Posted July 7th, 2014 by Christy Serafini

Perforated metal panels have become increasingly popular in the construction industry over the past few years. Metal has always been a great design choice for its durability, versatility and energy efficiency, and perforated metal only improves on these benefits. Perforated metal comes in a variety of different thicknesses or gauges, and it can even be customized to fit a particular construction project.

Perforated metal panels, such as the kind available from Wade Architectural Systems can be used in practically any major construction project, but what is it exactly that makes this material so useful?

What is Perforated Metal?

Perforated metal panels are metal sheets that have been perforated during the manufacturing process. Like standard sheet metal, it can be made from a variety of materials such as steel, aluminum, bronze, brass and titanium. The panels resemble a grid or mesh, but they are much more durable and are often used as cladding in buildings of all sizes.

Benefits of Perforated Metal Panels

There are several advantages to using perforated metal panels in construction. First of all, perforated metal can be customized to fit the needs of a project. Most of the time, the perforations made in a metal sheet are round, but they can be any shape the architect wishes. This opens up several possibilities for incorporating various graphic designs into a structure. This is also why many sculptors and interior decorators like to work with perforated metal. It’s simply more aesthetically appealing than regular sheet metal, and the right designer can use it to turn an otherwise boring structure into a work of art.

Because perforated metal panels can be customized for particular projects, they can also include specially designed connection systems to make construction easier. Perforated metal panels are often shipped to a construction site pre-finished, and the panels can be cut down to size at the site to make installation even easier. Thanks to the perforation process, the sheets are often much lighter than regular sheet metal, although they are still every bit as durable.

In addition to being easier to use during the construction process, perforated metal panels also have several benefits once a project is complete. They can be placed over glass windows to provide protection while allowing sunlight into a space during daylight hours. This is also what makes them so popular for free-standing outdoor structures. They also provide some protection from the heat during the summer by reflecting a certain amount of sunlight without impeding air circulation and some protection from the cold by creating a warm envelope of air when it is used as cladding for a building.

Eco-Friendly and Recyclable

Like all metal building materials, perforated metal panels are also 100 percent recyclable, making them great design materials for architects who want to be environmentally-friendly in their design choices. The waste that is created during the perforation process is also recyclable, making perforated metal a far more renewable resource than people realize.

With all the benefits that perforated metal panels have in construction, it’s no wonder why architects love using them. Whether it’s due to its versatility, aesthetic appearance or its relatively low price, we can expect to see these metal panels used in a variety of construction projects in the future.