Perforated metal cladding tips

For building style, you can’t beat perforated metal cladding for making a statement. An architectural coat that protects a building from the elements, perforated metal can keep a structure warm or cool and instantly transform its whole look. You can even customise it, for the most unique architectural accessory.

Here are some tips from our expert team on how you can choose the best perforated metal cladding for your exteriors and what you need to consider, depending on usage.

What is cladding?

Cladding is an extra layer of material that’s added to a building exterior. It’s commonly used to make buildings more energy efficient and to add visual appeal. Depending on the material and specification, it can have thermal, cooling and acoustic properties. Cladding can be made from many different materials, including wood, brick and metal that can be perforated.

Perforated metal cladding benefits

Perforated metal cladding has many advantages compared to other cladding materials:

The hole shape, size and pitch of the perforations can be specified to perform specific functions for the building, such as increasing air flow, controlling heat and sound.
Perforation patterns can be completely customised, offering increased creative design scope.
Perforated metal sheets are non-combustible to help with cladding compliance with latest building standards and regulations. They may be used as flat sheets on framework or folded to form a cassette system.
Perforated metal is lightweight, strong and durable.
It’s recyclable, making it perfect for green, sustainable architecture projects.

Perforated metal cladding considerations

Here are some useful tips to help you choose perforated metal cladding styles:

For temperature control:

It’s the perforations in the metal that enable precise control of sunlight and airflow. So you can alter this through perforation size, shape and pitch.

For instance, you can choose a specific pattern for one side of a building and a different pattern for another, to match solar position, heat loss and gain. We can even perforate each panel with multiple shapes, mixing solid and perforated areas and varying the spacing for a customised, energy-efficient solution.

For decorative design:

If the cladding is for aesthetics only, you have endless design options, including your own custom pattern that we can manufacture using CAD drawing. But you still need to consider environmental factors, which may affect durability.

For example, buildings in coastal locations would need a base metal and a finish that can withstand marine environments. And don’t forget about colour. We can finish perforated metal in any shade – it’s an easy and cost-effective way to turn a standard perforation pattern into something more unusual and bespoke.

Perforated metal cladding advice and tips from Arrow Metal

f you’re planning to use perforated cladding and want some more information about design choices and customisation options, talk to our metal experts on (02) 9748 2200. Or make an online enquiry here and we will come back to you. You can also download our perforated metal brochure to explore standard and made-to-order patterns, and browse our completed Projects for ideas and inspiration.