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Understanding the Different Types of Facades

facades

In architecture and construction, facades can play an important role in the design and function of a building’s structure. Facades are not only an architect’s way of playing with the form and flow of the building’s composition, but they also can be the main barrier to heat, cold, and damage from outside elements. 

The catalog of facades can vary quite significantly depending on aesthetic, price, material, and design. This article will help break down these different types of facades and the materials used to make them. While facades elevate the layout, their function extends beyond just aesthetics and can improve much more than just a plain look, as you will learn below.

What is a Facade?

In architecture, a facade is the face or front of a building, an exterior that protects the interior behind it. They are an important part of the outside of a building as they help to keep whoever is inside cool during the summer and warm during the winter, as well as helping to shield the shell of the building from other weather elements.

Facades can be made of many different materials (from clay to steel), and used in many different ways. Architecturally, they can convey whatever the designer aspires to showcase, and they run the gamut from modern and minimalist to conceptual and experimental. 

When utilized, facades can offer an eco-friendly way to protect its interior from heat and cold, which effectively saves money due to energy efficiency. It can also protect the structure from water and sun damage as well. Aesthetics are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the versatility of facades.

What is a Facade System?

A facade system is a cladding system that provides vertical and lateral protection from wind and other elements. It leaves a ventilated chamber between cladding and insulation that eliminates water build-up (condensation) from humidity, rain, and more, as well as to help stop thermal bridging.

The weather resistance of these facade systems provides necessary heat, wind, sun, cold, sound, and fire resistance. Materials such as zinc, copper, corten steel, and aluminum make the look cohesive with the added environmental benefits.

Types of Facade Systems

Scale, architectural design, type of building, and budget are some of the factors that can determine the type of facade system you will need. Here are just some of the facade systems you can utilize in your next build:

Trapezoidal Corrugated System

​The trapezoidal corrugated systems are screen wall profiles more commonly known as the “box” corrugated. Like Sinusoidal Corrugated, these systems are used for their unique design capabilities; however, Trapezoidal Corrugated offers a more robust exchange of light and shadow than Sinusoidal profiles. This system can be arranged horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.

Benefits:

  • It can be installed horizontally, vertically, and diagonally
  • Easy to maintain
  • Unlimited perforation capabilities
  • Cost-effective
  • Clean lines and edges
  • Wide range of available materials and colors
  • Exposed fastening system

Reveal Panel System

The reveal panel has endless possibilities in regard to design. These systems have a variable reveal width ranging from 0-1”, thus providing flexibility for the designer with vertical and horizontal installation.

Installation of the Reveal Panel is done from top to bottom and can be executed quickly. Combining horizontal and vertical reveal panels makes for an exquisite design and facade.

Benefits:

  • Installed horizontally and vertically
  • Reveal Panels create striking shadows
  • Unlimited design capabilities
  • Enhanced and accentuated facade design
  • Variable face heights and widths lengths for optimal design capabilities.
  • Wide range of available materials and colors

Shiplap Panel System

The Shiplap Panel System solutions are designed for high-level facade projects. Commercial and public buildings requiring intricate design or a staggered-like appearance often choose this system because of its layered characteristics and shadowless joints. When exposed to light and shade, sharp contours appear because of the profile geometry of the Shiplap Panel System.

Benefits:

  • Installed horizontally
  • Creates sharp and eye-catching contours
  • Layered panel design
  • Enhanced scalloped design
  • Wide range of available materials and colors
  • Unique cladding, reminiscent of a wooden facade

HV90 System

​HV90 is an integrated wall panel system that has now become one of the most popular profiles selected for use on buildings of all types. With its concealed clip and fastener design, this panel system is sure to create a stunning facade.

HV90 offers a wide variety of custom designs. These panels can be installed vertically, horizontally, or in combination.

Benefits:

  • Unlimited perforation capabilities
  • Design support
  • Fully engineered systems

Get the Function and Style Your Design Calls For with MetalTech Global

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and are able to create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high-tech tools and over 15 years of experience, our architectural support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs, as well as a range of facade systems and 3D wall systems. 

Contact us today, and we will help you make your design dreams into reality. From facade systems to any of your perforated metal, coil, panel, and fabrication needs, we hope to work with you today to realize your next architectural dream.

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Is Copper Good for Roofing?

copper

It can be argued that copper makes for the most attractive of all metal roofing options, and stays unique because of how it changes color over time. The metallic sheen of new copper will eventually become a blue-green patina that is near impossible to replicate.

Copper is an option for those who are looking for a roof to have a longer lifespan as well as a unique look. Copper is a long-lasting industrial metal that can remain intact for hundreds of years with proper maintenance.

Learning the pros and cons of sustainable materials can educate home and business owners on new ways to save money while keeping their homes formidable in the housing market as well. This article will take you through all the advantages of using copper for roofing, as well as why not every building has a copper roof (yet.) 

Copper Roofing: Benefits

Copper is a natural material that has been used for centuries in roofing and other architecture. Many gothic buildings and churches were roofed in copper and you can still visit some that are intact to this day.

With longevity and energy efficiency being top priorities when creating and designing buildings, copper roofing is becoming a popular metal roofing option for both industrial and domestic projects. Here are some of the major benefits of using copper for your next roofing job.

Lifelong Use

The biggest benefit you get from having a copper roof is its lifespan. Copper is considered a “lifetime” roofing option as you won’t have to replace it while you are living in your home and perhaps even after a few generations.

When properly installed, you will never have to replace it and simple maintenance will keep the patina looking amazing. No other roofing material can boast the longevity of copper, which gets better as it ages and stays just as durable and useful.

Durable

Being fireproof, and antimicrobial, it is no wonder this material is used in roofing and facades and is becoming more and more popular nowadays. On top of that, copper is lightweight, easy to install, incredibly durable, and cost-effective.

Asphalt roofing must be replaced every 12 to 18 years, but the structure and durability of copper roofing require very little maintenance once it is installed. This is because copper does not rust or corrode through oxidation.

It also does not require an additional coating and does not need to be repainted. Copper roofing is safer than other roofing materials and thus won’t become damaged through storms.

Lightweight

Copper is relatively lightweight, especially compared to other roofing materials like asphalt or shingles. This means there’s much less strain on your home’s structure when you use it.

Since it is lightweight and malleable, it can be formed to fit almost any house or building shape. Because of copper’s malleable nature, a professional with the proper tools can shape and mold it to fit even the most unique architectural features.

Great Aesthetic

Some of the most revered architecture in the world has copper in it. Medieval churches and buildings scattered through Europe show the gorgeous patina of copper throughout the ages and some of it is still standing hundreds of years later.

Copper can work with many types of architectural designs. From modern to classic structures, this roofing option is highly adaptable. Having a copper roof will definitely stand out in the neighborhood.

From its early days as a gorgeous metallic sheen to its slowly forming that gorgeous green patina we are all used to seeing on older structures, copper’s structure and form are timeless.

Eco-Friendly

Copper is one of the only materials that can be recycled repeatedly without seeing any loss of performance. It is 100% recyclable and that makes it incredibly eco-friendly.

Though it does need to be mined to be used, its recyclability makes it great for those who want to be environmentally aware. Copper wiring, pipes, fixtures, and even old roofs can be recycled and reused over and over.

Copper Roofing: Disadvantages

The biggest issue for someone with using copper roofing is the price of materials. On average, a copper installation can cost more than twice as much as a standard asphalt roof.

The high price of getting a copper roof makes it hard for many homeowners to afford to use it, but when looking at the long-term benefits of a copper roof it can be a worthwhile investment.  Though you pay more at the start, a copper roof can cut down costs for many years. 

Ask the Building Material Specialists at MetalTech About Copper Today

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. Working with our affiliates, we are promoting the use of sustainable metal products in building. 

We envision that home and commercial construction will be committed to using only durable and reusable products. MetalTech Global can help your commitment be successful as durability, reusability, and sustainability is our area of expertise. We work with companies like elZinc America, VMZinc, Lorin Industries, and all major Copper mills to provide the highest quality architectural products in natural metals. 

Contact us today for information on architectural metals, coils, panels, metal fabrication and cutting, folding, and more. We look forward to being a part of your next successful project!

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Perforated Metal: The Top Choice for Building Facades

perforated metal

The versatility and utility of perforated metal cannot be overstated. Architects, designers, and those in construction use it for its versatility, aesthetic, and durability. The transformative ways it can be used for many types of projects, big and small, make it the best choice for those who need it for specific projects, such as facades.

With perforated metal, not only will you get durability and strength, but the design elements that can be made using it are next level, and it has many applications, big and small. This article will explore why perforated metal is beneficial as well as exceptional in the many avenues it is used for. 

Perforated Metal: A Quick Instruction

Perforated metal, which can also be called a perforated sheet, perforated plate, or perforated screen, is sheet metal that has been stamped or punched by hand or machine using CNC technology or laser cutting to create different holes, patterns, and shapes in the metal to come up with different looks and uses.  It is most commonly made from aluminum and steel, but other metals can be incorporated as well.

Advantages of Using Perforated Metal

Price

One of, if not the most important, reasons that perforated metal is so highly regarded is that with all of its advantages, it is still incredibly kind to your budget when using it for projects in construction and design jobs. Many cities and public buildings use perforated metal in their designs as they are economical without losing out aesthetically. 

Aesthetics

The perforated metal look delivers a modern and unique look wherever it is used. Because of the almost endless options when it comes to the hole sizes, hole shapes, patterns, and finishes that you are able to do with perforated metal, it makes for the perfect material for whatever look the project calls for.

Perforated metal also allows the person designing the facade to control outside visibility. By changing the size of the perforated metal design, you can make it difficult for those on the outside to look in while still allowing for natural light and air to come through. It can be as open or as private as you would like, which makes perforated metal ideal for designing great-looking spaces that feel secure with the added benefit of being aesthetically pleasing.

Versatility

The nature of perforated metal allows for it to be easily manipulated, bent, and changed to fit your design. Because of how versatile and easy it can be molded to your specifications, perforated metal can be used as decorative or structural. This gives designers many options when it comes to the use and application of perforated metal, from sunscreens that can filter light and heat to railing infills that can add to structure while reducing the mass.

Durability

The structure and strength of perforated metal makes it a cut above when comparing it to other materials and metals. It can withstand rough and varied weather elements with its strength-to-weight ratio making it formidable against the harshest weather Mother Nature has to dish out.

With this type of metal, the perforations lighten the metal and allow for it to be used in more applications and in more areas as it won’t weigh down the structure nearly as much as other metals. The durability of perforated metal is far better than fabric, mesh, or glass, as they can rip or break quite easily. 

Perforated metal is difficult to damage and quite easy to clean, making it great for larger projects in big cities as well as smaller design projects for the facade of a small business. 

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important as we realize the toll and expense of using too much energy. Because perforated metal balances ventilation and light, it allows those designing with it to utilize and manage the heat from the sun within the facade and build.

When you deflect heat, less energy is used to cool the space, and thus, not only does it keep the building cooler but saves money as well. HVAC systems can overload breakers and cause brown and blackouts during high heat summers, so using perforated metal to keep the sun at bay can really be a help when needed most. 

Eco-Friendliness

Coinciding with energy efficiency is the eco-friendliness of this type of metal. Perforated metal is a fantastic “green” material because it is very recyclable, it reduces energy, as we have learned, as well as promotes sustainability and innovation when it comes to the use of the material.

Because of the perforations in the metal, less metal is actually used, which reduces weight, and this reduction in weight can lower costs when building or even transporting the metal to the job site. Using eco-friendly metals helps the designer to explore the versatility and use while saving on budget and making a truly unique product.

Get Advice From the Metal Experts 

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and are able to create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high-tech tools and over 15 years of experience, our architectural support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs.

Contact us today for all of your perforated metal, coil, panel, and fabrication needs! We hope to work with you today to realize your next architectural dream.

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Learn the History of Perforated Metal

perforated metal

Perforated metal has a storied history that stretches across hundreds of years. With a wide variety of functions and applications, this type of metal has appeared across continents and cultures over the years, used in warfare, technology, art, and construction.

With characteristics that lend themselves both to structural and decorative uses, perforated metal is an ideal material for many types of mediums. This article will look at the history of perforated metal, from its conception and throughout history to today, as well as how they are applied in today’s world.  

What is Perforated Metal?   

Perforated metal is sheet metal with holes designed in a particular size and shape. This metal has a mesh-like look, and any aspects of the metal, such as the pattern, shape (typically circular), and size (standard size is 1mm) of the holes, can be customized. When customizing the size of the hole, the bigger the hole, the thicker the metal sheeting will have to be.

History of Perforated Metal

Early History

Some earlier examples of the technique of perforated metal was in World War II when the military used perforated steel planking to construct temporary runways and landing strips. Though the historical methods were more basic, you can see the applications being used by hand that machines do nowadays.

Perforating metal is just the evolution of early man perforating items for daily use. As primitive humans evolved, so did our methods of making tools and items of use.  Back then, a person would have had to strike the metal or material thousands of times to produce the perforations modern punch machines do in seconds. 

As civilization moved on, more metals were discovered for use in art, and the construction of homes and tools.  Many peoples, including Asians, Native Americans, Africans, and Europeans, began making coins for currency with this metal, and the coins would have a hole in the middle. The hole was handy to string the coins together and save on how much metal was used. 

Perforation would allow for decoration and design to be added within the build, adding to the armors that were to come for war and sport. In addition, it allowed for ventilation and movement.

Age of Industry

When the industrial rolling mill was introduced in the early 1600s, it revolutionized the possibilities for crafting metal and other materials. Until now, all perforated metal was made by hand.

Over the next two hundred years, sheet metal production would eventually make way for machine-punched metal. The first machines to perforate metal automatically were built in the early 1800s.

An industrialist named Eli Hendrick started to drill holes in thick plate metal, but he needed machines to ensure holes were drilled simultaneously. This machine would become the prototype for the modern metal perforating punch machine.  

These innovations were happening around the world. In the late 1800s, the UK developed a perforated metal process that would introduce the first zero-waste method of creating perforations. Patterns and designs began to appear in the late 1800s, and industrial casting offered a pathway to customization as never seen before. 

Today

The early 2000s set the stage for a new phase for perforated metal as digital technology began (and continues to) push the envelope of what perforated metal can do and be. With the aid of computers and more advanced machinery, designers and developers have given perforated metal a new renaissance. This renaissance has evolved into not just design but shows the energy-saving and environmentalist abilities of perforated metal as well.

In 2015, research into facades showed that using perforated metal as a “second skin” on the exterior of buildings would reduce energy usage by keeping the building behind it cooler. This expands into heating, ventilation, and lighting consumption for energy. 

Uses and Advantages

Not only can perforated metal be used for groundbreaking design, structure, and amazing energy savings, but it can also:

  • Diffuse sound
  • Enhance privacy
  • Help walkways and stairs become slip-resistant and easy-to-clean 
  • Great for drainage
  • Create shade
  • Be used in industrial cooking
  • Help with filtration 
  • Help in many other sectors such as automotive, construction, and architecture.

The uses for perforated metal are almost limitless!

Consult with the Perforated Metal Experts at MetalTech Global

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and can create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high-tech tools and over 15 years of experience, our architectural support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs.

Contact us today for all of your perforated metal, coil, panel, and fabrication needs! We hope to work with you today to realize your next architectural dream.

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Is Copper an Eco-Friendly Building Material?

copper

For thousands of years, humans have used copper for its many unique properties, as well as its beautiful look and feel. Amazingly, copper does not degrade when it is recycled, so it can be used and recycled over and over again. This versatility allows it to be sought after and keeps it circulating instead of ending up in our landfills or oceans.

For these reasons and more, copper is much more eco-friendly than previously thought. This article will go over why copper is classified as eco-friendly, as well as its history and its future use in our society. 

Copper: An Introduction

Copper is a recognizable and useful metallic element that is found throughout both commercial buildings and homes in both pure and chemical forms. Copper is the 29th element on the periodic table and comes from the Latin word “cuprum”. Copper means “of Cyprus,” an island in the Mediterranean that was known for its copper mines. 

Copper is quite malleable and can be formed into different shapes with ease. Compared to traditional building materials, copper has environmental advantages that make it a superior choice for home construction over other metals and fabrications.

Copper is popular in construction and architecture for its sustainability, quality, and look. Here are some of the main uses of copper:

  • Roofs
  • Spires
  • Domes
  • Wall Cladding
  • Gutters
  • Downspouts
  • Expansion Joints

Benefits of Using Copper

Sustainability and eco-friendliness are becoming more and more important in design and construction nowadays, so a lot of the focus of projects turns to the building materials themselves. Being environmentally conscious is not only good for the environment, it can also be good for business as clients want to see that you care about the world you are building in. Here are some of the benefits of copper regarding its eco-friendly nature.

Sustainable and Long Lasting

Copper is a premium metal that is long-lasting and does not easily degrade. While it can be expensive to use, the sustainability of the metal makes it worthwhile to use.

Copper maintains its durability by being self-passivating. This means it creates an oxidized layer over itself so it cannot rust and is immune to many weather elements and hazards, whereas other, less durable metals can get damaged and oxidize/rust.  Copper roofs can last for hundreds of years with maintenance, and you can see examples of this in European gothic architecture. 

Recyclable

As stated earlier, the ability for copper to be recycled over and over again is an incredibly sustainable trait. This is because copper maintains its structure and integrity no matter how many times it is recycled, and it is used over and over for many different reasons. This makes copper quite profitable when recycled as well. 

Naturally Made

Though copper needs to be mined, it is not manufactured. Copper mills use up to 95% recycled materials when they produce sheeting, pipes, and fittings as well.

Energy Efficient

Copper is quite an energy-efficient metal as well. Its high conductivity ensures efficient, reliable, and safe generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

Copper’s electric and thermal properties help to decrease load loss and keep the power grid working at full capacity. Therefore, it ensures a long-lasting, energy-efficient performance of equipment and systems. Copper is the best non-precious conductor of heat and electricity, which is essential to the quality generation and efficient delivery of electricity to homes and businesses.

Essential in HVAC Installation and Use

Copper plays a key role in HVAC installations as it reduces the size and weight of the HVAC installations due to smaller pipe diameters. Copper also allows for using eco-friendly and safe refrigerants and increases the efficiency of heat exchangers and heat pumps. When it comes to the construction and energy industries, copper is cost-effective as it reduces both financial and environmental costs.

Sustainable Metals for Any Project, Big or Small

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. Working with our affiliates, we are promoting the use of sustainable metal products in the building. 

We envision that home and commercial construction will be committed to using only durable and reusable products. MetalTech Global can help your commitment be successful as durability, reusability, and sustainability is our area of expertise. We work with companies like elZinc America, VMZinc, Lorin Industries, and Hussey Copper to provide the highest quality architectural products in natural metals. 

Contact us today for information on architectural metals, coils, panels, metal fabrication and cutting, folding, and more. We look forward to being a part of your next successful project!

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