Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is known for its visually stunning array of islands. However, this tropical paradise faces demanding weather conditions. Buildings require exceptional resilience to endure the intense heat, humidity, typhoons, and torrential rains. Metal wall cladding in the Philippines has emerged as a leading solution, offering superior protection for structures in this unique climate. This article discusses the reasons why this material is the best choice for your building.
Built to Withstand the Philippine Climate
Heat and Humidity
These are two factors that tend to ravage traditional materials like wood. The mentioned material warps, and rots under such an environment. This warping would not only affect the integrity of the building but could also diminish the aesthetics. On the other hand, metal siding remains dimensionally stable. It will neither warp nor rot, even under extreme heat and humidity, thus ensuring that the exterior of your building retains its shape and continues to serve its purpose for years.
Typhoons and Rain
The country endures a regular barrage of typhoons and torrential downpours, posing a significant threat to inadequately protected structures. Metal facades offer a flexible solution. Its exceptional strength allows it to withstand the powerful winds and heavy precipitation associated with these storms. Functioning as a formidable barrier, the metal panels effectively prevent wind infiltration, mitigating potential structural damage. Furthermore, metal sidings sheds water efficiently, minimizing the risk of leaks and the subsequent development of detrimental issues such as mold growth and interior deterioration.
Corrosion Resistance
The country has many coastal regions where buildings are exposed to salty air. This constant exposure can lead to corrosion, a major concern for building materials. Certain metals used in cladding, particularly aluminum, naturally resist corrosion. Additionally, some steel grades come with a galvanized coating that provides excellent protection against the corrosive effects of salt. This enhanced resistance ensures the metal cladding retains its structural integrity and visual appeal for a longer lifespan, even in harsh coastal environments.
Beyond Durability: The Advantages of Metal Cladding
Fire Safety
Metal facades play a critical role in ensuring building safety. Unlike some traditional materials that can easily ignite and spread flames, metal offers excellent fire resistance. This property can buy valuable time for occupants to evacuate safely in the event of a fire. Additionally, metal sidings can help slow the spread of flames within the building, minimizing damage and protecting structural integrity.
Lightweight and Low Maintenance
When compared to heavier options like stone cladding, metal cladding shines with its lightweight advantage. This translates to a lighter load on the building’s foundation and support structures, particularly crucial for high-rise buildings. Metal facades set the bar for being low maintenance. Unlike wood, which demands regular painting or staining to maintain its appearance, metal siding retains its good looks for extended periods. Just occasional cleaning is all it needs, translating to significant cost savings throughout the building’s lifespan.
Decorative and Structural Flexibility
Metal facades go beyond its role as a purely functional building element. It offers exceptional design versatility, catering to a broad spectrum of architectural aesthetics. This versatility is achieved through a wide variety of styles, finishes, and colors. For contemporary structures, smooth metal panels can achieve a sleek, modern aesthetic. Conversely, for projects requiring a more traditional feel that complements historical architecture, textured metal finishes can be employed. The color palette is equally diverse, allowing architects to incorporate vibrant accents or more subdued, natural tones to achieve a cohesive design intent. This design flexibility empowers architects to translate their unique vision into a building that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.
Sustainability
Metal siding emerges as a leader in sustainable building practices due to its two-fold environmental benefit. First, the inherent recyclability of metal allows cladding panels to be seamlessly reintegrated into the material life cycle at the end of their service life. This minimizes waste generation and promotes a circular economy for valuable resources. Secondly, metal sidings boast exceptional durability, resulting in a significantly extended lifespan compared to other materials. This translates to a reduced need for replacements, which consequently minimizes the environmental impact associated with the manufacturing and installation processes of new cladding systems. By minimizing waste generation and reducing the demand for new material production, metal overlaying contributes significantly to a more sustainable construction industry.
Choosing the Right Metal for the Job
The two most popular options for metal cladding in the Philippines are:
Aluminum
Affordable, lightweight, and naturally rust-resistant, aluminum is a great choice for many projects.
Steel
While slightly more expensive than aluminum, steel offers superior strength and fire resistance. Certain steel grades with a galvanized coating provide excellent corrosion resistance.