When it comes to designing modern architectural styles, it often involves the integration of three popular building materials: steel, reinforced concrete, and glass. These three are the defining materials of modern architecture and can be used as focal points, accents, or highlights in building facades to enhance aesthetics. However, over the last few years, a new player has entered the fray in the form of solid aluminium panels for cladding. Its interesting texture, durability, and design versatility have appealed to many designers, hence the increase of this building material. In today’s article, we’ll talk about how to choose durable solid aluminium panels for cladding to ensure that your building serves not only functionality but also appeal.

Understanding the importance of durability in solid aluminium cladding.

Solid aluminium panels are often used as an element in building exterior, like cladding or in ventilated facades. It’s lightweight and has high resistance against rust, corrosion, and UV rays, which makes it one of the most ideal building materials for exteriors.

What are the key factors that determine a solid aluminium panel’s durability?

Alloy type and thickness. One of the first things you need to look at when choosing a solid aluminium panel is the alloy. There are two commonly used series, which are the 3003 and 5005.

Surface treatment and finish. The former is designed mostly for sheet metal applications like garage doors, soft drink cans, and refrigerator panels, to name a few. Meanwhile, the 5005 series is the one used in architectural applications. It’s generally known for having good weldability, so it can be shaped into various designs.

Solid aluminium panels’ usual thickness is between 2mm and 3mm, but it can go up to 6mm depending on where they will be used. For exterior cladding, it’s highly suggested they use thicker panels since sturdiness is a must. 

Surface treatment and finish. Solid aluminium panels have three main types of surface treatment, namely powder coating, anodization, and PVDF coating. These treatments offer different advantages and unique characteristics that are ideal for certain usage. Out of the three, PVDF coating, which stands for polyvinylidene fluoride, is the most resistant to chemicals and temperature, and aluminium panels with this surface treatment are often used in wall claddings and roofing sheets.

We also have surface finishes, and just like surface treatments, you can select from three choices: paint, cladding, or composite panels. Each of these finishes has different levels of corrosion resistance, which is a big factor to consider if you will be incorporating your panels in a climate constantly exposed to rain or near coastal waters. On the other hand, if you’re located somewhere sunny, UV rays will be your number one enemy. In cases like this, it’s best to opt for UV-resistant coatings so your aluminium panel will be more resistant against degradation and fading.

Manufacturing and quality. When selecting solid aluminium panels, it’s crucial to acquire them from reputable manufacturers to ensure that you will be receiving high-quality goods. Especially now, many companies use advanced manufacturing techniques, efficiently producing panels without compromising their quality. Before you make your purchase, check if the manufacturer has certifications and if their aluminium panels meet the industry standards.