Modern commercial properties have to not only be thoroughly weatherproofed and protected from the elements, but also be aesthetically pleasing. Modern materials and techniques have been researched and designed to come up with different rain screen cladding systems which cover all these bases. Below we will go over some points to consider if you are looking into a rain screen cladding system for commercial property or to replace an existing one.
Architectural solutions
At the point of design, the architect has to bear in mind the weather protection of the building and the best way to do this. There are different solutions on the market, but rain screen cladding systems can provide all the protection needed, along with different facias. The architect needs to be able to work closely with a solution provider to make sure all functional anaesthetic aspects of the builder taking into consideration. The basics of british board of agrement (BBA) certification NBS plus specification and autoCAD files, should be provided as standard.
Make sure you first contact a chosen supplier and gain as much information as possible before deciding on a solution.
Installation engineers
Reputable providers of cladding systems should be able to provide their own installers and fitters if needed. It is more than likely that you will have your own workforce who could provide this service, but any additional help in this area is always welcome. The provider should be able to have workers skilled in the fitting and checking of all aspects of the cladding work. There should also be an adequate supply of all materials and spares readily on hand if needed.
Planners of the build should meet regularly with the system providers to make sure all aspects of the build are prioritised and supplied for.
Types available
The exterior of the building may be provided for in many different ways. There is a plethora of materials that could be used in a cladding system, such as high-pressure laminates, timber and weatherboard, cement, metals or even solar panels. The system needs to be able to accommodate any these materials.
It is always best to see these samples in person and if possible, see them installed in a previous build. There is nothing that beats seeing how something will work in the real world, so ask for site visits where the system has presently being installed. The time and effort needed to do this will be well worth it in the long run.
Looks of the building
The system itself should obviously fulfil its functionality specs and blending with a look at the rest of the building and ideally the surrounding buildings. The architectural planning process will fulfil most of these answers, as above try and visit builds that already have the system installed to see what the end result will be.
Supplies
You are only as strong as your weakest link, also applies to your Rainscreen cladding system. Everything may be in place of your build, but if you need spares quickly, you should have the peace of mind that the supplier will have plenty on hand. Make sure there is contingency for any spare parts needed, especially on weekends. Check to see how readily the supplier can provide any spare materials or parts and how readily they can deliver. It is better to ask these questions at the beginning, then hold back the project because of the lack of certain parts that are needed.
The protection weatherproofing of any commercial property can be a complicated process, involving much time and planning. If you systematically go through all the wants and needs of your build, then contact reputable suppliers, they should be able to provide you with everything you need to make sure installation build goes smoothly as possible.
Make sure all your planning has been implemented properly and the right solution has been chosen for your needs.
David Smith has worked as an installer and fitter of rainscreen cladding systems for over six years, working on the full build cycle from planning to fitting.
