What are cladding sheets? How to import quality and cheap cladding?
BlogDate: 27-07-2023 by: Ngoc Cam
Cladding sheets have many vital applications in the field of construction because of features such as modern design, sound insulation, effective fire resistance, and environmental friendliness. Cladding is used to make the facing material on buildings, providing a range of benefits. So what is the cladding? Is every cladding sheet safe and applicable to every project? All will be answered in detail by MRS Steel in the article below.
1. What are the cladding sheets made of?
Cladding is a layer of material used as a protective coating for construction or building surfaces. Products are made from various materials such as wood, aluminum, blends of cement, recycled polystyrene, wheat/straw fibers,... The different components will determine the characteristics and uses of the cladding.
2. What types of cladding are included?
2.1. Brick cladding
It is a form of cladding made from brickwork, which is considered a great solution to replace traditional bricklaying. The advantage of brick cladding is that it shortens the construction time and effort for high-rise buildings compared to the traditional bricklaying method.
2.2. Aluminum cladding
Aluminum cladding is widely used to make exterior cladding for projects, bringing aesthetic and luxurious facade effects to buildings. With the strength of lightweight, only 1/3 of the weight of steel, but still ensuring the certainty and sustainability of the construction, aluminum also has excellent rust and corrosion resistance in the long run. Aluminum is famous for being a flexible metal, easy to melt and bend, so it can be quickly melted according to all requirements and properties of the project.
2.3. Rainscreen cladding
This product is specially manufactured to prevent sunlight and rain from entering the building structure. The rain-screen cladding consists of a waterproof membrane, which is fixed to the frame or structure of the building. Thanks to this cladding, you can control the ventilation and water resistance of the building in changing weather conditions.
2.4. Shiplap cladding
Shiplap is a term used to refer to materials that are wood cladding such as raw pine boards or sawn timber. Shiplap has a structure consisting of two symmetrical grooves at both ends, which can connect the overlapping bars together to form a large wall panel. However, Shiplap's two grooves are not equal, one deep and one shallow, when combined to create a straight-line effect. Due to this unique design, water can drain off more easily when installed. This product is widely applied in the living space of many families because of the rustic and cozy feeling of natural wood.
3. Characteristics of steel cladding
Compared with conventional tile, wallpaper, and paint products, cladding sheets have the following amazing advantages:
Good protection
Steel cladding increases the sustainability of buildings and protects the internal building materials from weather changes such as sun, rain, wind, light, humidity,..., which affect the overall structure.
Effective non-combustible
All metal cladding must fully meet strict standards for fire resistance. Therefore, steel claddings have more advantages than wooden claddings or other materials, minimizing property damage when fire and explosion occur.
Cost savings
To construct steel cladding, engineers only need to attach separate steel plates together, thus shortening a lot of working time and effort. In addition, the surface of the product is resistant to dust and rust and easy to clean, so it saves more periodic maintenance costs than other types of cladding.
Eco-friendly
Steel cladding sheets are produced mainly from recycled materials, contributing to reducing waste and reducing emissions to the outside environment. In addition, the product also helps to save natural resources by limiting the use of materials from wood, concrete,... This is a perfect choice for projects and works towards a green environment for sustainable community values.
4. Uses of cladding sheets
Cladding sheets are used as a facing material on walls to protect the building from weather conditions such as rain, humidity, strong wind, temperature fluctuations,... The design of the cladding is also extremely diverse with many styles from luxury, classic to minimalist, elegant, and suitable for all styles of your living space. Not stopping there, the product has many notable uses such as:
External protective layer
Steel cladding is used for the purpose of protecting buildings that already have steel frames. It does not affect the overall structure of the building but contributes to the insulation of the external surface, improving the aesthetics of the projecting facade.
Construction new projects
The works are built by the steel frame method, consisting of vertical steel columns and horizontal I-beams, designed in the form of a rectangular grid to support the building's floor, roof, and walls. Steel frame houses can be covered with different types of steel cladding sheets to match the functions and requirements of the building.
Renovating existing buildings
With existing buildings that have deteriorated, civil engineers can use steel cladding sheets to upgrade the new appearance of the building. For example, to improve the aesthetic appearance of existing buildings, the investor will quickly and economically cover polyester cladding and provide excellent protection.
5. Why use quality, censored cladding sheets?
One of the biggest "disasters" related to the use of cladding in the construction sector was the Grenfell Tower apartment fire in London. The fire in 2017 killed 72 people and injured many others. The cause of the fire was determined to be that the building's cladding did not meet fire resistance standards due to the use of cheap and poor-quality insulation materials.
After the Grenfell event, not only in the UK but also in many other countries around the world also tightened the regulations on quality control and the use of cladding in construction projects and works. Choosing reputable panel suppliers will help investors limit risks before, during, and after construction.
According to the Center for Trade and Industry Information, in 2022, Vietnam's total steel production will reach 29.34 million tons, and steel export turnover will reach 7.9 billion USD, mainly in the group of coils, galvanized, bar, plate, and color coated steel. Vietnam is currently a source of steel and steel products for many countries and regions around the world such as ASEAN, the EU, the United States, China, Korea,... with a sharp increase in import volume. In addition, Vietnamese steel exporters also take advantage of opportunities to boost exports to markets that have signed FTAs with Vietnam to enjoy preferential tax rates and anti-dumping duties.
If you want to import a HIGH-QUALITY cladding sheet from Vietnam, please contact MRS Steel via Email at vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn
