ACM panels are among the most popular construction materials architects use for modern building designs. Although ACP itself is a modern-looking system, you can enhance their elegancy by choosing various hues for them equivalent to your home’s design. In this article, you will learn about the 13 best aluminum composite colors and designs that you can choose to create a beautiful and modern facade for your home.
But, first of all, let’s see how color can affect any architectural project.
How do Colors Affect Your Building Design?
Just as the colors and hues of a painting or photograph can produce a mood, the aluminum composite colors can also influence how people feel when they see it.
Years of research in psychology have shown that some colors will make you feel relaxed, some will keep you alerted, and some will attract you with a pleasant feeling.
You or your architect should choose aluminum composite panel colors that can attract human eyes while increasing your home’s aesthetics. You can also combine different hues and colors to create an excellent feel for your modern facade. In the next section, you will learn the best colors for aluminum composite panels.
Use These Aluminum Composite Colors and Create an Unforgettable Facade
You can use earthly brown hues for your aluminum composite colors if you give your home a sense of reliability and strength. With this color, you can create the illusion of natural elements.
With wood sidings and brown ACM panels, your home will look extraordinary.
Grey and White ACM Panels
If you want to create a modern, minimal, and beautiful building facade, the best aluminum composite panel colors are a mixture of grey and white.
The combination of these colors looks sleek on the modern building facade. You can ask your architect to use various shades of white and grey to deck up the exterior cladding of your house.
You can enhance your grey and white ACM panel’s beauty with black framed glass windows.
You Can Combine Grey and White with Brown
When architects want to create a stunning effect for modern residential properties, they opt for the combination of white and grey with a reddish-brown shade.
This color combination is perfect for homeowners who want to create a style that appears both modern and traditional.
Add Light and Shade to Your Aluminum Composite Colors
Although adding light and shades is not among the colors you can choose for your aluminum cladding, it is a perfect way to make your home look stunning.
This designing method works perfectly with facades with dark grey and white ACM colors.
Multiple Shades Will Create Unique Appearance for Your Modern Facade
With a little bit of creativity, you and your architect can deck up your modern home’s design with various shades. However, if you want to enhance your home’s aesthetic with this method, you should opt for ACM panels colors with brown, black, grey, and white color finishes.
ACM Panels with Green Accents are Unique
Green is another modern color in the architectural world. However, you can create a relaxing and soothing feel with the greenish aluminum composite panel. But the important thing is that you should combine the green accents with other dark colors such as dark grey or black.
Light Blue Aluminum Composite Colors
Architects use blue aluminum composite colors to offer a calm, soothing, secure, and dignified feeling. One of the best ways to use light blue ACM panels is for the ceiling or roofing applications.
Additionally, you can add lights to your blue ACM panels to create an inviting and modern aura for your home.
Combine Various Materials to Create Unique Colors
One of the best ways to create a stunning home facade is by combining various materials with aluminum composite material. For example, with dark composite panels and brick or stone, you can vary the hues of the exterior cladding.
Charcoal Grey is Trendy and Classy
Charcoal grey is one of the trendiest aluminum composite colors that you can choose for your modern house. With this unique color, you can create a facade that will look neat.
Note: If you have a green lawn, backyard, or front yard in your home, this color is the best choice.
Dark Aluminum Composite Colors Will Make You Feel Rich
Another stylish choice for ACM colors is dark hues. With these colors, your home will look sleek and trendy. However, the monochromatic color should be enhanced with a beautiful contemporary home design.
Add Red Accents to Your Facade for More Attractiveness
Research has shown that Red is the color that attracts the human eyes the most. So, if you want to enhance your home’s attractiveness, you should add some accents of Red.
You can use red aluminum cladding panels or combine dark panels with red materials such as brick or terracotta tiles.
A Few Orange Accents Will Change Your Home’s Feel
Orange is the color that creates a luminous space and friendly feel. With orange accents in your paneling system, you can create a calmer design and if you want to enhance its beauty, add some lighting system.
Yellow Accents are Suitable for Aluminum Composite Panels
If you have a design element on your home’s exterior and want to highlight it, choosing yellowish ACM colors is best. This color is cheerful and radiant, and it does not overwhelm as much as Red.
Currently, architects focus on designing buildings that are energy-efficient and beautiful. One of the essential components of any building and home is its cladding system. Building cladding is the exterior element of a facility that protects the structure from external factors. All types of buildings require an efficient and functional cladding material from commercial to residential. One of the standards and popular cladding materials is an aluminum composite material. This aluminum cladding adds insulation and protects the building from weather conditions while enhancing the aesthetic characteristics of the facility.
What is Aluminum Composite Material?
Thealuminum composite panelis a metal cladding system that is produced with aluminum. Composite panel manufacturers utilize various methods of fabrication and production to create these materials for building facades.
Unlike other conventional cladding materials, aluminum composite material is entirely recyclable. Manufacturers use continuous bonding between two aluminum plates and one fire-retardant core to provide the highest quality aluminum composite panels.
The exterior layer of aluminum composite panels is often pre-painted, adding extra protection and aesthetics and making it perfect for exterior and interior applications.
An Aluminum composite material is primarily made from various aluminum plate systems. However, today’s building material suppliers provide composite panels with other finishes, including wood grains. Thus, this cladding system can be suitable for homeowners who want to create a modern or traditional facade.
Traditional ACM panelsconsisted of polyurethane core that is banned in most countries, including Canada, due to its fire-safety issues. Thus, modern composite panels feature an FR core following international building codes and regulations.
Additionally, aluminum composite material manufacturers manage to produce nano aluminum composite panels that offer extra protection against water and increase the lifespan of your metal cladding system.
History of ACP Material
Aluminum composite material development has a long history. The story of ACM panels goes back to the 1960s when metal researchers from Swiss proposed the idea of combining aluminum plates with other materials.
Engineers carried out numerous inspections before starting the large production of aluminum composite panels. They started testing their ideas on aluminum siding panels.
After ensuring all aspects of the material, in 1969, a German metal company launched a brand named ALUCOBOND to produce aluminum composite material on a larger scale.
Why Manufacturers Started Developing Aluminum Composite material?
The primary reason for producing aluminum composite material was to meet the unique requirements of industrial projects. Due to the advantages of this metal panel, the early targeted applications were marked by the transportation industry.
With the growth of researching technology, the functionality of aluminum composite panels was recognized for architectural projects. Currently, the most usage of composite material is in the cladding systems.
What are the Advantages of ACM Panels?
Aluminum composite material and ACM panel manufacturing process made them suitable construction materials for various industrial projects. Thanks to the current equipment and technology, manufacturers improved their characteristics.
If you want to use aluminum composite panels for your following projects, knowing their primary advantages over other construction materials is essential, which are:
ACP is a Cost-Effective Cladding System.
ACM panels are Durable
Composite Panels are Versatile Construction Materials
ACM Panels Feature Flat Surface
ACM Installation is Straightforward
Aluminum Composite Material is Lightweight
You Can Ensure Your Building’s Safety with ACM Panels
Composite Materials Do Not Require Regular Maintenance
Aluminum Composite Panels are Perfect Sound Insulators
ACP is an Energy Efficient Construction Material
Building claddings that are made from aluminum composite material are among the most economical building materials in the market. Since they are long-lasting cladding systems, they are considered an investment. After they are correctly installed, ACM panels will serve your building for decades without causing additional expenses.
Since aluminum composite material is lightweight, installing it on the building facade is more accessible than most traditional cladding materials. Additionally, the labor cost is less than other systems. Moreover, builders can use various installation methods depending on the project.
The aluminum composite panel’s structural details offer efficient thermal performance, making it one of the best solutions for the cladding systems in energy-efficiency terms.
Thanks to the unique structure of ACM panels, these metal claddings are resistant to the harshest weather conditions. The anti-corrosion characteristic of these panels makes them one of the best rainscreen cladding materials in the construction industry.
Another advantage of aluminum composite material is its fire-resistant characteristic which will be discussed in the next sections.
Is it Possible to Recycle Aluminum Composite material?
Today’s best aluminum composite material manufacturers use various methods to recycle this valuable material to reproduce new ACM panels for new projects.
Although ACM panels are economical construction materials, recycling the old or damaged ones is better to prevent them from being wasted in the land fields. Additionally, the high value of ACP influences manufacturers to recycle them without causing changes in their main physical properties.
Another crucial reason that pushes manufacturers to recycle aluminum composite panels is that producing them consumes more energy than recycling.
Aluminum Composite Material Manufacturers Recycle these Cladding Systems With the Steps Below:
They start with crushing old aluminum composite material panels.
Then they grind the crushed metal panels.
Manufacturers utilize circulating water as the cooling system of the process.
They sieve the composite panels.
The last step is to do the electrostatic separation of the components.
Manufacturers offer a unique type of aluminum composite material that features spectra coating. This panel has a different appearance compared to standard ones.
The spectra coating for ACM panels is the final layer of the product that is special in both color and style.
ACM panels with spectra coating have a mixture of colors that you can find in rainbows which consists of a color spectrum instead of a solid hue. In an aluminum composite panel of a specific size, the color purity gradually decreases or increases, or the color darkens and lightens.
The unique appearance of ACM panels with spectra coating allows architects to design extraordinary building facades that will stand out. However, they are more suitable for more dynamic locations with intimate atmospheres such as malls, hotels, art schools, or offices.
With the spectra coated aluminum composite material, the building will be known as a place worth visiting. The only issue with this coating system is that it cannot be used for residential facilities due to the most local building codes that demand the architects to design a building that can blend into the overall style of the neighborhood.
How to Clean Aluminum Composite Material?
Although aluminum composite material does not need regular maintenance and can last long, you will have to clean them once in two to three years to maintain their beauty.
Cleaning aluminum composite panels is not a challenging task. However, there are some essential things to know before cleaning your ACM panels.
Never use strong alkaline or acid detergents.
Never consider using abrasive materials.
Using items that can scrub the painted surface of the aluminum composite material is forbidden.
Never clean your aluminum cladding in the hottest hours of the day or direct sunlight.
Before beginning the thorough cleaning process, choosing a small spot for testing your cleaning method is recommended.
Is it Possible to Fabricate or Bend Aluminum Composite Panels?
Since aluminum composite material is flexible (with robust characteristics), manufacturers can fabricate them in any demanding shape or design. It is possible to bend and cut ACM panels with various industrial machines, including:
Three Roll Bending
Press Brakes
Each fabrication method has its unique principles, and if you want to know more about the details, check out the How to Cut ACM Panelsarticle.
Three Roll Bending Machine
Press Brake
What is the Difference Between Aluminum Composite Material and Aluminum Plates?
Many people think that an aluminum plate is the same as an aluminum composite material which is a big mistake. Aluminum composite panels are made from solid aluminum plates, and there is a big difference between them when it comes to using them as the cladding material. The primary differences are:
Building Codes and Regulations
Color Finishes and Coatings
Structure
Fabrication and Production Process
Installation Process
Aluminum panels are just solid pieces of metal product that are non-laminated. On the other hand, ACM panels are produced by the composition of aluminum plates and a mineral-filled core. Most aluminum panels are available in their natural and solid color, while ACP materials come with various colors and finishes. Additionally, aluminum composite material is a safer cladding system than concrete panels.
Is Aluminum Composite Panel Flammable?
Almost all modern aluminum composite panels are fire-rated. however, the national standard of GB8624-97 divides these materials into the following classes for their fire-safety characteristics:
A2: Non-combustible Panels
B1: Fire-Retardant Panels
B2: Traditional ACM Panels that Were Combustible
B3: Flammable Composite Panels (not recommended for large buildings)
Now that you know the different classes of aluminum composite panels, it is evident that choosing A2 or B1 for your next project will be the best choice.
Connection Methods for ACM Panels
As told, the installation process of ACM panels is straightforward compared to most of the current metal cladding systems. However, builders utilize some supplies and connection methods to provide a stable cladding system for their homes or commercial buildings. The list of builders’ connection methods to install your aluminum composite material is here.
Rivet Connection
Threaded Fasteners
Plastic Welding
Card Connector
Interior Designing with ACP Material
Although aluminum composite material is best for cladding systems, it is possible to use the panel for interior design.
Most interior designers utilize aluminum composite panels for modern furniture designs, including cabinets, tables, shelves, and chairs.
Due to the contemporary appearance of these metal panels, designers can create beautiful and industrial-looking bathrooms and kitchens for people who want to create modern interiors for their homes or offices.
Additionally, ACM panels can be used for interior elements such as ceilings and columns to offer unique characteristics to the area.
The price of aluminum composite panels mainly depends on the finishes you choose and the size your project requires. Additionally, the grades of ACM panels (fire-resistant grades), which we discussed earlier, can also affect the price of your cladding material. With this said, suppliers offer both expensive and cheap panels. Check our guide about ACM Panels: Cheap vs. Expensive if you want to know their differences.
Nowadays, aluminum composite material (ACM) is the number one cladding material for high-rise buildings and residential facilities. However, aluminum composite panels weren’t always the dominant metal claddings before. Before ACM panels came into the construction market, aluminum plates, also known as aluminum siding systems, were the preferred choice for most building companies, architects, and homeowners.
When ACM panels were first produced, these composite materials were dispersed into the market in a massive amount by ACP companies to seize a significant share of the construction market. Since their beginning, aluminum composite panels have been sold on a large scale since ACM panels are more lightweight, cost-effective, and durable than traditional aluminum siding systems. These composite materials came with various color and texture finishes, including wood grains.
Aluminum composite materials (ACM panels) still offer beneficial characteristics to date, and some other properties have been added to them over the past years to increase their viability and appeal. Today’s ACP materials can be fabricated and rolled easily, making them perfect for architectural projects requiring complex shapes and designs.
Essential Things to Know Before Buying and Using ACM Panels
Before purchasing and using these aluminum cladding systems for your building, you need to know a few essential things about ACM panels. The first essential thing you need to be aware of is that they are two primary types of aluminum composite panels available in the market for your applications which are:
Fire-Resistant (FR) Core or Fire Rated ACM Panels
Polyethylene (PE) Core or Non-Fire Rated Aluminum Composite Material
The primary difference between FR and PE ACM is that the non-fire-rated aluminum composite panels have a thermoplastic polyethylene core material. In contrast, the fire-rated ACP contains mineral-filled thermoplastic material.
Another essential aspect of aluminum composite material is that it is a combustible product. Thus, it is crucial to determine which building regulation and code ACM falls under and then test it to comply with the rules. With this, you can increase the life span of the aluminum cladding system and ensure the safety of your building’s structure and its occupants.
Although aluminum composite material is an excellent construction material to use in modern buildings, it can sometimes seem a little pricey. Thus, many homeowners prefer to go for cheaper aluminum composite panels, which are not certified since they want to avoid spending a lot of money. However, you should know that ultimate costs and expenditures can follow this big mistake during the lifetime of the building. While many cheap ACM panels are non-certified, several other composite panels are certified, high-quality, and genuine. So, you may ask why these ACP materials are more affordable or less expensive than other aluminum cladding materials in the market? We have revealed that in the next section.
Building Cladding with Expensive ACM Panels
The Difference Between Expensive and Cheap Aluminum Composite Materials (ACM)
As told, some ACM and aluminum composite panels are more expensive than others. The reasons behind their higher price are high-grade materials used to produce them, and the labor involved in their construction is generally more skilled. Thus, it is expected for cheaper ACM panels to have less resistance against extreme weather conditions and are more likely to rust when exposed to humidity.
The coating that is applied to expensive ACM is PFC which automatically makes it more costly than uncertified aluminum composite panels in the market. Another essential characteristic that makes some composite materials more expensive than others is their fire-resistance level. ACP materials that are fire-rated and provide better safety have a higher cost. Additionally, choosing expensive aluminum composite panels offers several other benefits and advantages for the construction, including:
Expensive ACM panels can last longer than cheap ones.
Fabricating High-quality Aluminum Composite Panels is easier than low-quality ones.
Expensive ACP materials are energy-efficient since they insulate the building facade perfectly.
When it comes to sound insulation, high-quality aluminum claddings are the best choice.
Expensive aluminum claddings come with better water-proof characteristics.
High-quality aluminum composite panels do not require regular maintenance, while cheap ACM panels will need frequent cleaning.
An expensive aluminum composite material will add value to your home, and buying high-quality ACP is considered an investment.
Aluminum composite material with higher quality comes with lighter weight, and installing them is more straightforward.
Aluminum cladding systems are durable building materials applied to a facade to protect the facility from exterior elements. In the construction industry, the term “cladding” means a building covering system that protects the building by offering an extra layer while providing aesthetics. Since architects and building contractors utilize metal cladding systems for current projects, manufacturers are developing modern aluminum cladding systems with high functionality and beautiful finishes. Thanks to modern technologies and development methods, today’s aluminum panels experience quality improvements and can last for a long.
Aluminum cladding systems are made from the lightest metal material on the earth. However, these metal panels are robust, providing a high level of stability and durability. Since aluminum is a flexible material, manufacturers can fabricate them in any desired shape and design, allowing architects to create limitless building facade styles. Additionally, homeowners can easily replace them with other products whenever they want. The vast array of aluminum cladding systems benefits and advantages make them the dominant metal building materials in the market. Here are the primary advantages of aluminum panels that are used for the building cladding system:
Durability and Sustainability
Safety
Fire-Resistance
Water-Resistance
Easy Installation
Lightweight Characteristics
Versatility
Low-Maintenance
Recyclability and Environmentally-Friendliness
Affordability
Style and Finishes Variety
Energy Efficiency
Investors in the building industry and homeowners prefer to buy metal cladding systems that last for long. Aluminum cladding systems are highly durable and sustainable and can withstand even the worst weather conditions. Additionally, these building facade materials provide structural stability. Although aluminum panels do not get damaged easily, in some cases, homeowners may prefer to replace them with other materials. However, there is no need to throw old panels in landfills since aluminum claddings are fully recyclable. It is essential to mention that modern manufacturers recycle ACP materials to produce new aluminum composite panels that are functional, sustainable, and beautiful.
Aluminum panels used for building claddings are considered rainscreen systems and can improve the building’s envelope’s thermal insulation and energy efficiency. Additionally, ACM or aluminum composite panels are among the most popular aluminum cladding systems and are perfect sound insulating materials, making them ideal for industrial and crowded cities.
Safety and functionality are essential factors to current building codes and regulations. Thus, manufacturers developed their aluminum claddings by adding fire-resistance characteristics to their products. For instance, aluminum composite panels are both fire and water-resistant materials. Moreover, aluminum is an anti-corrosion metal and does not rust or corrode when exposed to rainwater and humidity. Since metal building manufacturers apply an extra coating to these products, the durability of modern aluminum sidings is improved. Unlike other metal claddings such as copper, the humidity will not affect aluminum building facades.
Due to aluminum’s lightweight and durable nature, extra pressure cannot be placed on the construction’s structure. For example, ACM panels can withstand even the most potent wind loads without folding and denting. Since aluminum composite panels and sidings are lightweight construction materials, installing these panels for new or renovation projects is straightforward and cost-effective. Old buildings that have serious structural issues cannot facilitate complex development. However, building contractors can install aluminum claddings to the building exterior wall system to create attractive facades without putting the structural stability at risk.
Aluminum cladding systems are incredibly versatile construction materials. These metal building facades do not provide only a vast array of hues and color choices but also a choice of shapes, patterns, styles, sizes, and visual effects. ACP manufacturers can fabricate and customize aluminum composite panels into any demanding shape. This advantage of aluminum cladding materials is due to their melting point, which is considered low. Architects and designers appreciate using ACM panels for projects that require curves and unusual shapes for building facades.
Aluminum sidings and ACM panels require simple periodic cleaning, only for aesthetic reasons. Over the lifespan of aluminum claddings, the product translates into an ecological and cost-effective solution for new and renovation applications. Cleaning aluminum composite panels can be done by simple water rising and standard cleaning tools.
Aluminum Cladding System with ACM panels
Different Types of Aluminum Cladding Systems
Building material suppliers and manufacturers provide various types of aluminum cladding systems. Each system has its unique characteristics, pros, and cons. However, there are two common and popular aluminum cladding systems: aluminum sidings and aluminum composite panels known as ACM panels or ACP materials. Both cladding systems are beneficial for current construction projects.
Aluminum Composite Panels (ACM Panels or ACP Material)
ACM panelsor aluminum composite materials are among the most modern aluminum cladding systems widely used in contemporary architectural and building projects. The usage of ACM panels is growing day by day due to their various beneficial characteristics. These building materials consist of two layers of coated aluminum sheets and one fire-resistant core material, making them the durable cladding system for today’s homes and buildings. Unlike traditional aluminum panels, ACP materials do not require repair and come with various sustainable finishes. For homeowners who prefer to have facilities with a more natural and classic feel, ACP manufacturers produce ACM panels with a wood pattern finish. There is no other metal cladding system in the market that can compete with ACM panels in durability, stability, maintainability, energy efficiency, and versatility.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum sidingis considered the traditional type of aluminum cladding system that architects and builders have used for decades. Although aluminum sidings are not as beneficial as aluminum composite panels, they have unique advantages and characteristics. For instance, it is easy to repair or repaint aluminum siding, they are water-resistant cladding materials, and it is easy to install on the building facade. However, they lack noise insulation and paint durability. With this said, it is better to buy aluminum composite panels for modern buildings. However, the price of aluminum siding is lower than modern ACM panels, making them more budget-friendly. It is essential to mention that traditional or contemporary aluminum siding claddings are the best choice for industrial facilities.
Aluminum Cladding System with Aluminum Siding
Aluminum Cladding Panels Installation Process
As told, aluminum cladding panels are lightweight materials, and installing them is considerably easy. Anyone can install ACM panels and sidings to their building’s facade by following the steps below. However, it is better to hire contractors or builders for better results.
Snap a chalk line about 16 cm above the ground.
Fasten a metal starter strip with metal nails with large heads.
Place the nails and supplies in the center of the slots and do not drive them completely to allow the aluminum cladding systems to expand and contract easily.
Nail the J channel at the corners.
Push the first aluminum panel firmly up into the starter strip and nail it to the wall studs.
Add other aluminum siding or ACM panels to the structure.
Nail the top of all aluminum panels.
Install door and window trim at the openings.
Caulk around the openings.
Nail on top edges and then the sides and bottom.
Slip the aluminum cladding panels into the trim pieces.
Install the F and J channel at the top wall panels.
Measure and cut the aluminum cladding panels to fit the designs perfectly.
Aluminum Cladding Installation Process for Commercial Building
Aluminum Claddings Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning aluminum cladding systems consist of four primary methods, which are:
Water Soluble Cleaning
Non-Water-Soluble Cleaning
Mild Solvent
Color and Shine
Debris and dust that cannot be washed by rainfall can be removed with simple water rinsing. However, if there are signs of residue left on the surface, mild soap and clean water solution can be applied with a soft brush. Wipe or air dry the panels with soft, line-free, dry cloths. More aggressive solvent cleaners will be required if the debris remains on the surface after cleaning with a water-soluble method. However, ethanol alcohol or methanol should be the first attempt to remove surface debris when a water-soluble solution has little or no effect. In case of unwanted color fades on aluminum cladding systems, homeowners can apply a high-quality, non-abrasive car was to the exterior layer.
Aluminum Cladding Systems Cost
Many people wonder why aluminum claddings are more affordable and popular than steel and iron. The primary reason for their exceptional price is the material’s availability. Additionally, it is easier to extract and obtain aluminum than other metal materials. It is essential to remember that the aluminum cladding systems installation process is much easier than other metal claddings resulting in lower labor costs.
Since aluminum cladding systems last for more than 20 years without requiring regular maintenance, they are considered an investment and add value to the facility. As told, aluminum building facades are energy-efficient materials and can decrease utility bills for homeowners reducing the overall expenditure. However, they are standard prices for flat aluminum claddings and ACM panels.
Price for flat aluminum cladding panels: Under $10 per sq.m.
Price for aluminum composite panels (ACM panels): $15-$30 per sq.m.
The benefits of ACM panels are what the current building industry needs for attractive cities and durable construction projects. Aluminum Composite Panels ensure safety and satisfy building codes and regulations across the globe. These construction materials are sleek and modern systems that were first introduced in the 1960s. Due to the benefits of ACM panels, these cladding materials took over other products such as wood and cement in the market.Â
The benefits of aluminum composite panels compared to other building materials made them the dominant cladding material in the industry. It is essential to mention that traditional and older cladding materials are not environmentally friendly products and can be damaged or destroyed easily when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Thus, current builders and architects appreciate using new and valuable systems to improve facilities with higher quality and weather-resistant characteristics. The benefits of the metallic series of ACM panels are what everyone is looking for to build an aesthetic building facade with high functionality.
What are ACM Panels?
Aluminum Composite Panels or ACM panels, like other composite products, are made from different layers. However, these products feature three thin layers, including two layers of aluminum sheets attached to a fire retardant core material. Manufacturers utilize various types of core substances equivalent to the customers demanding project. The core material can change the fire exposure behavior of the cladding system. For instance, the center can be made of solid minerals or honeycomb filling, but the old ACP systems feature combustible polyethylene, which is unsafe for industrial cities.
The core material’s combustibility made few issues for past years when most builders were using traditional ACM panels. Thus, current aluminum composite manufacturers change the core substance of external cladding systems to prevent future disasters. Although ACM panels are more expensive than other cladding systems, ACP materials are perfect for projects that require a combination of high structural building materials. Thus, building material suppliers provide systems with different qualities and core substances. The benefits of ACM panels push suppliers and manufacturers into investing in the hybrid system production process. A reliable world statistics estimates that more than 200 companies are active in ACM panels production, and the numbers are still increasing as the need for modern and functional buildings grows.Â
Benefits of Aluminum Composite Panels
When choosing and buying building materials for a project, clients demand to know the advantages of available products. Here is the list of the benefits of ACM panels that anyone should know before choosing the cladding system for the application.
Lightweight Characteristics and ACM Panels Installation
Aluminum composite panels are popular due to their lightweight characteristics in the building and construction industry. This property allows builders to benefit from the ACM panels installation process, which is relatively straightforward.
High-Quality
Aluminum Composite material suppliers and manufacturers apply a special coating to the materials, including polyester and fluorocarbon allowing developers to produce high-quality cladding systems with a perfect metallic surface. ACM panels metallic series are hard to break and can overcome different kinds of harsh weather conditions.
The Durability of ACM Panels
One of ACM panels’ best properties that made them the perfect cladding material for cold areas is durability. Building cladding systems should last long, and ACP materials are ideal for the purpose as they consist of zinc, copper, and other metals that increase their durability. However, the homeowner may want to replace the cladding system with other systems such as aluminum siding. In this case, there should be no worries about throwing the composite panels in the landfill. On the other hand, there are various aluminum composite panels recycling methods that manufacturers utilize.
Fire-Resistant Characteristics
Modern building standards require fire-resistant characteristics for safety purposes. New Aluminum Composite Panels do not spread the fire or melt due to their FR core material.
Various Thicknesses
ACM panel manufacturers provide products in different thicknesses allowing architects to create limitless designs. Clients can choose the gauge they require for the project. However, there are standard sizes that most ACP materials come in. Generally, the materials that are utilized for cladding systems have a thickness of more than 4mm.
Flexibility and Versatility
The flexibility and versatility of aluminum composite panels are two of the beneficial characteristics that architects appreciate. Manufacturers can create cladding systems in any demanding shape by bending, cutting, and folding the panels.
Building a residential facility, an office, or a board for advertisement can sometimes be a challenging and daunting task due to the complexity involved in the installation process. Developing a structure from 0 to 100 requires having a precise plan and schedule, but it also needs to be cost-effective and enjoyable. The essential part for building construction or an advertisement board mostly depends on various elements, including the contractor, project budget, and materials used for the purpose. This is why modern building materials come to the picture, including ACM panels.
Some factors for building a new office or home may not be in the customer’s hands. However, choosing and installing suitable building materials is unquestionably a choice. Choosing and buying construction materials for a custom facility or commercial building has become more manageable after manufacturers started developing aluminum composite material panels (ACM panels). However, before utilizing them in your next project, you will need to know what ACM panels or ACP materials are and how ACM panel installation should be done.
What are Aluminum Composite Materials (ACM)?
ACM panels manufacturers developed these functional materials with beneficial characteristics making the head product in construction and architecture. Compared to other construction materials, Aluminum composite panel (ACP) and supplies reveal their advantages. By looking at some high-quality ACM panels characteristics, including durability, rigidness, flexibility, and lightweight, the difference between other traditional cladding materials is evident. Additionally, it is easy to recycle ACM panels for other projects. Furthermore, the numerous applications of ACM panels make them the perfect choice for architects and builders.
Aluminum composite panels feature two primary layers of aluminum sheets and a core substance placed between other layers. Although ACP materials have not raised severe issues after their development, the core materials have been a leading obstacle. In other words, old composite panels didn’t feature non-combustible core material. However, ACM panels manufacturers managed to find and utilize FR (fire-retardant) substances and solve the issue once and for all. ACM manufacturers changed the polystyrene to a mineral-filled sense, and these materials gained approval from building regulations for safety. Thus, it is essential to check if the core is made from FR materials before ACM panels installation.
ACM Panels Installation Process
Although ACM panels are functional for various applications, including transportation, signage, industry, and more, they are primarily used as exterior building metal cladding systems and interior decoration materials. ACM panels installation involves different steps depending on the client’s demands. Thus, it is better to contact the ACM panel manufacturers and gather the details when buying aluminum composite panels.
Aluminum Composite Panel Installation Steps:
Measurement: The first step of installing any building material is to measure the dimensions and size of the demanding product. It is essential to do the measurements precisely. Even the slightest mistakes can cause money and time loss.
Fabricate: After determining the accurate size of the aluminum composite panels, the board provider should fabricate them in the demanding dimensions. ACM panels manufacturers utilize various professional tools for cutting, folding, bending, and drilling their materials. Installing supporters and fasteners can also take place in this step.
Waterproofing: Another essential step of ACM panels installation is waterproofing. The weather barrier which should protect the structure needs to be installed before applying the aluminum composite claddings. In this step, a primer should be applied to the framings, and then the barrier is utilized to seal the cladding materials.
Applying the Mounting System: Builders use a mounting system to ensure the straight alignment of ACM cladding panels. After applying the mounting system, the cladding boards are installed in a fixed order. The order depends on different factors, such as the priority of shaped areas and corners.
Installing ACM Panels: In the final stage, ACM panels should be installed on the mounting. It is better to ensure that the primary profiles (clips) are connected to the aluminum composite panels. Then, the installer must screw the boards to the wall. After ACM panels installation, there will be a gap between the boards. Most ACM manufacturers utilize a strip for matching and hiding these gaps. Other supporters, such as shims and additional clips, are utilized in the final stage for leveling and attaching the cladding materials.
ACM Panels Installation Guide for Outdoor Application and Purpose
ACM panels outdoor applications require different installation methods. All methods require accuracy and precision. Due to the wind loads in the back of the composite panels, it is crucial to install weather resistance barriers. As told earlier, fire retardant core also represents a significant role in ACM panels cladding systems.
The primary consideration for aluminum composite cladding panels is preparations. Choosing a fixed direction isessential to paint ACM panels. (Arrow direction on the protective film)
For preventing damages and scratches on the boards, it is better to roll, cut or drill the product from the back.
Developing a sketch for ACM panels installation is essential since some sections such as windows and doors need to be installed before other portions.
Builders should install the first panel in areas such as corners.
Permanently remove the protective films as each section’s installation is done.
Aluminum composite installation for exterior wall cladding is crucial. The ACM panels should be sealed in the correct order. Otherwise, water leakage will possibly be an issue during rainy weather.
Currently, there are a wide array of construction materials available for architects, constructors, and builders. Selecting and buying suitable building material for the demanding project depends on numerous factors, including price, versatility, durability, finishes, and purpose. Thus, clients and architects must choose the most suitable construction materials for their projects and applications. One of these materials widely used in modern and industrial cities such as Toronto is Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP), also known as ACM panels claddings and roofing systems. In the current industry, Aluminum composite panels are utilized not only for construction but for other applications in different industries.
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) Structure
ACM panels are also referred to as aluminum composite sheets, sandwich panels, and ACM materials. As told, these modern products are widely used in construction projects and other industries. The thing that made ACM panels unique and different compared to other building materials is their structural properties which provide outstanding quality and functionality among other particles.
The importance of each construction material is summarized in its structure. In other words, if the architect or customer wants to know whether the building material features the suitable quality and characteristics for the demanding project, they will need to learn about its structure and form.
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) Core Material
The Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) features a three-layered structure, including two sheets of aluminum and one fire-retardant core substance. This central core of ACP materials is the essential part of these building materials. However, at first, some issues started when the fire behavior of these construction materials went under question. The early aluminum composite panel featured a PE core substance that is sustainable to fire and spreads quickly. This problem is solved with various solutions. However, some countries abandoned PE cores, and others allow builders to utilize them for low-rise buildings.
Though the former systems seemed to be reliable, modern manufacturers provided better resolutions for aluminum composite panels. They typically utilize fire-retardant (FR) substances to make ACM panels safer than other construction materials. These solutions are perfect for exterior applications, including using ACM panels for cladding systems where safety plays a massive role in the building’s facade. The FR core materials can be varied depending on the local building codes and requirements. However, the common fire-retardant substances are mineral materials and honeycomb, which manufacturers utilize in their aluminum composite panels.
Coating Materials on ACM Panels or ACP Finishes
Although the substance used in the structure’s core is of great importance in an Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP), coating materials on ACM panels are also essential and affect the overall quality. Generally, manufacturers utilize two types of coating for these construction materials. The first one is PE finish, which is the same as for PE core. Thus, this can cause issues similar to the core material. However, it is possible to utilize this coating as the leading material on the surface for interior applications. Some of the internal usages of the PE coating include perforated and decorative panels, wall partitioning, and false ceiling.
On the other hand, experts recommend using coating materials such as PVDF or Nano aluminum composite panelsfor cladding systems and other external applications. These coating types provide better durability and quality and offer better safety and resistance against fire. Additionally, Nanocomposite panels are anti-dirt and water-retardant. Thus, they will require lower maintenance, and cleaning them is very straightforward.
Best Qualities of ACM Panels
The aluminum composite panel (ACP) has advantageous characteristics, qualities, and features, making it the perfect material for building cladding systems and facades. Due to its structural components and properties, ACP material is one of Canada’s most used building materials. The followings are the primary and beneficial characteristics of aluminum composite panels (ACP).
Flexibility, Versatility and Durability: One of the unique characteristics of an aluminum composite panel (ACP) is its flexibility, versatility and durability. Most construction materials do not feature three of these properties at once. It is accessible to fabricate and installs ACM panels, and they will last more than 30 years if maintained properly. Due to the versatility of ACP materials, manufacturers can produce various cladding products with different styles and shapes, allowing architects to create limitless designs for their clients.
Chemical and Water Resistance: ACM panels are manufactured in a way to withstand harsh weather conditions. These building materials are water and chemical resistant, and they can be utilized in different portions of a facility. This advantage of ACP materials makes them the perfect cladding materials for locations with high humidity and temperature change. However, if these panel systems are not installed properly, they can have leakage. Thus, it is essential to follow a rainscreen installing instructions precisely.
Lightweight Material: Most clients should pay considerable money to labor costs when constructing a new building. However, due to the lightweight characteristic of an aluminum composite panel (ACP), it is easy to install these building materials for cladding systems resulting in lower labor costs.
Aesthetics: Architects prefer using metal wall cladding systems, including ACM panels, which are the perfect materials for building facades, as they are modern, flat, and sleek. Most manufacturers create ACP materials in different color finishes and textures. Even ACM panels with wood pattern finishes are available for clients who prefer to have a mixture of contemporary and classic designs for their building’s cladding system.
Nano aluminum composite panels (ACM panels) are among the newest building materials available in the market, with various advantages. Currently, nanotechnology is creating an industrial revolution noticeable in all aspects of the modern life system. Manufacturers started applying this technology to aluminum composite panels and other construction materials to solve their drawbacks and grow their usage in current architectural projects. The nano-aluminum composite panel features all the previous advantages of the ACM panel, such as anti-scaling, durability, functionality, anti-corrosion, etc.
Nano Aluminum Composite Panels Applications
The traditional aluminum composite panels (ACM panels)are still one of the materials that are commonly used for various structures, products, and building claddings. The construction industry highly welcomes materials such as ACP materials due to their flexibility, versatility, lightweight, and other beneficial characteristics. However, constructions with aluminum composite panel cladding systems face numerous limitations and sensitivities. Cleaning and maintaining the building’s facade is an essential task for both low-rise and high-rise facilities. Thus, the building facade and its clean appearance involve maintenance and the facility’s value as a whole. Moreover, this becomes more crucial for larger and polluted cities.
Nano ACM panels have come to solve the cleaning and maintaining problem. The technology allows cladding systems to clean the aluminum surfaces of the facade on their own without requiring any particular chemical or unique methods.
How Nanotech Works in ACM Cladding Systems
The water droplets on the plant leaves or the ones on a greasy surface are generally spherical, and they are always separated from the surface. This natural event means that the surface is probably dry, and water molecules are attached to form the spheres. This happens due to the physical properties of any substance. Thus, science has divided surfaces into two general classifications, which are hydrophobic and hydrophilic.
The hydrophilicity of a substance’s surface means that the molecules of a particular amount of water tend to depress the area. Thus, water molecules form a narrow-angle or say the droplets’ height is low. In contrast with hydrophilicity, water particles on a hydrophobic surface tend to bond to each other rather than the material. In this case, droplets form a prominent sphere with a broader angle, and the height of the particular amount of water is higher. Additionally, hydrophilic surfaces feature high energy, and in contrast, hydrophobic substances have low energy surfaces. However, with the knowledge of nanotechnology, the physical properties of any surface can be transformed into a selective character. Thus, with the growth of technology, it is possible to create hydrophilic surfaces and change their properties.
Textured surfaces made in another nanoscale feature a greater distance between the air and molecules. This can cause hydrophilicity decrement on the surface, and water droplets will stick to more together than the desired surface. The same can happen with nano aluminum composite panels as water drops do not spread on the surface of the ACM panel and stick to each other. As water drops move on the cladding system, they will absorb the dust or strain and pass through the building facade. Thus, the nano aluminum composite panel’s surface gets cleaned thoroughly without extra cleaning chemicals applied. Additionally, the nano-coating existing on these cladding systems makes it difficult for the dirt and dust to adhere to the ACP surface, resulting in solid stains on the building facade execution.
It is essential to mention that Aluminum composite panels are low maintenance materials naturally, and even with nanotechnology, it is possible to clean them with detergents and cleaning tools. Aluminum sidings and ACM panels cladding systems do not require special equipment for cleaning. The crucial thing about nano cladding materials is that it makes the cleaning process much easier for high-rise buildings.
Advantages of Nano Aluminum Composite Panels
As nano aluminum composite panels have auto cleaning, they bring essential benefits for the building’s owner, which are as followed:
Homeowners can save money and energy by using nan ACM panels.
The building’s facade will last longer than other cladding materials.
The construction and its facade maintain its appearance, resulting in preserving the building’s value, prestige, and overall status.
Like any other composite material, Nano ACM panels consist of various layers, including the core or central layer, the front, rear cladding sections, and finally, the coating surfaces. The modern tech coating is applied to the last layer of the products. The final layer serves the cladding systems as a protector against different elements, including:
ACM panels are modern and practical cladding materials currently used for various applications, including commercial and industrial building projects. Due tothe wide range of ACM panels advantages, from extreme weather durability and minimum requirements for maintenance to aesthetics and modern appearance, architects and builders prefer to use them instead of traditional building cladding materials. However, for many reasons, which we will discuss in the next paragraph, one of the most critical questions for aluminum composite materials is how you should paint ACM panels.
Aluminum composite panels often offer a longtime service which can sometimes exceed 20 years if maintained properly. However, customers may encounter minor damage or peeled paints on the cladding material when buying a home with ACM material for its facade. The good news is that by utilizing proper painting supplies and particular substances, resurrecting these metal claddings will not be challenging, and such issues should no longer be a concern. Thus, it is more cost-effective to paint ACM panels rather than replacing them or reinstalling a new board. The paint finish recovering process is considerably straightforward, and most homeowners can take care of it without any need for professionals.
Equipment and Tools Needed to Paint ACM Panels
Some essential equipment and tools are needed to paint ACM panels with the best quality, resulting in more durable finishes and better aesthetics. These tools and equipment are including:
Primer with an Oil Substance: This is used for sealing any porous surfaces, and it will allow the paint for better coverage of ACM panels.
Acrylic Paint: For better paint bonding on the cladding material, it is practical to utilize exterior acrylic paint.
Brushes with Synthetic Fibers: When working with acrylic brushes, it is essential to use synthetic fiber brushes to paint ACM panels.
Lambswool Roller: For having a smoother paint finish and maximizing the surface area coverage, utilizing a lambswool roller can be helpful.
Simple Ladder: Use a ladder to reach and access the higher sections of the cladding material.
Plastic Bucket: The painter can hang the paint bucket from the ladder during the process, increasing the work speed.
Plastic Paint Trays: It is necessary to utilize plastic paint trays for lambswool rollers.
Drop Cloths: It is essential to keep the painting area clean with drop cloths during the job to avoid splattering the paint on the floor, which will be difficult to remove.
ACM Panels Painting Steps
There are a few yet essential steps to take when considering painting ACM panels without asking for help from experts. These painting steps are also practical for other cladding materials, including Aluminum sidings. Each phase has its particular role, and to paint ACM panels, the painter should follow them precisely.
Step One: Preparation for Painting ACM panels
Preparing aluminum composite panels for painting starts with scraping off paints that are already damaged or peeled with a scraping tool. Then the painter should remove any mildew with ten-part water to one part bleach combination. If the ACM panel is dingy, it is recommended to rent a power sander and sand down the cladding.
Step Two: Applying the First Coat of Primer to Paint ACM Panels
The second phase to paint ACM panels involves creating a first coat of primer when the weather is mild and dry for preventing different factors such as rain and debris from destroying the paint finish. Using a paint-roller will make the process easier, and it can apply the primer evenly while taking a few seconds per 0.09 meters. Additionally, it is essential to use the first coat in only one direction for maximizing the dry time.
Step Three: Adding a Second Layer of Primer
After applying the first coat of primer, the painter should add the second layer after the first layer is dried thoroughly. Generally, primer takes about four hours to dry. Thus, it is more efficient to start the process accordingly.
Step Four: Start Painting the Cladding Material
The most efficient way to paint ACM panels is to do the process from top to bottom by using long and even brush strokes. For better results, it is recommended to paint the aluminum composite panels in the same direction as installed, whether horizontal or vertical.
Step Five: Applying the Second Coat of Paint
After the fourth step, it is essential to wait about two hours to dry and then apply the second paint layer. This phase will help the painter correct any flaws that occurred during the cladding material painting. Buying an extra gallon of paint is practical for additional touchups.
Step Six: Inspect the ACM panels to Find Issues
Once applying both layers of paint is finished, the paint-finish must be left to dry for at least 3 hours. Then it is crucial to inspect the work for missing spots, drips or bumps. If there is a sign of the old ACM panel finish notable beneath the new finish, the painter should apply one more paint coat.
Rainscreen Construction Principle basic idea is to have an exterior surface or cladding layer that can break the force of sideways, wind load, water movement, resulting in preventing water penetration into the building’s structure. For most of the buildings, from modern to traditional ones, water is the biggest enemy. However, producing a complete watertight cladding system is challenging. Thus, manufacturers started working on the rainscreen construction principle decades ago to provide better protection for the constructions in the city. Rainscreen comes in different styles and types. One of the most popular types is the ACM panels or ACP materials used widely in the modern era. These particular products offer numerous advantages along with their waterproof characteristics.
In the rainscreen construction principle part 1, we discussed the basics of these practical systems and their structure that engineers designed for better watertight characteristics. This article covers essential information about this principle that anyone in the building industry must know.
Rainscreen Construction Principle Types
The rain screen construction principle is based upon two distinct and separate barriers on the building’s cladding. The outer barrier controls most rainwater while the inner leaf performs multiple functions, including moisture and air barrier, insulation, and the structural wall. The outer section allows the water to penetrate through open joinery, and the volume of the penetration depends on the design principle. This is where two distinct types of products come into the picture: the Drained/Back-ventilated and Pressure-equalized/Compartmented systems.
Both rainscreen systems are available in ACM panels cladding materials and different siding for the facade. They use the principle of controlling water leakage without stopping it from penetrating through the exposed outer surface completely. However, the internal design of both systems functions differently based upon the approach. Moreover, the Rainscreen construction principle has been generalized and consolidated into one unified product in specifications combined with both types’ characteristics. For complicating and confusing matters, the water, and air resistance standards from the traditional building cladding systems are applied to these modern designs and specifications of the exterior material’s exposure. Placing the water and air tightness codes on the outer surface of the barrier contradicts the underlying fundamentals of the Rainscreen Construction Principle. Now let’s get to the fundamental of each system.
Pressure-Equalized/ Compartmented Rainscreen
In this article, we focus on the Pressure-equalized rainscreen principle, which is very design intensive. Please read the third part of this article to learn about Drained/Back-ventilated systems for ACM panels.
Pressure-equalized systems are susceptible to design variations and deviations from their design principle. The openings in this system are created uniquely for both static and dynamic pressure equalization allowance across the rainscreen. The essential factor that separates this system from the D/BV principle is the design and the use of the compartmented method within the cavity. The reason behind the compartment is that the pressure equalization can only happen within limited periods and in the case of controlled volume behind the Rainscreen system. This equalization is essential due to the none-uniformity of wind loads, constantly changing across a single cladding of a building.
The vent numbers and their geometry calculation depend on the cavity volume, allowing sufficient airflow in and out of the internal equalized area quickly enough to respond to the ever-changing wind loads. This promotes the pressure differences between the ACM panels or other types of panels used in the system and the internal compartment pressure resulting in equalizing the air pressure on the external cladding and the inner sides of the building facade. If the conditions exist properly, forces causing water movement will decrease; if not, they will be eliminated.
The effective area of the vent holes in this type of rainscreen construction principle depends on three factors which are:
The airtightness of the air barrier on the inner section
The stiffness of the cladding material and its inner leaf
The volume of the compartments that make up the internal air space
The compartments are the essential elements of a proper pressure-equalized rain screen principle. They come with crucial properties, characteristics, and functionalities. Followings are the reasons why these elements play an indispensable role in the PE systems:
They control lateral and vertical airflow.
They size the volume of the space that the vent openings must be designed for facilitation.
The most crucial role of compartments is limiting water infiltration and controlling the water drainage when air-pressure disequilibrium occurs.
The characteristics above show that rainscreens with non-compartmentalized cavities cannot be pressure equalized. However, many of this system’s construction factors and elements are almost similar to the drained/back-ventilated rain screen construction principle. Still, they have several significant and essential differences, which we have discussed in the third part of this article.
