Metal Wall Panels

Metal Wall Panels

Wall panels made of metal provide support, sealing and siding in building construction. They are used for either decorative or structural wall applications, but are also used as appliance housings and store shelves. Back splashes, wall cladding and water tight insulation are all often made of metal panels. They are manufactured through the roll forming process out of continuous coil made of aluminum, bronze, stainless steel, copper or zinc, although steel is the most common material used to produce wall paneling. The panels may be flat or corrugated, where the panels have been drawn or bended into folds or alternating ridges. Metal wall panels offer design freedom, low installation cost and a wide color and texture selection.

Wall panels are usually wider than they are high, and may have U channels, which are small legs on each side of the width. For insulation applications, the wall panels keep moisture out of buildings. If water seeps into building walls and freezes, it causes cracking and can lead to severe damage. Metal wall panels prevent this problem while allowing the wall to breathe. Some are coated with an acoustical backing to cut down on noise between walls or ceilings, and for decorative purposes, metal wall panels come in different finishes and textures. During the manufacturing process, metal coils are passed through a set of rollers to produce parts with long lengths. A common problem is oil-canning, where waviness in the panels occurs. Obtaining a completely uniform, straight metal panel requires an experienced and skilled operator.