A Quick Guide to Solid Aluminum Metal Wall Panels

by Mark Robins | 1 August 2022 12:00 am

Rainscreen versus Wet Seal

Rainscreens are a metal panel system that is not the primary weather barrier on the building. There are two classifications of rainscreen systems, pressure equalized rainscreen (PER), and drained and back ventilated rainscreen (DBV). Both systems limit the amount of water getting to the primary weather barrier. PER systems are evaluated under AAMA 508 and are graded on a pass/fail basis. DBV systems are evaluated under AAMA 509, which is only a classification method and not a pass/fail test. As a result, DBV systems may allow more water to enter the wall cavity.

Wet seal systems have been around for decades. They are a tried-and-true system and are still used in some applications today. Wet seal systems typically have welded corners and all joints are sealed by the installer with backer rod and caulk, becoming the primary weather barrier on a building, allowing no weather penetration.

Metal Panel Thickness, Depth and Stiffeners

Gauging (how thick the metal is in inches: 0.063, 0.080, 0.090, 0.125, etc.) as well as panel depth and stiffener choices are a direct result of engineering criteria for the building. Panel manufacturers can assist in determining what the optimal values are for panel thickness, depth and stiffeners based on wind loads and deflection criteria. Another factor to consider is visual flatness—choosing the right panel thickness and/or combination with stiffeners to avoid oil canning.

When choosing the type of panel system for your building’s exterior walls, consideration should be given to a solid aluminum plate system. Not only does it have a superior strength-to-weight ratio, but solid aluminum is 100% recyclable and achieves the highest level of long-term performance. It is also NFPA 285 compliant, non-combustible and non-sparking.

Economic Usage of Sheet Width

Off-the-shelf sheet metal widths are 48 inches and 60 inches. Off-the-shelf lengths are 96 inches, 120 inches and 144 inches. Depending on the size of the job, material suppliers can also provide 36- and 72-inch widths and a variety of lengths limited by the capabilities of the panel fabricator.

It is important to take these widths into consideration when designing the panel modules. Maximizing the standard material sheet metal widths can help keep costs down. An efficient use of the sheet material will require the panels to be sized by the architect, including all flanges, in such a way as to fit multiple panels on a single sheet.

Sub-girts and Attachments

It is highly recommended that you attach your panel system directly back to the stud wall framing. A great way to do this is to use a sub-girt system. A sub-girt system that ties back to the wall-studs is highly recommended. There are many types of sub-girt systems available. It is imperative to find the right sub-girt system that can integrate with the insulation easily whether inside or outside the stud wall.

Coating Systems

PVDF coating is a long lasting, self-extinguishing and elegant finish for your panel system. PVDF comes in a wide variety of colors, micas and metallics, and offers color-changing and pearlescent colors as well. As allotments and supply chain shortages continue to affect the global economy, talk to your panel manufacturer about what colors, coating systems and paint manufacturers are available with the best lead times. If a paint has been specified that is no longer available, your panel manufacturer can help find something comparable for your project.

Installation

Metal panel system installers need to know that field measurements are critical because these types of panels are not shipping to the field for field cutting. They are custom made per the field dimensions. As installation and trades work to complete a project, there is always the possibility of a panel getting damaged in the field. Choose a panel manufacturer that can send a replacement quickly and efficiently. Look for panel manufacturers that have an in-house paint line and access to additional material in a timely fashion.

Scott Samson is the national sales manager for American Metalcraft Inc., Villa Rica, Ga. To learn more, email scott@americanmetalcraft.com[1] and visit www.americanmetalcraft.com[2].

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/a-quick-guide-to-solid-aluminum-metal-wall-panels/

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