Cladding system

What is cladding system ?

Cladding system is a method of enclosing a building structure by the attachment of elements
capable of spanning between given points of support on the face of the building, thus
elimination the necessity for a continuous background structure. So, this cladding system may
use for :
i. Keeping out of water
ii. Preventing under leakage
iii. Controlling light
iv. Controlling the radiation of heat
v. Controlling the conduction of heat
vi. Controlling water vapor
vii. Controlling sound


Picture 1 : Wall Cladding system at High Rise Office Building


Materials used for Cladding :

a) Heavy Elements

Can be designed to act as cladding to a structural frame, independent to
a structural frame, independent to the infill wailing.
Weight is usually reduced to a minimum by casting the body of the panel
as thin as possible
Main reinforcement is concentrated in the ribs, the tinner body of the
panels being lightly reinforce with galvanized wire oe left unreinforced in
many cases
Panels may be cast in factories or on site, and in either case joints must
be provided adequate tolerance ( + or 5mm )
Jointing is the crucial part of the installation
example : Precast concrete panel

Picture 2 : Building that use Heavy elements of cladding that is Precast concrete
panel as a wall cladding system

b) Lightweight elements

System of cladding comprising a frame or rigid of members fixed to the
surface of the structure, usually at each floor level.
Infilling of panels, glazed or solid, as may required to perform the
functions of window and wall
It should fulfill the same functional requirements of an external walling.
Main problem lies on the framework which holds the panels which is
normally metal or timber.
The main members are vertical and are fixed to and span between the
floor slabs or beams.
Horizontal members, heads, cills and transoms are fitted between the
verticals.
Example : Metal, plastic, asbestos, glass fibre reinforced cement profile
sheetings or glass curtain walling.



Picture 3 : Building that use lightweight elements of cladding that is glass curtain walling as a
wall cladding system

Methods of Installation :
For a cladding system, the method of installation depends on the material that are use to
be a wall cladding
All of the material use usually install one by one in a row and panel by panel

Factors of Selection :
i. Structural cost
Can be between 5% - 20% of the total construction cost

ii. Local Authority Requirement
Fire rated cladding
The designed must be compatible with the surrounding

iii. Environmental criteria
Provided healthy purposes and protect from weather or pollution
iv. Aesthetic Criteria
The design concept and appereance of the wall gives the building exterior more
attractive.