Aluminum Composite Panels: Exploring the Differences Between Good Quality and Poor Quality
Cladding is commonly used when constructing high-rise buildings and residential homes. It serves as a protective layer to enhance weather resistance, provide thermal insulation and improve the building’s appearance.
There are many different materials used in constructing cladding panels, such as concrete, wood, and some recycled products to name a few. However, an increasingly desired cladding material is known as aluminum composite material (ACM).
There are plenty of different metals used in constructing cladding, but
ACM panels possess an ideal strength-to-weight ratio that makes them a popular choice as opposed to bulkier steel panels. Aluminum itself is an excellent option for many commercial and residential applications, like roofing, decking, and railings because it is naturally resistant to blistering and rusting, further enhancing its appeal.
However, not all aluminum composite panels are the same. On top of the different types of ACM cladding available, the materials used in their construction play a vital role. It’s important for builders, contractors, and homeowners to carefully consider the supplier and the grade of the materials they use before placing an order.
What You Need to Know Before Buying ACM Panels
It’s important to understand the different options available as you consider buying ACM panel cladding for both commercial and residential applications. There are two distinct types of ACM panels to consider:
- Fire-Resistant (FR) Core: Sometimes called fire-rated ACM panels, FR ACM is manufactured with a mineral-filled thermoplastic material that makes it resistant to fire.
- Polyethylene (PE) Core: This type of ACM cladding, also sometimes referred to as Non-Fire Rated ACM panels, contains a thermoplastic polyethylene core.
Each of these options is available in multiple ACM panel systems that have their own appearance and installation processes. The exact ACM panel system that you opt for is primarily based on the desired appearance. Aluminum composite panel manufacturers offer customized design options when needed, however, the readily available systems are:
- Standing seam
- Snaplock
- Interlocking
- Flatlock and shingle
- Cassette
Whichever system you choose, quality ACM cladding provides many important advantages, including:
- Increased resistance to high winds
- Some resistance to seepage and moisture
- Precipitation is deflected
- Structural support, which is important in areas with seismic activity
- Substantially improved insulation
- Fire resistance provided FR core panels are selected
- Typically adds value to a home
- Can be easily customized to accommodate any architectural style due to aluminum’s flexibility
The ACM panels cost will increase to fully realize each of these benefits, but your investment may end up costing less than low-quality panels due to increased energy efficiency and a longer lifespan.
The Difference Between Good Quality and Poor Quality ACM Panels
Both FR and PE panels can be constructed with high-grade materials, but they’ll cost more. The opposite is also true – low-grade materials are often used to manufacture cheaper ACM panels but have major drawbacks. Poor quality materials will:
- Require more regular maintenance
- Have a shorter overall lifespan
- Not have the same thermal insulation properties
- Fail to provide adequate water-proofing
- Typically weigh more than high-quality materials
Due to the strength of the material and the variance in quality,
Aluminum composite panels cost per square foot can vary between $15-$35. Understandably, homeowners would want to buy panels on the lower end of that range, but they may end up paying more in the long run. The panels will need to be replaced sooner and they’ll require more maintenance during their lifespan.
Most importantly, poor-quality ACM cladding typically does not provide the attributes that make it appealing to begin with. You may get the desired look, but not the desired benefits.
Where to Buy Good Quality ACM Panels
How can you gauge the quality of the products offered by ACM suppliers? One easy way to tell is if the supplier has the appropriate certifications. There are multiple types of certifications that can apply to ACM panels Canada, such as:
- ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System (GB/T19001-2016)
- ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems (GB/T24001-2016)
- CTC Certificate
- OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational Health And Safety Management System (GB/T28001-2001)
A low-quality supplier typically won’t have any of the above certifications. The use of low-grade materials means they likely wouldn’t be able to receive any certification.
A supplier that uses high-grade materials will have some or all of these certifications. They have nothing to hide and know that these certifications help set them apart from those that use low-grade options. Quality suppliers often list the grades of the materials used on their websites, as well.
Work with an Experienced CUSTOM METAL ROOFING Company for Premium Results
Are you ready to improve your commercial or residential building with ACM panels? To fully realize all of the ACM panels’ benefits, you must work with a professional company that has decades of experience sourcing and installing high-quality panels.
That’s why here at Phoenix Metals, we only work with high-quality ACM panels to complete your project the right way.
We already know the right suppliers for your next project so that you can boost energy efficiency, amplify weather resistance, and can be customized to your exact needs.
Are you looking for a reputable ACM panel provider and installer?
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our cladding specialists.
