The Benefits and Best Practices for Metal Facade Systems

Dan Simpson, Garland UK Technical Manager

METAL FACADE systems are increasingly becoming popular in modern construction due to their combination of functional durability, aesthetic flexibility, and environmental benefits. Garland UK’s Technical Manager, Dan Simpson, shares his expert insights into the key characteristics, design considerations, and best practices for installing these advanced systems.

Characteristics of Metal Facade Systems

In their simplest form, metal facade systems have two main layers: a substructure frame fixed directly to an SFS system or back to a masonry structure. The next layer is a metal facade panel attached to the substructure to provide the space needed to incorporate thermal insulation. Metal facade systems are non-structural, supporting their own weight and any additional wind loads

A common design is a ventilated facade, which includes an air gap between the insulation and the backside of the facade panel. This gap, strategically open at the top and bottom, allows natural ventilation to circulate throughout the facade. Ventilated facades serve a dual purpose of safeguarding the structure against weather elements with an outer skin while fostering a healthy indoor environment through ventilation and insulation. This innovative architectural technique is commonly referred to as rainscreen cladding.

Most metal facade systems consist of several interlocking panels forming an external waterproofing layer. These interlocking panels usually snap into place to form a weatherproof barrier. But importantly, the ventilation gap still allows the building to breathe, releasing any water vapour from the substructure. Ventilated facade systems improve overall thermal and acoustic performance and, combined with the breathable design, equalise internal and external pressures.

They are also known for their exceptional durability. While steel panels are galvanised and colour-coated to maintain longevity, aluminium, copper, and zinc possess a degree of self-healing ability. When exposed to the atmosphere, they form a protective patina, making them the longest-life-span facade systems available.

Sustainability 

This long lifecycle helps to make metal facade systems very cost-effective. Notably, combined with their light weight, they also help to make them highly sustainable by minimising embodied carbon emissions. Furthermore, when they finally reach the end of their life, metal systems are straightforward to recycle, forming a circular economy.

The incorporated thermal insulation helps to make buildings more energy efficient, saving money for the building occupiers and lowering the operational carbon of the building as a whole. Therefore, metal facade systems are one of the most sustainable options for your building envelope, maintaining the highest level of sustainable building practice.

When considering the life cycle of the products used on a project, the reduced embodied carbon is an intrinsic part of a BREEAM evaluation. Life Cycle Costing is utilised to assess the sustainability of a project providing up to four credits. It is also crucial to achieving the highest Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) LEED certification.

Design Flexibility and Considerations

One of the main reasons for facade systems’ increasing popularity is their adaptability to any design needs. Various colours, coatings, and finishes are available, and manufacturers can produce panels in varying panel forms and widths. Facade systems can be installed diagonally, horizontally, or vertically, enabling almost unlimited architectural design freedom so the ideas you put on paper can become a reality.

Of course, to allow for this design freedom, it is essential to carry out a thorough structural analysis if specifying an existing building. Metal facade systems are a relatively lightweight construction, minimising the structural load on the building. Still, with more complex designs, this can increase, as can the wind load across the surfaces.

Adding thermal insulation is usually desired, but its performance can be maximised by selecting a system that reduces any thermal bridging between the facade and the rest of the building, leading to a reduced wall to panel distance.

Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

Modern metal facade systems usually snap into place, tightly interlocking the panels, making installation simple and very quick. As stated earlier, this does not affect the quality of the waterproofing, but it does allow the facade to breathe. This ensures that the metal facade and any thermal insulation are kept at peak performance by removing any water vapour that may condense.

When designing a facade system, special care must be taken to prevent potential leakage points and optimise a building’s thermal performance. Using the correct attachment to your building’s structural elements is paramount. Properly installed to the manufacturer’s specifications, a ventilated metal facade will allow for thermal expansion and contraction within the system and ensure thermal bridging is reduced.

As with roofing, regular inspections are recommended to identify any urgent maintenance. Problems spotted early can be fixed quickly and cost-effectively, ensuring that the metal facade is maximised in longevity. With all metal facades, you should watch out for any damage to panels, flashings, and mastic seals.

Garland UK provides high-performance metal facade systems and expert installation support through its network of approved contractors. Its comprehensive PartnerCare program ensures that a building’s facade receives the necessary care throughout its lifecycle, backed by industry-leading guarantees.

See Garland UK’s website for more details.

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