Every building owner wants their building to be a warm and inviting place that makes a statement before anyone ever steps through the front door. For many years, people have turned to natural materials like wood and stone to achieve those results. More often these days, however, commercial architects and builders are turning to metal to provide lasting, low-maintenance beauty for exterior elements such as roofing, railing and awnings.
Metal comes with a lot of advantages. The malleability of metal makes it fully recyclable, able to be shaped to match almost any style, and compatible with a number of finishes. Thanks to protective paint coatings that guard against corrosion, installed metal products maintain their look for decades. Metal is also durable and lightweight, making it easier to transport and less taxing on roof assemblies and other structural elements than most alternative materials.
Here are some ways to utilize metal to achieve attractive exteriors without the upkeep required with other materials.
Metal Roofing
There are a lot of myths about metal roofing. When most people think of metal roofing, they envision a rusty, tin roof on an old barn that they have driven past dozens of times. As such, the prevailing misconceptions about metal roofing are that it is one-size-fits-all, noisy and susceptible to rust, dents and/or lightning.
The metal roofs of today, however, are not your grandpa or grandma’s tin roof and come in a variety of types (e.g., copper, aluminum, zinc and galvanized steel) as well as styles that mimic traditional roofing materials such as wood shake, slate and clay tile. Metal roofs also possess attributes not found in more typical roofing materials, such as a life expectancy of 50 years or more; superior fire, wind and impact resistance; and energy-saving, cool roof color options. And, in the unlikely event a metal roof is struck by lightning, it will actually help to dissipate the charge and won’t catch fire since metal is noncombustible.
Standing seam metal roofing has been around for decades and is still utilized in new and retrofit construction. However, stamped panel metal roofing from brands such as CertainTeed is gaining traction. While standing seam roofing consists only of vertical panels and is limited to certain architectural styles, stamped panel shapes the metal into cut panels that emulate the look and feel of any number of roofing systems. The panels install similarly to modern roofing systems, utilizing a solid roof deck and underlayments—thereby avoiding the noisiness associated with older tin roofs.
The most popular type of stamped panel metal roofs is made of galvanized steel, which is coated by stone or a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) paint system. In addition to accommodating heat-reflecting colors that decrease air conditioning use, PVDF paints have excellent UV (ultraviolet) stability as well as chemical, scratch and flame resistance. As long as the metal panels are installed on a clean roof deck, stamped metal panels with PVDF paints will resist rust and maintain their true color for many years. A variety of color options also means architects and builders can go bold with colors like red or opt for more traditional earth-tones without sacrificing performance.
The malleability of metal makes it fully recyclable, able to be shaped to match almost any style, and compatible with a number of finishes.
Railings and Awnings
Railings for commercial buildings not only provide safety on balconies, decks, walkways and other public areas, but also add an attractive design element that can complement a variety of architectural styles.
Aluminum railing systems can be used in combination with wood, composite or metal decks for a durable and modern look. Fade-resistant powder coat finishes in a wide range of colors offer an attractive aesthetic without the maintenance requirements. Aluminum railings are also available in realistic wood grain finishes that mimic the organic beauty of natural wood.
Cable railing provides a clean-lined modern aesthetic that opens up sightlines. Cable railing is typically made of marine-grade stainless steel, enabling it to withstand the elements while requiring only minimal upkeep. Railing frames can be constructed from a variety of materials, including aluminum, composite materials and wood—making cable rail a very versatile infill option. Cable railing is also safer for birds than glass panel infill. Since birds can see the cables, they are better able to avoid them, minimizing impacts and injuries.
Following a growing trend in alternative infills for exterior railing systems, railing solutions provider Feeney has introduced stainless steel wire mesh panels and laser cut aluminum panels with powder coat finishes. These versatile infills can be customized to meet almost any design specification. The wire mesh infills include fully isolated components to prevent contact among dissimilar metals, which is vital in harsher environments to prevent corrosion.
Metal awnings are a great way to improve the appearance of a building, adding an aesthetically pleasing architectural component while also making the entry more welcoming. In addition, metal awnings safeguard vulnerable areas like doors and windows from water intrusion while offering shade and protection from the elements. In contrast to traditional cloth awnings, which fade and tatter over time, newer metal awnings with polycarbonate panels offer long-lasting durability in a wide range of climates.
While the upfront cost of metal can be more than traditional building products, the benefits are worth the investment. If looks and performance are primary concerns, metal can be a smart option for commercial builders who want to get the best looks and performance for their property with the least amount of effort.
Steve Kleber is the founder and president of Kleber & Associates (K&A), a full-service integrated marketing agency that focuses on the residential and commercial building industries. He is president of the National Remodeling Foundation and immediate past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Center for Kitchen and Bath Education and Research.