A look at the pros and cons of aluminium cladding in 2024

Aluminium cladding is a type of metal cladding constructed from a thin layer of aluminium coating on the exterior, and comes in many forms including panels, sheets and tiles.

There are a few different types and styles of aluminium cladding you'll come across:

• Solid Aluminium Panels: Made from pure aluminium sheets, offering flexibility in shaping, bending, and customisation for unique architectural designs. You may also see these panels referred to as aluminium sandwich panels.
• Anodised Aluminium Cladding: Features a durable and corrosion-resistant finish achieved through an electrochemical process, enhancing the metal's natural colour and texture.
• Powder-Coated Aluminium Cladding: Aluminium surfaces coated with a dry powder paint for a hard, colourful finish that is more resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading.
• Perforated Aluminium Cladding: Aluminium panels punched with holes or patterns, providing visual interest and allowing light and air to pass through.
• Cassette Panels: Prefabricated panels that are installed on a frame, creating a modern, streamlined look with hidden fixings.
• Honeycomb Aluminium Panels: Feature a honeycomb core between two aluminium sheets, offering high strength-to-weight ratio ideal for larger panels.
• Interlocking Aluminium Cladding: Panels designed to interlock or overlap, allowing for thermal expansion and movement, offering a seamless appearance.

Related article: 10 popular types of cladding in Australia

It's always good to start with the positives for aluminium cladding, and there are plenty to point to:

Impressive lifespan and low maintenance

Aluminium cladding can last up to 60 years if its properly maintained. And the maintenance requirements are pretty low, all that's required is an annual washdown.

Fire resistant material

Aluminium as a material has impressive fire-resistant properties. However, scrutiny has increased around some types, such as aluminium composite panel cladding (now banned in most Australian states), since the Spencer Street apartment block fire in Melbourne in 2019. 

Despite this, there are many aluminium cladding products that have excellent fire-resistant properties. The way to be certain a cladding product is safe is to ensure it complies with the two main Australian standard tests that materials must pass to be classified as non-combustible materials: AS1530.1 and AS1530.3. 

The AS1530.1 evaluates the fire safety of building materials by determining how combustible they are. As a test to meet this standard, cladding products are exposed to a heat source to determine how they will combust. To meet the AS1530.3 standard, the cladding product is exposed to radiant heat to determine whether it will burn, smoke, spark, ignite or ignite and overheat materials around it. 

Available in range of finishes

There are plenty of finishes aluminium cladding is available in, the most popular being timber. Many consumers like the properties of aluminium provides, combined with the natural look of timber.

Impressive weather resistance

Aluminium cladding boasts outstanding weather resistance, which is why it's a popular cladding choice for safeguarding buildings in locations with diverse climatic conditions. Its inherent corrosion resistance ensures durability against rain, humidity, and coastal air, preventing rust and material degradation. The material's ability to reflect UV rays minimises heat absorption and fading, preserving the façade's appearance and reducing cooling costs.

Upfront cost

Aluminium cladding has a higher upfront cost than other cladding types, including vinyl, fibre cement and timber cladding. Prices start at around

Denting and scratching

Aluminium's softness, a result of its low density and malleability, means it can absorb impacts less effectively than denser materials such as steel. Scratching is another concern for aluminium cladding. The surface of aluminium can be scratched by abrasive materials or tools used during installation or maintenance processes. Even environmental factors, such as sand or other debris carried by wind, can gradually wear down the surface finish, leading to visible scratches. However, many aluminium cladding products are coated with protective coatings to reduce susceptibility to scratches and dents.

Noise

This isn't a definitive drawback, but it's worth being aware of. Due to the fact that it's aluminium, you'll hear a ricocheting type noise when rain or hail comes into contact with the cladding. However, adequate insulation and design considerations can mitigate this issue.

Related article: Timber cladding - advantages and disadvantages

Aluminium cladding is favoured for a wide range of projects, from homes to commercial spaces. Here's a detailed look at where it's commonly used:

Commercial

Some of the most common commercial applications where aluminium cladding is used include, offices, shopping malls, car dealerships and entertainment complexes. Often, a commercial architect outlines a vision for a building's exterior appearance. Architects within the practice are then tasked with selecting materials that not only align with this aesthetic vision but also meet stringent fire safety standards and possess a considerable lifespan to ensure a long-term return on investment. Aluminium ticks all these boxes.

Related article: 11 modern exterior cladding ideas to inspire your next project

Residential

Aluminium cladding can bring a contemporary look to residential buildings. It's particularly appealing to homeowners who are looking for a material that's low maintenance and won't require a tonne of future upkeep. As you can see below, in the image of a block of a residence located in Abbotsford, Victoria, aluminium cladding can be used in combination with other cladding materials, such as brick. The contrast in tones can give a home a really unique exterior and highlights the design flexibility that aluminium offers.

As you can see, aluminium is a flexible, contemporary cladding option that's growing in popularity for both residential and commercial purposes, and it's certainly an option to consider for whatever building project you're planning.