Metal Wall Panels

One reason for the growth of traditional corrugated metal wall panels, especially in the commercial market, is an inherent versatility offered by manufacturers. Traditionally, preformed panels of all sorts, but corrugated in particular, were only installed vertically. It has become more popular to use them horizontally and manufacturers have responded with fabrication and installation systems to accommodate that design need. This offers great design flexibility by combining bold visual effects with easy, cost-effective installation. Further, the corrugations, whether square, rounded, or trapezoidal, all create inherent strength and rigidity in the panel. Profiles are available that use either a concealed extended screw leg or a clip leg to link and clip panels together. In either case, the repeating rib and interlocking profiles provide a continuous integrated appearance that is cost effective in all weather conditions. Profiles are commonly available in panels of 12" or 16" widths with a common 7/8" panel depth and lengths up to 35 feet.

Flush Panels

For design situations that seek flat or flush appearances, metal panels are available to meet this need, not only for walls but in matching products for fascia and soffit applications as well. Typically these panels use an interlocking leg on one side and concealed fasteners on the other to maintain a visually clean and flush appearance while providing additional strength. The panels can be factory-formed to length to minimize field cutting with common maximum panel lengths of 25 feet and minimum lengths of 4 feet.

In selecting flush panels, there are two different aesthetic options – selecting panels that butt tight to each other with only the joint showing or panels that create an intentional reveal space between them. Both of these profiles allow for strong design statements and are available in a full range of colors. Both are intended for use in vertical wall, fascia and soffit applications but are not appropriate profiles for roofing or mansard applications. (Metal roofing products are available for those applications.) In cases where longer panel lengths are desired, stiffening boards behind the panels are recommended to maintain and protect the shape of the panel.

Flush panels are formed by some manufacturers on precision roll-forming equipment that uses a system of corrective levelers. Corrective leveling works to remove typical metal conditions including coil set, crowning and edge wave. In-line leveling capabilities allow the metal material to be "still-water" flat so the finished panel is truly flush. The result is a panel that can exhibit superior flatness without any extra cost.

Flush Panels should be installed over the exterior sheathing or other substrate in an exterior wall assembly with an appropriate air and water vapor barrier in place. Flush panels can be used in a rainscreen application as long as water is allowed to drain out from behind the panels. When used in a windscreen application, panels must be fastened (stitched) through side joints. There is also the option of using exposed fastener systems with flush panels where the conditions and aesthetics warrant it.