The global sheet metal market is currently at an all-time high… and with good reason. This striking material isn’t just cost-effective but also makes for beautiful walls in interior commercial design.
Here, we’re going to talk about the sheet metal interior wall cladding process and what trends to keep in mind during your interior upgrade. Read on to learn the ins and outs of interior wall cladding in commercial spaces.
What Is Sheet Metal Interior Wall Cladding?
“Cladding” is a term referring to the bonding together of two different materials. Sheet metal cladding happens when an architect or interior renovation professional welds two metal pieces together to form one larger piece.
In some cases, one type of metal will be covered with another one. They will be welded on top of each other in layers.
This usually happens when the sheet metal is used for architectural applications. The designer wants to put an aesthetically pleasing metal over a sturdier one for a strong foundation.
In other instances, two metals will be welded together side by side. This happens when an interior design professional wants to combine two metals and lay them next to each other for aesthetic purposes. For example, bonding aluminum with copper and putting it onto an accent wall adds color complexity and a unique texture to your space.
The Sheet Metal Interior Wall Cladding Process
There are three common processes that architects may use for metal cladding.
The first, roll bonding, runs two different layers of metals through a pair of rollers. The rollers apply extremely high pressure, which deforms the metals and makes them thinner. It also bonds the layers together into one sheet.
Explosive welding is yet another option that bonds the layers with a chemical explosive. The explosion propagates across the sheets and bonds them together while getting rid of oxides and impurities. The primary application for this is combining sheet metal with corrosion-resistant layers.
Laser interior wall cladding is one of the most modern metal cladding processes. It’s an additive process in which a laser melts metallic powder and coats a piece of sheet metal. A CAM system moves the laser across the solid sheet metal on a set of tracks for a consistent and accurate output.
As someone looking for an interior upgrade to your commercial building, you likely don’t know the ins and outs of every cladding process. That’s understandable, and it’s why sheet metal installation professionals are here to help. Alpine’s team will guide you through the process of choosing the best process for your specific project.
Types of Metal Sheet Walls to Know About
There are several different types of sheet metal cladding that interior renovation professionals use to spruce up their spaces.
The first, ACM panels, are aluminum panels. These are a common option for installation in both exterior and interior design, and they immediately provide an interior upgrade.
Aluminum is cost-efficient, easily accessible, easy to install, and weather-resistant. It’s also highly sustainable.
Aluminum comes in several different colors and textures because of coating and embossing techniques. It’s a great way to add visual appeal to your commercial space while increasing foundation strength.
Standing Seam and Snaplock Walls
Standing seam cladding is one of the most popular and recognizable types of sheet metal bonding. It’s dramatic because many different metals, coatings, and colors can be bonded together. Curving and interlocking seams aren’t just watertight but also add some complexity and texture.
Snaplock cladding looks almost exactly like standing seam cladding, but it’s not welded together in the same way. Instead, snaplock panels made from individual metals stand alone, but they snap together securely before an expert erects them in a commercial space. This lets you reap the benefits of dramatic seaming with an easier installation process.
These cladding types are usually the best for commercial interior design. They’re dramatic and layered, and they add an accent element to your building’s structure when used in its architectural foundation. Standing seam and snaplock options also are great for interior accent walls because of their colors, metal textures, and intricate combinations.
Interlocking Metal Interior Wall Cladding
Both standing seam and snaplock interior wall cladding have visible seams and fasteners. This can add a texture element to your design that you love. It’s also easy to cover in some places if you dislike it.
However, interlocking metal cladding is a solution to this design element if you don’t want it in your commercial or industrial space. The fasteners are concealed while 3D seams and express joints are subtle in appearance.
The panels also come in a wide range of sizes. You can ask for them to be custom fabricated not just horizontally and vertically but also diagonally. The result is a dramatic and aesthetically pleasing that adds dimension to any interior renovation.
Interior Wall Cladding Trends for 2024
Of course, sheet metal cladding is great for structural building elements. However, interior wall cladding is just as important for beautiful walls and a fresh, modern space.
Perforated dividers, colored accent walls, and artistic window surrounds are all great uses for metal sheets.
One of the most important trends to know about is sheet metal perforation. You can ask experts to cut holes and shapes of varying sizes into the surface of the metal.
Small dots in wave patterns are a great choice, as are larger floral shapes and oriental patterns. The ball’s completely in your court.
Put these in areas near windows so that they move natural light through the room interestingly. It will shine through the holes and reflect in different ways throughout the room.
Bold colors and refined textures are also important for interior renovation. Combine various metals for a more complex look. You can also use powder coatings to change the hues of your metals to create a cohesive color scheme.
Refine Your Commercial Interior Design ASAP
Now that you know the ins and outs of interior wall cladding, it’s time to jump onto some of the best commercial design trends of 2024. Alpine Sheet Metal Systems is committed to listening to your needs and fabricating the perfect architectural elements for your project.
We offer cost-effective installation as well as a wide range of sheet metal products. Get a quote to learn more about your specific project, its costs, and how you can make the interior renovation process go smoother.
