This course is part of the Multifamily Housing Academy

Another innovation that allows for even more flexibility on angled corners are “multi-angle profiles,” that are two-part systems that provide a 20-90 degree range.

Yet another design that brings a modern twist to traditional panels are blunt panel outside corners, which give a chamfered corner aesthetic, but also provide durability for vertical siding panels. Based on designer feedback there is another version of this with a reveal which gives a setback chamfer corner look. Led again by the architectural community and the sharing of ideas, there are new unique asymmetrical corners with a 1:3 exposure, which are great for buildings with longer facades as a result of site conditions.

Inside corners also come in a variety of shapes. A bullnose corner—which can give a soft adobe shape—works well for vertical siding panels. Another design emulates the look of a wood corner piece, without the issues of maintaining the integrity of a wood that can split and rot over time.

These varieties of inside and outside corner shapes and the ability to color match multiple siding systems allow architects and owners to dramatically improve their building aesthetics and create modern architectural lines with easy installation.

Drawing courtesy of TAMLYN

Some corners work for multi-angle profiles that are two-part systems ranging from 20-90 degrees.

Graphic courtesy of TAMLYN

A blunt corner look has an attractive modern look while still maintaining strength for vertical siding panels.

Graphic courtesy of TAMLYN

This is a W inside corner which can be used to replace wood corner pieces.

LED Strips

The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has grown rapidly because of the energy use and maintenance costs. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimated that nearly 50 million LEDs have been installed in applications ranging from indoors to streetlights to parking garages. However, the rise in use of LEDs has created new challenges for lighting fixture manufacturers. LEDs require little maintenance and can be installed in all kinds of dynamic environments, so the fixtures also must be easy to maintain and durable.

Aluminum extrusion fixtures have become a solid solution to the challenge. LEDs are cool to the touch within the devices themselves, but they still emit unwanted heat due to inefficient semiconductors that generate the light. Aluminum extrusion fixtures serve as excellent heat sinks while also reflecting more light. In more unpredictable environments, such as outdoor settings where they are not sheltered from weather, aluminum fixtures provide a corrosion-resistant alternative to other more costly fixtures.

Design-wise, the flexibility of aluminum fixtures brings more possibilities. The material can incorporate effects such as lenses, circuit boards, and end-caps but also lets designers create fixtures in any shape they desire with almost any artistic style imaginable. The low-maintenance, high-style quality allows more flexibility both in function and aesthetics. Rather than just being a necessary response to the LED phenomenon, extruded aluminum can be seen as a desirable material for product designers.

One of the latest LED technologies is LED strips that can be housed in aluminum extrusions. This kind of LED lighting tends to look more finished than unhoused strips and therefore more aesthetically pleasing. The profile prevents damage to the LED lighting and is especially useful in areas where the lighting might come into contact with people or moisture. Aluminum extrusions help enhance the appearance of the LED strip lighting. They are often placed around a ceiling or behind televisions, in bathrooms around a sink, above a dresser or any other furniture or interior element that might benefit from illumination.

LED strip technology has bright capabilities and can be specified according to lumens per foot for a variety of applications. The strip lights also come in an array of colors and color combinations that can be integrated into the profiles.

With LED strip technology, aesthetic and thermal benefits apply. The thermal benefits of combining LED strips with aluminum profiles have a major impact on occupant comfort. Extruded aluminum’s ability to work as a heat sink and provide better light reflection both contribute to the positive indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a space, directly elevating the comfort, well-being, and overall happiness of the occupant.

Fire Rating

Another new technology for extruded aluminum is the emergence of fire-rated profiles. These profiles use a factory-applied intumescent strip along the back wall of the profile. The strip allows drywall designs to achieve 1- and 2-hour fire ratings without requiring an extra layer of drywall. It swells when heated, protecting the profile underneath, and completely sealing the gap in the drywall in the event of a fire, preventing it from passing through.

The fire-rated profiles have a clean finish design with reveal detail for drywall terminations at ceilings, windows, doors, and other material transitions. They can be installed vertically or horizontally and transition between drywall and other materials and drywall and floors.

Fire-rated profiles are third-party fire tested per ASTM E119, and Standard Test Methods for Fire Test of Building Construction and Materials are listed under WFCi Report #20091.

Graphic courtesy of TAMLYN

Fire-rated extruded aluminum profiles allow drywall designs to achieve 1- and 2-hour fire ratings without requiring another
layer of drywall.