Selecting the Right Wall System

Metalwërks^® provides expert consultation to building design teams for selecting the most appropriate system for achieving aesthetic, functional, and performance criteria according to a project’s budget. Here are just some of the questions we help to answer:

Does your project require a rainscreen or barrier wall system?

Metalwërks Rainscreen Systems – including pressure-equalized rainscreens – are engineered to shed the vast majority of water from the building. Small volumes of water that are transported behind the system move downward within the air space or cavity between the back of the panels and an approved air and water barrier. This water is drained back out of the cavity via flashing at the base of walls and the cavity dries after a rain event via ample natural air circulation. Learn more…

Metalwërks Barrier Wall Systems are engineered to serve as the building’s air and water barrier – theoretically preventing all air and water infiltration to keep the underlying interior materials dry. For barrier wall systems, all panel-to-panel joints must be sealed by one of two methods: Premium rear-sealed with solid gaskets (avoiding exposed sealants) or an economical wet-seal that has more rigorous maintenance requirements. Learn more…

How will load conditions, product location, and design conditions affect system selection for your project?

Specific load conditions will determine the thickness of plate materials used in any rainscreen or barrier wall system, and may dictate additional stiffener or structural support requirements. Consult with Metalwërks to select the right plate thickness needed to meet load conditions for your project.

Beyond the exterior wall system, consider integrating Metalwërks systems in spandrel areas, feature walls and elements, overhangs, sunshades, column and beam wraps, and more. The location of these additional features on a project can play a role in the thickness, and overall system choice, so remember to discuss your whole project with a Metalwërks representative to ensure the correct specification.

Capable of achieving complex 3D forms, variable reveals, curved or flat designs, and more, Metalwërks systems give designers the luxury of virtually unlimited form and line. System choice will be impacted by design conditions, installation requirements, and aesthetic choices, so be sure to take advantage of Metalwërks complete design and engineering support to specify a system tailored for your project’s specific considerations.

What metals and finishes are best suited?

Metalwërks plate systems provide tremendous aesthetic latitude according to the metal and finish combinations chosen.

Aluminum Plate: 3003 H14

The most specified metal plate.
Selected for its excellent resistance to corrosion.
High performance liquid and powder PVDF coating system or anodized.

Stainless Steel Plate: T304 or T316

A premium corrosion-resistant material selected for high end projects or used sparingly as accents.
#4, #6, #8, and non-directional finish options.

Zinc Plate

A premium corrosion resistant material selected for high end projects or used sparingly as accents.
Numerous available pigmentation schemes are available.