Options for metal cladding

BoardsMember

Hi folks,

I really like the look of some extensions that are clad in metal. There was a nice example of it on Room to Improve recently. I know it would be more expensive that block or brick, but think it might work well with an extension onto the side of a period home, i.e. going modern rather than pastiche type attempt to get extension to blend in.

Just wondering what experience/knowledge there is hereabouts with regard to finishing external walls/roof in metal cladding. Has anyone done this? Who did you use? Costs per sq metre? Any info/advice welcome.

Thanks!

Metric Tensor

You're getting into quite a "non-domestic" look. Not that there's a problem with that - and I agree with you about the pastiche ..

.... however most of the metal (panel) systems out there are aimed at larger buildings so there's a scaling issue and they are designed to cater for quite regular shapes both in terms of building form and wall penetrations (doors, windows, etc.) so they can be somewhat limiting unless you start getting very bespoke ... and that will really blow the budget.

Have a look at Kingspan Optimo - I think it's the type of thing you are talking about. N.B. - I have not used this product so I can't attest to its quality or price but it might be a starting point for you.

BoardsMember

Thanks for the response & suggestion for the Kingspan Optimo. Most of the usages I can find for that are industrial, which probably just backs up what you say re getting into bespoke/expensive territory. But definitely on the right track with that type of finish alright.

Metric Tensor

What's the existing wall finish?

If it's a brick finish (or even a dry/wet dash) then a fine nap plaster finish with a good colour selection could give you the distinction you are after without having to stray away from what would be loosely term "traditional" dwelling house construction.

Or alternatively a primarily glasswork link between the old and a new freestanding addition.

BoardsMember

Thanks for the follow up. It's a new extension, about to commence design stage with architect so not certain. There will be an amount of glazing, trying to decide what material to use for the non-glazed element. Will also discuss with him re EWI, so that might make it easier to attain the finish you suggest with colour selection. We don't have the luxury of a glass link, though I know where you are coming from - it is a side extension in a fairly public thoroughfare; we're replacing a knocked garage where we'll be using nearly all the available space, so the extension will be stuck against the existing gable end of the house.

Someone I had talked to (in the context of making a flat roof look like its zinc), mentioned being able to get the zinc colour and crimped finish by using bog standard flat roof, then using battens below the flat roof skin, and using a well chosen paint, he reckoned you can get a pretty impressive finish. Not sure I'd want to go that route though.

Metric Tensor

In terms of flat roofs there is no such thing as bog standard ... there's a whole range of different coverings ranging from things I wouldn't put on a dog house up to really expensive systems that are extremely good (when properly installed of course!)

If you go with a roof system that has a metal outer element beware of rain noise inside. Even the high cost pre insulated panel systems can suffer from this.

BoardsMember

Thanks, thats valuable input.

Assuming one goes for a decent quality flat roof system, would that tend to be cheaper than an a frame roof? I know its a bit of a "how long is a piece of string", but in general, what I've understood to date is that flat rooves are the cheapest. But with your commenta above, I'm wondering if that bears up.

The flat roof will not have sleeping quarters below, only walk in wardrobe/bathroom, so not to worried about sound, but thanks for the heads up.

Metric Tensor

In my experience a high quality flat (and by flat I mean low pitched - circa 5 degrees) works out more expensive than a pitched roof.

A lot of the cost is the details at edges and penetrations. Also poorer attention to detail has more room to hide in a pitched roof - although obviously it shouldn't happen in any roof type.

So to sum up: if you are looking at a flat roof for cost reasons I don't think you are looking at the type that I'd personally recommend for a domestic dwelling! (You might get different opinions on that though)