Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP) are generally recognized as one of the most enduring and aesthetically pleasing cladding options and offer excellent performance characteristics.
ACP Sheets are created by laminating LDPE and using glue on aluminum foil layers. The ACP cladding design comes in various designs that provide effective rain-shield cladding at reasonable prices. These new-generation aluminum panels are used to construct modern buildings’ exterior and interior cladding portions.
This article will examine the exterior ACP sheet and the differences between internal and external ACP sheets.
Is ACP Good for the Exterior?
Aluminum composite panels (ACP) are lightweight but very sturdy, so they are suitable for the exterior.
The exterior ACP sheets are also resistant to weather, UV rays, and corrosion, so they can be used in different climates.
ACP is commonly available in various colors and textures. It provides durability and easy maintenance while incorporating beauty into architectural activities.
Advantages of Exterior ACP Sheets
Exterior ACP sheets are lightweight, durable materials used primarily for building façades and cladding. Available in various colors and glosses, ACP sheets can be used in free-form architecture and provide a neat-looking surface.
The ACP façade comprises two layers of aluminum enclosing a non-aluminum core. The Aluminum composite facade is resistant to weather, UV rays, and pollution, ensuring long-lasting performance.
They are easy to install, and what may be overlooked is the time and amount of money required to employ people to fix them.
Also known, many ACP sheets come with a fire-resistant core to reduce the spread of fire in buildings.
Most ACP sheets are made from recycled aluminum, also part of sustainable development. Due to their relatively low demands on attention and care, they are widely used in commercial and residential applications.
What is the Difference Between Interior and Exterior ACP Sheets?
The first, and I might say the most significant, thing that needs to be pointed out is that the interior and exterior ACP sheets have different measuring breadth and thickness.
ACP sheet sizes used for interior cladding are mainly 3mm thick; exterior ACP sheets are thicker than interior ACP sheets, which are 4mm.
Standard exterior ACP sheet sizes are eight by 4 feet or 2440×1220mm, ten by 4 feet or 3050×1220mm, and 12 by 4 feet or 3660×1220mm.
The next characteristic, which is also rather striking, is the type of material used for a surface coating. The ACP sheet design for the interior is typically Polyester Resin, while the sheet design for the exterior is Fluorocarbon PVDF Resin.
ACP sheets used for the interior atmosphere have an aluminum thickness of < 0.25mm, and for the exterior atmosphere, has an aluminum thickness of> 0.25mm.
Exterior ACP Sheet Cost
The price of exterior Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP) in Canada depends on factors like:
- ACP quality
- Sizes
- Brand
- Installation
- Market factors, depending on its thickness
The cost of an ACP sheet depends on its thickness, which ranges from 4mm to 6mm. Thicker panels are more durable and have better insulating capability than thinner ones.
In addition, it is felt that more emphasis should be placed on the relative cost of installing such materials.
Another key determiner is the geographical location, whereby appliances in Canada become expensive to urban areas since they come with extra demand expenses and to cover the shipping costs.
In addition, changes in aluminum prices affect the prices and exchange rates of materials imported for its production.
Choosing the Right Exterior ACP Sheets in Canada
Determining which exterior ACP sheets to get in Canada should be durable, look good, and suit the climate. Since the climate change in Canada is so diverse, ranging from extreme cold to heat and moisture, good ACP sheets should be chosen as perfect canopies for long-lasting structures.
Wiedehopf has proposed their panels in a thickness range of 3mm to 6mm, which offers great insulation and strong construction. This is vital for energy efficiency and durability under temperature changes.
Besides, Wiedehopf ACP sheets provide various appearance options:
- Wood
- Metallic
- Customized ones
This means a building can have an interesting design outside without using traditional insulation materials.
Although these panels may seem to cost more initially to install, their quality ensures little or no recurring maintenance expenses during that period.
