6 Advantages of Metal Cladding for Building Exteriors

Choosing the right building exterior requires the right balance between functionality and architectural design. The exterior facade is often the first impression when a customer approaches your business and can inform their biases and perceptions.

Metal cladding is one of the top options for commercial buildings due to the many benefits it offers. Here are six advantages of using metal cladding for the exterior of your business.

Modern and Contemporary Design Aesthetic

The metal cladding of today is not what it once was — that is, generic, bland and ugly. Now, this effective exterior siding option is designed with aesthetics in mind. There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from to help set the tone for your building.

Many designers opt for a blend of metal cladding and other materials, like cedar shake or brick, for a contemporary design aesthetic. Not only does modern metal cladding look great as a standalone product, but it also works with other burgeoning exterior design trends.

Easy To Install

Metal cladding is easy to install. Many professional siding companies try Nailstrip panels to reap the benefits of quick installation, as these panels click together with minimal effort without the use of specialty equipment or costly connectors.

The ease of installation results in lower costs for the building owner and minimal disruption to business efforts. With the right team in place, you could have your building finished within a span of days.

Offers Fire Resistance

One of the overarching benefits of using metal cladding is the same as metal roofing on both commercial and residential buildings: fire resistance. As metal isn’t inherently flammable, your facility will be less at risk from catching fire if you’re in an area with wildfires, and experience less damage should an interior fire occur.

Another benefit of fire resistance is that many insurance companies consider this when setting your rates. Whether you’re a commercial building landlord or a homeowner, investing in metal cladding could save you a lot of money in insurance premiums.

High Return on Investment

Metal cladding is durable and long-lasting. It’s considered to have one of the best ROIs in comparison to other building materials due to its extended lifespan. Metal cladding can last 50 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.

The main disadvantage of metal cladding is that it typically has a higher upfront cost when compared to other materials. If you’re considering this option, it’s important to crunch the numbers and consider how much you’d be paying for replacement in a few years if you went with another material. Furthermore, it’s worth considering how this type of exterior will add value to your building, should you decide to sell.

Offers Better Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, metal cladding reigns supreme. This exterior coverage option is often made from recycled materials, and can be recycled at the end of its lifespan. In other words, your siding won’t end up in a landfill when it’s time for a replacement.

Additionally, metal cladding offers superb insulation, trapping air conditioning and reflecting the sun away during the summer, and keeping the interior warm during the winter months. This feature helps cut heating and cooling costs as well as consumption.

Pest and Damage Resistant

Finally, metal cladding is resistant to pests and other forms of damage. Termites aren’t a concern when your walls are metal, and you’re unlikely to get holes in your metal siding from debris during storms. These features also contribute to the higher return on investment, as maintenance is simple and straightforward.

There are several reasons to consider metal cladding when designing your building’s exterior. This material is one of the rare few that offers both style and function, making it a worthy contender for both commercial and residential buildings.

Posted by Maya

Maja Markovski is an architect and the founder of ArchitectureArtDesigns.com, a leading platform dedicated to inspiring creativity and innovation in architecture and design. Through insightful, well-researched content, Maja aims to foster a deeper understanding of how architecture and design shape the world, offering both practical advice and thought-provoking artistic perspectives for professionals, students, and design enthusiasts.