for wall cladding.

High Strength and Durability

• As one of the most durable wall cladding materials, stainless steel boasts an impressive strength-to-weight ratio and can be used for horizontal and vertical applications.  Stainless steel allows for secure installations without excessive weight on the building structure, which is especially beneficial for high-rise buildings or projects requiring large cladding panels. 

Aesthetic Appeal

• As cladding materials go, stainless steel’s inherent shine and clean lines complement various architectural styles on commercial buildings or residential projects. It can be left in its natural state for modern-look wall cladding or finished with multiple coatings to match specific design requirements.

Minimal Maintenance

• Compared to other materials, stainless steel requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent solution is sufficient to maintain its appearance and longevity.

2. Aluminium Cladding Panels: Lightweight 

Solid aluminium cladding material offers a compelling alternative to stainless steel wall cladding, mainly when weight is critical. Here are some reasons solid aluminium (or perforated) stands out as an excellent metal for exterior wall cladding. 

Architectural Cladding

• Perforated aluminium cladding or solid aluminium panels are significantly lighter (2.7Kg / dm³) than stainless steel (8.03Kg / dm³), making them ideal for applications where weight reduction is essential. For optimal performance, aluminium cladding can be particularly advantageous for large-scale architectural cladding projects or buildings with weight restrictions.

Cost-Effectiveness

• Aluminium cladding is generally less expensive than stainless steel in cladding systems, making it a budget-friendly option for energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. The standard for this range is 5005 sheet.

Aluminium Cladding is Formable  

• Aluminium cladding panels are highly malleable or formable and can be easily shaped into intricate designs or perforated, offering greater architectural possibilities than stainless steel such as aluminium from the 3000 range. Different grades of aluminium, including marine grade aluminium (5052), are used for increased strength and proximity to water.  

Corrosion Resistant 

• While not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel, perforated or solid aluminium cladding performs well in most environments, especially with a protective powder coating. Marine-grade aluminium cladding (5052) is an excellent choice for coastal areas and low maintenance.

3. Galvanised Steel: The Value Choice

Galvanised steel provides a cost-effective option for cladding installations while offering adequate strength and durability. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Affordability

• Galvanised steel is the most affordable of the three materials discussed, making it a viable option for projects with budget constraints. 

Strength and Durability 

• The galvanisation process provides a zinc coating that protects the underlying steel from corrosion. While less resilient than stainless steel, galvanised steel offers a good balance of affordability and performance for many applications. It is also a relatively low-maintenance sheeting material that is fire-resistant.

Wide Availability

• Galvanised steel is readily available from most building material suppliers, making it a convenient project choice.  

Choosing the Right Material for Your Project

The optimal installation material for your exterior wall cladding project depends on several factors, including budget considerations. Perforated metals, including stainless steel, offer the best overall performance but are more expensive. Perforated or solid aluminium and galvanised steel cladding materials provide more budget-friendly options with varying trade-offs in strength and corrosion.

Choose Metrix Group Cladding Materials Today

Metrix Group’s metal products for residential or commercial projects are code-compliant and fire-resistant, and can include fixing systems with the designs. We specialise in customising your perforated panels and cladding systems to produce unique and visually pleasing designs for your architectural needs. 

Whether it’s a custom 3D artform™ screen or the infinity pattern of our Galaxy Acoustic™, our award-winning Design Studio is ready to discuss how our expertise can help bring your vision for perfect cladding systems to life.

Need to know more, why not book a discovery meeting today with one of our technical staff. Contact us here.