If you work in the construction sector and want to develop a substantial building structure, you should be familiar with metal decking and metal cladding. Although this is basic when you’re already in this sector, many are still confused about what it is and how it can be utilized in construction to improve the life cycle of the building and make it more cost-effective due to the hefty pieces of information on the internet.
This article will help you clear things up, so you can quickly differentiate metal decking from the metal cladding. Read on to learn more.
Metal Decking vs. Metal Cladding
Metal Cladding
It is a type of protective coating in which a substrate is bonded to a protective material, such as metal powder or foil, by applying pressure and/or heat. The study of metal cladding is essential because it generally provides reliable and cost-efficient corrosion and wear protection.
Additionally, the bounds and limits of the technique can be tuned for various crucial applications including metals and composites.
To suit your preferences, metal cladding can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. It can also be used to cover curved facades and a variety of odd shapes. Metal clads can also be installed flat as part of a panelized installation for a sleek look, or it is available in various corrugated and other profiles. By applying a layer of a second metal on its surface using methods including diffusion, deformation, and lasers, metal cladding becomes a highly sustainable material.
The benefit of cladding is that the method and material can be selected based on the demands of the application and the necessary bond strength. Both metallic and ceramic coatings can be applied using laser beam cladding. In these situations, effective cooling promotes improved microstructure, so less of the surface is thermally damaged. The surfaces can develop acceptable wear resistance with metal cladding. Additionally, the method works for complicated shapes.
Due to their minimal cost and improved electrical conductivity, copper-clad aluminum wires are widely employed in electrical applications. For corrosion and abrasion protection, metal cladding is also utilized on the exterior surfaces of structures and buildings.
Buildings benefit from metal cladding’s ability to clean themselves. Moreover, corrugated sheeting, the first metal cladding material utilized in buildings, was used for walls and roofs. Such material may occasionally be chosen for its aesthetic purposes.
Metal Decking
Metal decking is a technique wherein a cold-formed corrugated steel sheet is held aloft by steel joists or beams. It serves to support the concrete or insulating membrane of a roof. It was created to offer a structurally effective product for the roof and floor systems.
The qualities of the steel are optimized throughout design and production to achieve a high strength-to-weight ratio that lowers material handling and erection costs while maintaining longevity.
These metal decks can have an aesthetic appearance while being a structural component and having consistent quality, especially when correctly employing defined shop and field-applied coatings. Several licensed fire-rated assemblies also include steel decks as a crucial part of their construction.
Today’s market offers various metal deck goods, but they may be categorized into two groups: composite floor decks and roof decks. The metal deck is a structural panel component that serves as a floor or roof surface.
The deck is made of solid sheet steel rolled into a roll form and intended to extend over joists or purlins. Different loading conditions and ranges can be met by altering a deck’s thickness, shape, and depth. The supporting structure is fastened to serve as a diaphragm and offer the framework’s lateral bracing.
Common Advantages of Metal Decking and Metal Cladding
Metal deck materials are produced in a range of depths (38 to 76 mm, 1-1/2 to 3 in.) and rib spacing. The roof deck may be provided as an acoustic deck with perforations in the web components for modulating sound. These metal deck materials come in a variety of thickness and satisfy most structural requirements. Due to its extensive selection of possibilities, the metal deck is appropriate for a wide range of structural designs and projects.
As for metal cladding, it is a popular option for various construction projects due to its adaptability. For a striking appearance, you can utilize metal cladding on your building’s exterior in some areas or all over. You can also give your structure the appearance of your choice thanks to its flexible use.
However, the low maintenance cost sets metal cladding apart from metal decking. Compared to wood, stone, and painted surfaces, metal is a very durable material that requires a remarkably small amount of care and repair work. Metal cladding is exceptionally resistant to weather, water, and heat damage, and it is also simple to clean to preserve its appearance and features.
Are You Looking for Quality Metal Decking Products?
Several structural engineers and other design professionals work with Miami Metal Deck to develop safe and efficient designs for cold-formed steel commercial and residential projects. Please contact us for further details.
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