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Sheet metal cladding is a panel material used in construction to cover the exterior or interior of a building. Common forms include corrugated metal panels, PVCu, aluminum, copper foil, and polycarbonate. Metal siding has been used since the early 1800s, and sheet metal ceilings became popular in the mid-19th century. Using sheet metal siding can be cost-effective and durable, with some materials lasting over 200 years. Plastic sheet siding, such as PVCu and polycarbonate, have also been developed and offer benefits such as insect and rot resistance, fire resistance, and durability.
Sheet metal cladding is a panel material, usually made of plastic or metal alloy, used in construction to cover the exterior or interior of a building. Common forms of sheet metal cladding include corrugated metal panels, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVCu), aluminum and copper foil, and polycarbonate &mash; a thermoplastic — among others. These can be used in a variety of premises, such as roofs, exterior or interior walls and ceilings.
Metal siding began to be widely used in the early 1800s. Corrugated galvanized iron, a corrugated profile sheet, was invented in the 1820s. The undulating profile added strength to the metal, making it difficult to bend perpendicular to the waves. It had widespread use as a roofing material in New Zealand, Australia, India, Chile and rural parts of the United States, and is still the most common roofing material in Australia and Chile.
Sheet metal ceilings, another example of sheet metal cladding, became popular in the mid-19th century. They were misnamed because they were typically made of painted iron or steel, and rarely of tin. These painted metal panels usually had raised ornamental designs. Often the designs were copied from carved and molded plasterwork and provided a cheaper alternative.
Using sheet metal siding can be a very cost-effective way to finish a building. Sometimes, like with copper siding, the initial expense can be higher than with other alternatives, such as wood siding, but copper has a much longer life expectancy. Some have survived intact for over 200 years. Another benefit is that the metallic coating is often recyclable.
Frequently, metal siding is made of alloys, or coated, to give it greater durability. For this reason, galvanized metal is often used. This usually takes the form of iron, steel or aluminum that has been coated with zinc. This makes it resistant to rust and corrosion.
New forms of sheet cladding were developed as plastic production increased in the mid-1900s. PVCu became widely used in Europe, particularly where hygiene is an important consideration, such as in restaurant kitchens. Another plastic sheet siding, polycarbonate, is often used to make roofing sheets for industrial buildings, carports, awnings, and patios.
There are many benefits of using sheet metal and plastic siding in building construction. They are insect and rot resistant and the metal siding resists fire. Both materials are also highly durable and can be very cost effective over the life of the building.
