Metal & Aluminium Cladding in Melbourne.
ALTUA undertakes metal and aluminium external cladding work for Melbourne building projects. We work from the selected façade system, drawings and site conditions to define panel set-out, installation interfaces and the agreed scope.
Metal cladding systems for distinctive architectural façades
“Metal cladding” does not describe one interchangeable product. Sheet profiles, folded panels and solid aluminium cassettes differ in fixing, support, movement allowances and appearance. The selected system determines how openings, corners and transitions are detailed.
Profiled metal sheets
Ribbed, corrugated or other profiled sheets create a directional façade appearance. Profile depth, span capability, fixing method and end laps vary by system and must be matched to the wall design.
Standing-seam and folded panels
Folded metal formats create defined seams and crisp architectural lines. Panel widths, seam geometry, corners and allowances for thermal movement influence the final set-out.
Solid aluminium panels
Flat or folded solid aluminium panels can create cassette-style façades and detailed returns. Thickness, stiffening, joint spacing and fixing design affect appearance and performance.
Choosing between steel and aluminium cladding
Coated steel and aluminium can both provide durable external finishes when correctly specified. Their weight, stiffness, corrosion behaviour and thermal movement differ. Coastal exposure, adjoining metals, panel geometry and finish requirements may influence selection.
For aluminium composite products, the panel core and building fire-safety requirements are critical. Product compliance must be established for the particular building and application; appearance alone is not a sufficient basis for choosing a panel.
Metal cladding installation: fixings, joints and drainage
Panel installation must coordinate with the supporting structure and weather-management details. The project specification determines the fastening method, any required cavity, membrane and fire-stopping arrangement.
Panel set-out
Coordinate panel widths, seam alignment, corners and window reveals before cutting or fixing. This reduces awkward narrow pieces and inconsistent joint lines.
Junctions and drainage
Review flashings, sills, penetrations and drainage paths so the outer finish works with the specified wall assembly rather than trapping water.
Fixings and movement
Use the specified compatible fasteners, supports and movement joints. Thermal expansion and dissimilar-metal contact need attention, particularly with aluminium.
Metal façade cladding for commercial construction
On shopfronts, warehouses and multi-level façades, cladding may interface with glazing, parapets, signage supports and other trades. Drawings should identify who supplies flashings, backing support and penetration details, and when each interface is ready for cladding.
Commercial Cladding ServicesMetal cladding quotes for builders and contractors
For tender or subcontract enquiries, provide elevations, a panel schedule if available, nominated material and coating, backing-substrate information, access arrangements and target programme. Identify any unresolved interfaces early so exclusions and assumptions are visible in the quotation.
Our metal & aluminium cladding installation process
01 / Scope
Review drawings, product selection, access and the existing or proposed support conditions. Record details that need confirmation.
02 / Coordination
Confirm set-out, fixing details, junction responsibilities and material ordering against the approved design.
03 / Installation
Carry out the agreed installation scope and review visible alignment, junctions and finishing details as work progresses.
Metal & aluminium cladding — common questions
What is the difference between metal and aluminium cladding?+
Metal cladding includes coated steel, aluminium and other metals. Aluminium is generally lighter than steel and does not form red rust; coated steel offers different profile and stiffness options. Selection depends on the façade design, exposure and specified performance.
What is the difference between solid aluminium and aluminium composite panels?+
Solid aluminium panels are formed from metal sheet. Aluminium composite panels (ACP) have two thin aluminium skins bonded to a core. Their fire performance and permitted applications are not interchangeable: the exact product, core composition and building approval requirements must be verified before selection.
Can metal cladding be installed over existing wall cladding?+
Not automatically. Adding a new skin changes the wall build-up, fixing loads, cavity and moisture details. The existing substrate, condition of the façade, fixing support and relevant approval requirements must be assessed before an over-cladding approach is considered.
What causes oil canning in metal façade panels?+
Oil canning is visible waviness in relatively flat metal surfaces. It can be influenced by sheet thickness, panel width, fabrication stresses, support alignment and thermal movement. Panel geometry, finish and installation tolerances should be considered during design; a perfectly flat appearance is not always achievable.
How is thermal movement handled in aluminium cladding?+
Aluminium expands and contracts with temperature changes. Panel lengths, joints, fixing types and allowances for movement must follow the selected system's design and manufacturer instructions. Restricting movement can distort panels or place stress on fixings and joints.
Can aluminium and steel components be used together?+
They can be used in compatible, correctly detailed systems, but direct contact between dissimilar metals in the presence of moisture can contribute to galvanic corrosion. Suitable separation, compatible fasteners and the project exposure conditions need to be considered.
Does metal cladding make a wall waterproof?+
A metal façade finish is not, by itself, a complete waterproofing system. Water control depends on the wall assembly, including joints, drainage paths, flashings, penetrations and specified membranes or cavities. Concealed details matter as much as the visible panels.
What should builders send for a metal cladding quotation?+
Useful information includes elevations and dimensions, nominated material and finish, panel or profile schedule, substrate details, drawings of windows and junctions, access constraints and programme requirements. Where the system is not yet selected, identify the required appearance and performance criteria first.