Cladding used for curtain wall buildings

The term ‘cladding’ refers to components that are attached to the primary structure of a building to form non-structural, external surfaces. This is as opposed to buildings in which the external surfaces are formed by structural elements, such as masonry walls, or applied surfaces such as render. In practical applications, cladding used for curtain wall buildings generally involves in the weather-exposed outer layer or screen, fillers, insulation, membranes, brackets, cavity barriers, flashing, fixings, gaskets and sealants.

As a rule, cladding is generally attached to the building structures, but typically does not contribute to its stability. However, cladding does play a structural role, transferring wind loads, impact loads, snow loads and its own self-weight back to the building structural framework. In particular, wind causes positive and negative pressure on the surface of buildings and cladding must have sufficient strength and stiffness to resist this load, both in terms of the type of cladding selected and its connections back to the curtain wall frames. Specifically speaking, there are a few obvious advantages of using cladding for you curtain wall building in future as follows:
1. Create a controlled internal environment.
2. Protect the building from external conditions.
3. Provide privacy and security.
4. Prevent the transmission of sound.
5. Provide thermal insulation.
6. Create an external facade.
7. Prevent the spread of fire.
8. Generate an ‘airtight’ building envelope.
9. Providing openings for access, daylight and ventilation.

Technically speaking, cladding is often prefabricated in panels that are attached to the building structural frames, and some cladding systems can be purchased ‘off the shelf’ in the current market. How to select the proper type of cladding for a particular building generally depends on a couple of considerations, such as:
•How the building is going to be used.
•Internal and external conditions.
•Durability.
•Local context.
•Planning requirements.
•Building regulations requirements.
•Accessibility and buildability.
•Appearance.
•Availability.
•Budget.
•Maintenance requirements.
•Structural requirements.

Furthermore, high-quality, well-designed, and properly-installed cladding can help curtain wall facade system to maximise the thermal performance, minimise air leakage, as well as optimise natural daylighting in practical applications. This can also help to reduce the need for mechanical and electrical building services, and so improve energy efficiency and lower capital and running costs. On the contrary, poor design detailing or installation may compromise cladding performance and can result in safety problems such as cladding collapse or cladding panels pulling away from the structure.

Dong Peng Bo Da Steel Pipe Group is a famous steel pipe manufacturer in China. We are committed to producing various types of steel products for your choice in your building project in future. Our products are all designed for the fast and easy installation of curtain walls. Contact us if you have any need in your project.