Do you have asbestos in your home or workplace? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in a variety of industries because of its remarkable properties.

Asbestos fibres are resistant to heat, fire, and many chemicals, which made it ideal for use in cladding materials and other household building materials.

However, these same properties that made asbestos so useful and popular also make it dangerous. When asbestos fibres become airborne, they can be inhaled or ingested and can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

While the use of asbestos has declined in recent years due to the health risks associated with it, there are still many buildings that contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). If you own a building that contains ACMs, you have a responsibility to manage them safely to protect the people who occupy the building.

Dealing With Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs)

One way to manage ACMs is to encapsulate them. This involves covering the ACMs with a material that seals them in and prevents the release of fibres.

Another way to manage ACMs is to remove them completely. This can be a difficult and expensive process, but it is the only way to completely eliminate the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres.

If you decide to remove ACMs from your building, you must hire a licensed asbestos removal company to do the work. You will also need to find a suitable material to take their place, in the case of replacing asbestos cladding, one of the best options for replacement is metal wall cladding.

Replacing ACMs

When selecting a replacement for asbestos cladding, metal wall cladding is an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. Advantages of metal cladding include:

Fire Safety

Not only fire-resistant, metal wall cladding is also non-combustible, meaning it will not contribute to the spread of fire in your home or at your business.

Durable

Metal wall cladding is incredibly durable and resistant to mould and mildew. This makes it an ideal choice of exterior cladding for damp or humid climates. It is also heat, water and insect resistant – meaning it will truly stand the test of time.

Easy Care

Metal cladding panels can be installed quickly and easily, and they require little to no maintenance once they are in place. When compared to the maintenance requirements of other cladding options, metal cladding is the clear winner.

Versatility

Perhaps most importantly, metal cladding systems are an extremely versatile material that can be used on a variety of different building types. Whether you are looking to update the exterior of your home or you need to replace the siding on your office building, metal wall cladding is an excellent choice.

Energy Efficiency

Opting for metal siding as a cladding choice can help you lower your heating and cooling bills. Due to its reflective properties, it reflects the sun’s UV rays rather than absorbing them, in the winter, with proper insulation in place it will also help your home retain heat for a cosy indoor environment.

Sustainability

Metal is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available. As steel can be endlessly recycled and repurposed, opting for stainless steel cladding can help lower your home’s carbon footprint.

Aesthetics

Whether you are building a home or a commercial building, the wide variety of metal cladding options available ensure your property looks eye-catching for all the right reasons. With a variety of colours and finishes to choose from including a panel profile that suits your preferred style, metal cladding gives you unmatched design freedom.

Types Of Metal Cladding

There are several types of metal cladding available for you to choose from, each with its own unique manufacturing process.

  • Aluminium
  • Steel (corten and corrugated)
  • Copper
  • Zinc

The type of metal cladding you choose will come down to your preferred look and any budget concerns you may have.

Work With The Experts

If you are looking for a durable, low-maintenance, and versatile material for your next cladding project, metal wall cladding is a perfect choice. Delivering an exceptional range of benefits alongside a chic, high-style look, metal cladding should be high on your list of alternatives when replacing any asbestos cladding.

If you need professional support from a licensed team to remove asbestos and/or install metal cladding on your home Icon Asbestos Removals are your trusted local experts. Call 07 3053 3453 today to learn more.