Façade cladding
Cladding systems have important functions in buildings. They can grant thermal insulation, protect internal spaces from the weather most importantly give the building a “face”. there are currently multiple possibilities of materials, colors, weights, textures, and many other variables.
Facade claddings are evolving during this time—their functional features are being upgraded and their aesthetic aspects are getting more contemporary. Nonessential to say, facade design is one of the things you need to master, and you cannot do this without learning about facade cladding materials and the criteria to choose from. Without a doubt, façade cladding is one of the most important parts of a building design, indicating the quality, building value, and architectural style. There are a lot of options and materials to choose from, but which is more tempting? Which one can perfectly meet our needs? What do they have to grant to us? The following will discuss these questions and provide you with information about the materials available and their functions.
Brick façade cladding:
This is the most traditional facade cladding with classic aesthetic appeal. Brick is available in types of red brick, decorative brick, and white facade brick. More than its signature vintage look, it functions perfectly in terms of protection against fire and severe weather conditions. Brick facade cladding is extremely durable, it requires minimal maintenance, is non-toxic, and provides perfect sound insulation. Moreover, brick cladding is sustainable as it can be recycled, and is energy-efficient as it can help reduce heating and cooling costs. However, its installation process is more time-consuming. Additionally, some types of brick façade cladding may be more vulnerable to damage from extreme weather events or earthquakes so it is important to choose a high-quality and well-designed cladding system that can provide both security and durability.
Composite cladding:
Composite cladding is a type of cladding that is made from a mixture of materials, typically including wood, plastic, and/or other synthetic materials. It can be designed to mimic the look and feel of natural wood, conferring a visually beautiful look to the building. Composite cladding can provide several advantages as well as disadvantages:
Advantages: it is a popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings due to its many benefits. Some of the key advantages of composite cladding include:
Lightweight: Metal cladding materials are prized for their lightweight properties and corrosion resistance, allowing architects to explore creative designs. Composite aluminum sheets are lighter than ordinary aluminum and much lighter than traditional metals such as steel. This feature can be an excellent choice for reducing the overall weight of the building. It is interesting to note that composite is even lighter than stone cladding.
Color diversity: Composite aluminum claddings are available in various colors, allowing designers to create different designs with a diverse appearance. However, these colors won’t be natural and materials with internal natural aesthetics are more popular among beauty fans.
Washability: The surface of composite aluminum cladding is easily washable and you won’t be worried about pollution and dust. It is among the most waterproof of cladding materials and it is moisture resistant, which makes it a good choice for coastal homes. Aluminum cladding requires little maintenance and can be repainted easily if required.
Resistance to heat and moisture: These types of claddings have good resistance to different weather conditions, moisture, heat, and UV rays, making them a long-lasting option for exterior applications.
Sound resistance: Composite claddings can act as a sound insulator and prevent the entry of annoying noises. If we use porous stones such as various types of travertine for cladding, we can still have a facade that acts as a sound insulator.
Disadvantages:
Usage restrictions: The use of composite aluminum cladding on the overall surface of the building facade is usually limited to a maximum of 20% and must be facing the streets. This may create limitations for building design.
Cost: Composite aluminum claddings are usually expensive and may end up at a higher cost compared to other types of claddings, including some types of stone claddings.
Scratching sensitivity: Composite aluminum sheets are more sensitive to scratching and may scratch when subjected to hard objects. Many building stones, if properly processed, are resistant to scratches and can maintain their beautiful appearance for a long time.
Maintenance and repair requirements: Composite aluminum claddings require maintenance and repair. If the sheets or the coatings are damaged, they must be repaired or replaced. (Similar to stone cladding, with the difference that the deterioration time in composite aluminum usually happens sooner than in stone.)
Limitations in designs: Some architectural designs and details may not be feasible with the use of composite aluminum cladding and may create limitations in building design.
In conclusion, the choice of composite aluminum cladding should be made considering the specific needs of the building and the available budget. Although these claddings have unique advantages and features, it is important to weigh the benefits, costs, and disadvantages carefully when making a decision.
Cement facades:
A cement façade is a good option for building design, a cost-effective facade solution for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. These pre-finished fiber cement cladding sheets can be used for many applications and are particularly useful for soundproofing, which has already been used for airports and tunnel linings around the world. It comes in a wide range of choices for colors, shapes, and dimensions.
There are several advantages and disadvantages to this façade as well.
Advantages of cement facades:
Fire resistance: The cement facade has good resistance to fire and can prevent the spread of fire.
Quick installation: A cement facade is installed quickly compared to stone facades, which can reduce time and cost.
Beauty: White and colored cement has a unique beauty and gives the structure a distinctive appearance. However, this appearance is less than that of natural-colored building stones.
Easy to clean: The cement facade is easily cleaned and does not require the help of specialized personnel in facade cleaning. It also requires very little maintenance, which makes it a cost-effective option in the long run.
Disadvantages of cement facades:
Cracking: Cement facades are sensitive to cracking, especially if subjected to impacts or severe vibrations, and may require repairs. This problem can be avoided if high-quality and standard processed stones are used.
Poor sound insulation: Cement facades do not have good sound insulation and may transfer sounds from the outside to the inside of the structure.
Dust absorption: The surface of cement facades is sensitive to dust absorption and requires periodic care.
Considering the features and several disadvantages of cement facades, the choice of this type of facade depends on the needs and environment of use. Before choosing a cement facade, it is important to compare its pros and cons with project criteria and your own needs and make a logical decision.
Natural stone façade:
Natural stone is the best choice for façade cladding in terms of versatility, durability, and beauty. Stone cladding application is a classical way of designing, being used regularly over thousand years. Stones such as granite, marble, and limestone, are renowned for their elegance and utilized for commercial and residential buildings.
How can natural stones persuade us to put them in priority?
To be honest, natural stones have enough power to persuade us to use them as a priority in façade cladding. Since they have been used for years and have been popular around the world, many well-known monuments have been born in stone coating.
There are several advantages of stone application:
Beauty:
After all, architecture has to look good. When choosing a material for facade cladding, go with something that complements the overall aesthetics of your building, its context, and the overall sense you want the building to give.
the category of stone facade encompasses various types like granite, known for its strength and a wide range of colors, and marble with its elegant veining. Limestone offers versatility in shades, while sandstone exhibits a natural and textured appearance. Each type can be cut, shaped, and finished to create unique facades, allowing for customizable colors and patterns. They can be used for interior and exterior cladding, offering design flexibility.
Durability:
The durability of stone describes its resistance against time and potential damage, heat, and even fire. Durable facade claddings are economical—they will perfectly protect the structure and won’t require frequent maintenance or replacement. Places with extreme weather conditions require extremely durable facade cladding as well.
Water resistance:
Stone facade cladding can be resistant to moisture and water, but it depends on the type of stone and the installation method. Some types of stone, such as granite and marble, are naturally more resistant to moisture than others, such as limestone and sandstone. Additionally, the installation method can affect moisture resistance. Properly installed stone cladding with a waterproof membrane and proper drainage can help prevent moisture from penetrating the facade. However, if the stone cladding is not installed properly or if there are gaps or cracks in the facade, moisture can seep in and cause damage over time. Therefore, it’s worth noting that the type of stone and its installation are highly important.
Resistance to corrosion and wear:
Natural stone facade cladding is generally resistant to corrosion and can withstand wear over time especially if they are processed with high quality. However, the level of resistance can vary depending on the type of stone used and the environment in which it is installed. For example, granite and basalt are known for their high resistance to abrasion and wear. Proper maintenance and care can help prolong the lifespan of the stone facade cladding and maintain its resistance to corrosion and wear.
How do stones tempt us to use them in façade cladding?
Some features of stones are exactly what construction material is supposed to have, including:
Mechanical resistance:
If properly selected, the stone facade has high compressive strength and tensile strength, which allows it to withstand various pressures, vibrations, and impacts.
Resistance to climate fluctuations:
Facade cladding should adequately protect buildings from extreme weather and environmental conditions, including storms, rain, heat, moisture, and corrosion. Different materials offer different protection levels however stones offer the most ensuring one.
Color maintenance:
stones are known for their ability to maintain their color over time due to their high resistance to weathering and fading such as basalt and granite. Therefore, there is no need to periodically paint the facade and it reduces maintenance costs.
Natural appearance:
this would be a piece of good news for those who want a building with natural beauty, due to the unique patterns and texture of the stones.
No contamination and deformation:
Stone façade if processed well, is almost water-proof and is resistant to contamination and deformation caused by environmental factors containing moisture, sunlight, air pollution, etc.
Sustainability:
Sustainability has become something we need to manufacture all our products, especially for construction, as they contribute to 40 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. Choosing a sustainable and recyclable cladding material like stone, is not only good for the environment but also gives the sense that you paid your fair share of living in the way leading to a green planet.
The initial impression of a building is made by its exterior, and the decision of which materials to use for facades and cladding is crucial in determining its appearance, longevity, and ecological impact. This article examines various building façade and cladding materials, ranging from traditional options like brick and stone to contemporary metal innovations, to understand their distinctive characteristics and the creative design opportunities they present. So, you have to weigh all the criteria and choose what works best.
Thank you for accompanying us till now. It is time to learn more about stones and their application in façade cladding.
Types of stone façade cladding:
Before deciding which facade material cladding to go with, you have to understand the criteria that work for your requirements. On the larger scope of things, facade cladding should offer the following:
Protection
Durability
Maintenance
Sustainability
Aesthetics
Availability
Economical and financial requirements
Apart from all available materials for façade cladding, stones perform the best in the way of meeting your needs and desires and provide all the features mentioned above.
Here we discuss some popular stones used in building façade:
Travertine façade:
The application of travertine stone in architecture is such that ultimately, due to the unique characteristics of travertine stone, it can be used in all parts of building and architecture. Architects use travertine in various types of buildings such as commercial, governmental, and residential buildings. Mirzaei Stone Collection, with a variety of colored and patterned travertine stones in slab and tile sizes, is at your service so that you can make an informed purchase of the stone.
Generally speaking, travertine is widely used in architecture due to its beautiful texture and unique physical features. This type of stone can be used in the design of buildings, indoor and outdoor spaces, facades, and decorative elements including;
facade
Flooring
Wall-cladding
Stairs
Garden designing
Urban areas
…
Travertine is a soft stone that is more susceptible to scratching and staining than marble or granite. It requires sealing to protect it from staining and damage. Additionally, some of the travertines are susceptible to acids and can be etched by acidic substances such as some cleaning products, hence it is important to prevent them from being in exposure to acids.
Marble façade cladding:
Marble has always been a natural stone which, thanks to all its veins and shades and the thousand colors available, has been preferred in luxury architecture and marble facade building. Its aesthetic appeal has made it used both for interior cladding and flooring but also to give greater shine to historic buildings that still preserve a timeless and indisputable charm.
Marble is denser yet less porous than travertine. Marble has a smooth and polished surface with a characteristic veining pattern, depending on the type of marble. It is heavier than travertine as well.
To date, marble continues to be one of the most appropriate materials for the marble cladding exterior of luxury buildings, not only for aesthetic appeal but also for the functionality and practicality of this stone which is undoubtedly suited to contemporary needs. Because of the soft and flexible surface that marble stones have, they can be easily cut, engraved, and decorated.
Various types of material can be chosen for a stone facade house. To stay on light tones for a white marble facade, you can start with the classic white Carrara marble, up to darker marbles. If the building is located in an area where there is a strong presence of smog or other atmospheric agents, it is recommended to choose darker materials like granite to avoid staining. You can start from a travertine facade to stay on beige, cream, and walnut shades, up to black marble. Depending on personal taste and the living environment, it is good to choose marble for outdoor use with a suitable color. A Travertine facade, for instance, can easily adapt to any context, thanks to the clear and always current colors.
Granite façade:
Granite has been put forward widely as a material with undeniable constructional and aesthetic value for the facades of contemporary homes and buildings. However, there are some problems with them; in some cases, the oxidized iron in the stone texture was observed, they can be more expensive compared to other stones, and more importantly, they’re heavy, which makes them difficult to transfer and install. In regards to heaviness, granite might not stick well to the mortar and fall from height. This can impact its usage in certain applications where weight is a concern or where easier-to-handle materials are preferred. While the usage of granite has descended, travertine application has considerably increased.
Crystal Chinese façade:
This stone is easy to fabricate, radiation-free, resistant to acid, wear, and corrosion, and versatile. Moreover, it has zero water absorption and is durable. All these features make it a good option for architects and designers. This stone can be cut into large and thin slabs or smaller pieces and installed on the Interior and exterior walls of buildings.
Utilizing this stone gives a special elegance to the façade of a building, whether commercial, residential, or even historical. this stone is available in a beautiful range of colors and patterns. its suitable resistance to heat and cold makes it a good option for designing. It is to be noted that, this stone should be scoped on the façade.
Important elements in façade cladding:
The facade of a building is important because it is the part of the building that is visible to the public and contributes to the overall appearance of the surrounding environment. A well-designed facade can enhance the aesthetic quality of a street or neighborhood, while a poorly designed facade can detract from it. In addition, the facade can also impact the functionality of the building. For example, a poorly designed facade may not provide adequate natural light or ventilation to the interior spaces, which can negatively affect the comfort and productivity of its occupants.
In addition to creating a stone exhibition with various designs and options, at “Mirzaei Stone Industries”, we have implemented a fully functional and user-friendly website for the convenience of our valued customers. This way, you can easily compare stones and prices, receive a free consultation, and then make a proper selection to purchase the stone.
Thanks for your consideration and accompany till the end of this article. For more information or a consultation, get in touch with +989130000622 or leave us an email at mirzaeestone@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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