Architectural details
A variety of features and finishes are available.
As metal cladding began to be used on a wider range than simply industrial buildings then architectural features such as horizontal profiles and curved eaves and corners have been developed. Colours and textures are mixed
Generally the incorporation of architectural features demands greater care over specification and installation.
Profiled cladding and composite panels are often laid horizontally, technically there is no advantage in this method of installation and it is used most often for architectural purposes. The panels are fixed to vertical sub-frames. If very shallow profiles are used then there can be a noticeable sag between the supports. Consideration should also be given to the vertical joints between panels, should they overlap? Should they butt together? Can a visually consistent joint between the panels be obtained?
Curved corner and eaves panels are now commonplace.
They can be supplied to match both profiled sheet and composite panels. Curved profiled panels are produced from flat profiled sheets by either creating a series of cross ribs that pinch the metal locally. The radius of curvature is controlled by the number and spacing of the cross ribs. The second method involves stretching the profile to provide a smooth curve without cross-ribs. The latter method is more restricted in the range of curves and radii available. Curved profiled panels are much stiffer than flat profiles and careful setting out is needed. Curved composite panels can be formed in a number of ways, depending on the radius and length. Panels can be formed by holding the metal skins between curved formwork and injecting polyurethane foam or by fabricating an internal metal frame work to which the skins are attached.
