When faced with product selection options, some designers and building owners choose metal panel products for their building facades. Let’s dig into why metal panels have been a popular choice for facade applications and if they’re up to the challenge.
Let’s start our discussion of metal facade panels with a definition. To some, the term simply refers to an exterior skin (or panel) on the street side of a building that serves a primarily aesthetic or architectural function. In contrast, others use this term to describe a construction method that uses a metal panel as part of a componentized wall system or rain screen installed over a barrier wall.
Traditionally, numerous products were utilized to dress up a building's exterior wall. Stone, glass, brick, concrete, timber, and ACM panels are all favored products in facade applications. Each product family boasts different advantages (and disadvantages), ranging from initial cost to durability, install time, and required maintenance.
After seeing the continuing market opportunity for facades in the construction industry, the metal panel industry began to promote its products as a superior application for facades.
Are metal panels a good fit for facades? The answer to that question is a resounding yes! Metal wall panels represent an extremely durable, cost-effective material option for building facades. Consequently, we now see metal wall panels on everything from commercial structures like office buildings and health care facilities to schools, churches, and warehouses.
Some of the advantages metal facade panels offer over other facade material choices include:
Our earlier definition of facade allows for using two distinctly different metal products.
For designers and owners that simply want to dress up the exterior wall of a building, literally, any metal panel from exposed to concealed fastener styles can work. However, as might be expected, concealed fastener wall panels offer enhanced architectural effects over the less expensive exposed fastener panel product family.
Designers and building owners who use the term facade and rain screen interchangeably can choose from a smaller subset of products.
Check out our panel selector tool to quickly narrow down the best options for your project, or continue reading to check out a few of our panel options that work well in rain screen applications.
Our Visionline F-Series Wall system is a popular rain screen system. Visionline adds architectural styling to wall projects while costing less than traditional ACM systems.
F-Series is an extremely cost-effective solid metal, flat plate wall panel system which doesn’t require field-applied sealants, extrusions, gaskets, or exposed fasteners.
Like other concealed fastener wall panels, Visionline reduces leak exposure while delivering maximum design flexibility.
Click here to download our Visionline brochure to see panel options and system design tips.
Insulated metal panels, commonly referred to as IMP panels, represent a great option for building owners with an interest in reducing their utility bills and carbon footprint while achieving an attractive facade design. As the photo below shows, a single IMP panel provides an exterior skin, interior skin, and insulation ranging from 2 ½ to 5” sandwiched between the two metal skins.
The CubeSmart project (pictured below) provides a great example of how form and function can overlap. Combing two colors provided an economical design approach, while the IMP panel delivered a quick installation with a finished exterior, interior appearance, and insulation in one simple product install. Click here to read more about this project.
Historically standing seam panels have been applied only on roof applications; however, the design community has recently begun using them in wall and facade applications. While it varies by manufacturer, many suppliers offer these types of panels in various widths, making an exciting architectural statement.
Structural T-style panels, like our 238T, deliver a stunning architectural element while offering a spanning ability that saves on construction costs and labor.
Designed by the Fayetteville firm of Miller Boskus Lack Architects and the SmithGroupJJR of Phoenix, Arizona, Champions Hall (see photo below) is a 62,000-square-foot multipurpose building funded, in part, but the University of Arkansas athletics department. Click here to learn more about this project.
A snap-style standing seam panel can also be a great facade option. The photo below showcases our Medallion Lok product, a popular panel selection for facade applications.
Pan and batten-style products represent the latest metal panel to gain traction in the facade market. While they don’t offer any spanning ability (meaning they require a solid substructure), they still deliver a long-term, low-maintenance solution at an attractive price point. Consequently, our Medallion I and II product offerings can also be great options!
In closing, whether the term facade refers to the panel's location on the building or its ability to serve as a rain screen, metal panels can be a great solution for your next project. Contact us to discuss your project specifics and how we might help.
Or check out our Metal Wall Panel FAQ for more information!