PVDF aluminium cladding cost and the importance of quality testing

There’s no shortage in building products – whether manufactured locally or overseas – and it can be difficult for product suppliers to stand out. 

When it comes to exterior cladding and roofing, this is particularly important. As well as playing a big role in the first impression and aesthetic of a project, cladding is a material that should also protect a building.

To prove the quality of its cladding products, all Archclad metal wall cladding and roofing roll-formed profiles are tested by a NATA-approved testing laboratory to meet the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

“We believe we are probably the only cladding company that has invested in this testing because it’s quite an expensive and rigorous process,” says Lara Philipson, general manager at Archclad. 

“Custom full-size walls are manufactured and clad at our Notting Hill factory and sent to the testing facility to be tested. It is a very thorough process, which it should be. For quality assurance and to ensure conformance, we have a specific method of installation checklist that must be followed to ensure the cladding will perform as intended.”

Rigorous testing demonstrates each product’s performance, meeting the following criteria:

• Non-Combustibility BCA C1.9 (e.) (v.)
• Structural testing to AS 1562.1 as described in the 4040 series of tests
• Weatherproof testing to FP1.4 to meet FV1.1 in the NCC

Archclad’s Standing Seam 25mm product has also undergone and successfully passed debris impact tests, and meets the standard for resistance to wind pressures for cyclone regions. 

“Furthermore, Archlad can also arrange a ‘site specific’ Regulation 126 Certificate through our consulting engineers at a small additional cost.”

As well as ticking the boxes for the NCC and BCA, the Archclad Cliptray 48mm is a modern, innovative design that removes the need for a continuous substructure and does not require unsightly button-punching.

“It’s a structural panel that is quick and easy to install. For large areas such as roofs, you don’t need to spend the time and money to ply the whole area – the benefit of this profile is that it can be installed on battens or purlins,” says Philipson. 

For aluminium and Colorbond, this is achieved with a ‘snap fix’ where the male rib is secured to the substructure purlin or girt with a proprietary concealed fixing clip. This structural, self-supporting profile can also be roll-formed on site in lengths up to 30m. 

The width can be varied from 150mm to 620mm, making it possible to achieve various designs but wider panels will affect the spanning capability. To prevent ‘oil-canning’ on wider panels, up to three ‘pencil ribs’ – 3mm high x 5mm wide – can be introduced into the pan.

Archclad’s Express panel is also available in varying widths – 192mm, 292mm and 392mm – and can be staggered to create a random effect. The profile is sleek and modern, with a concealed-fix system with a recess or express joint between panels. 

“The standard widths are the most cost- and waste-effective, but they can be made in other widths within reason to avoid oil canning,” says Philipson. 

“All our products are made to order, so can be customised and made in many different materials.” 

This includes Colorbond colours, corten, copper, titanium zinc, Unicote Lux pre-painted patterned steel that mimics textures such as wood, and Archclad’s own range of exclusive PVDF aluminium colours. 

“Archclad’s cladding pricing for a builder starts from $49 per sqm plus GST, for supply only – based on the Standard Range Colorbond Standing Seam 330mm panel, excluding fixings and flashings,” says Philipson. 

“Everything is made to order. We also offer a project-managed supply and install option, that will obviously be more costly, based on the intricacy of the project, but offers peace of mind. We have several highly experienced sub-contractor teams that will carry out the installation while we manage the project.

“Our experienced project manager will be there from start to finish, and if you have any technical questions or design solutions, our team is always ready to answer and solve any problems.” 

Learn more about Archclad’s products on ArchiPro.