ACM Panels for Exterior Cladding: Combining Aesthetics with Functionality
When contractors clad the exterior of a building, they previously turned to three primary materials: brick, metal composite, and timber. Now builders have an alternative cladding solution that’s become more popular — and affordable — in recent years:
aluminum composite panels (ACP). Read on to learn what ACP panels are, the importance of choosing a long-lasting exterior cladding, and the benefits of installing ACP panels.
What Are ACP Panels?
Aluminum composite panels consist of two aluminum sheets bonded to a core. The core’s purpose is to provide structural rigidity and insulation properties. The core can be a fire-retardant mineral, polyethylene, or corrugated aluminum. There are many different designs for specific applications.
Importance of Exterior Cladding
Keep your buildings and modern signage durable and protected with ACP panels. Exterior cladding with ACP provides optimal performance in all weather conditions — UV resistant, waterproof, fireproof, heat reflecting, and acts as a superior insulator.
Composite panels have a seamless installation process that offers advantages and benefits over traditional cladding materials.
Benefit #1: Durability and Longevity
Aluminum composite material (ACM) is lightweight yet strong and durable. The bonded aluminum cladding adds years to a structure’s life with its resistance to harsh environmental conditions, including UV rays, rain, and temperature fluctuations. ACM aluminum is a cost-effective cladding solution due to its low maintenance and 50-60 year lifespan.
Benefit #2: Versatile Design Options
The lightweight and structural integrity of ACM metal makes it easy to manipulate into many different designs. Its flexibility allows folds, bends, and curves without damaging the metal or the coating. Composite aluminum panels are customizable for various architectural designs with a wide range of finishes, colours, and patterns that can mimic other materials, such as:
- Wood
- Brick
- Stone
Benefit #3: Energy Efficiency and Insulation Properties
Aluminum composite panels have excellent thermal insulation properties equating to energy savings in both the winter months by keeping the heat in and the summer months by keeping the heat out and enhancing indoor comfort. Lowering energy consumption reduces the carbon footprint and decreases utility costs.
Benefit #4: Fire Safety and Protection
There are standard ACM metal panels with a regular polyethylene core and fire-resistant (FR) ACM metal panels with a mineral core made of Calcium Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, and polymer. The FR panels resist flames for up to two hours and comply with safety regulations when building codes require fire-retardant materials. Using aluminum composite panels for exterior cladding gives an added layer of protection against fire accidents.
Benefit #5: Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Everything about ACM panels contributes to sustainability and eco-friendliness:
- 100% recyclable
- Reduces the carbon footprint of every project
- Retains all of its properties during the design and manufacturing process
- Promotes environmental protection
- Less waste
- Energy efficient
- Cost efficient
- Being lightweight makes transportation costs lower
- Contributes to green building certification — LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
- New ACM panels contain approximately 30% of recycled materials
Upgrade to ACM Metals Panels for Your Residential or Commercial Calgary Building
With the intense focus on climate change and its contributing factors, aluminum composite panels for exterior cladding are the right choice for our planet’s future. While choosing ACM panels may cost a little more upfront, your savings in the long run make this option more economical.
Get long-lasting durability with minimal maintenance, endless design options and colours, cost savings through energy efficiency, added fire protection and compliance, and environmentally friendly and sustainable ACP panels from Phoenix Metals — one of the top aluminum composite panel suppliers in Canada for all your construction or renovation projects.
