Architects and designers must know how to choose exterior wall cladding that will delight their clients in a variety of ways. From design aesthetics to durability, cost, building protection, installation, insulation, and more; there are many important things to consider with wall cladding.
Fundermax has been around for over 100 years and is a globally trusted, sustainable brand. We are known for our durable phenolic panels (also called high-pressure laminate or HPL panels) that are used in commercial and residential buildings, laboratories, public facilities, and more.
Drawing from our knowledge of exterior phenolic panel factors and our extensive experience working with architects from around the world, we have narrowed down the five most important considerations when choosing exterior wall cladding.
What Are The Most Important Things to Consider with Exterior Wall Cladding?
1. Durability
Consider the impact of daily traffic on the exterior wall cladding of commercial buildings, particularly below ten feet. High traffic areas present the greatest threat of wear and tear on wall cladding; but these are also the areas that demand some of the highest standards of presentability and design, remaining fresh and in top condition.
Phenolic cladding panels are an excellent option, offering impact resistance, scratch resistance, graffiti resistance, wind and UV resistance. While the effects of some of these impacts are gradual, namely wind and UV rays, these are still extremely important factors to account for upfront.
Any material being considered for exterior wall cladding should be able to withstand wind loads and the harsh effects of UV rays on coloration. Read more about the durability of exterior phenolic wall panels, including their colorfastness, here.
2. Ease of Installation
Regardless of the location of your wall panel system, be it interior or exterior wall cladding, a simple and straightforward installation process is important. A phenolic wall panel system – specifically one that utilizes Fundermax phenolic cladding panels – offers different installation methods, orientations, and fastening options which provide not only ease of installation but also flexibility of design.
Remember: an exceptional design cannot be fully realized if it cannot be properly installed. Likewise, “saving” money on an inferior product will turn costly when installation becomes a complicated nightmare. Do not underestimate the cost of installing wall cladding that is overly-complicated, confusing, or requires obscure tools or fasteners.
A Fundermax phenolic wall panel system offers horizontal or vertical panel orientation and the choice of four different fastening systems: Color Matched Exposed Fasteners, Concealed (hidden) Fasteners, Modulo, or Scaleo Lap Siding. All of these options are determined at the design level, so the installation process is quite straightforward for any installing contractor. For more specifics about how to install Fundermax wall cladding, click here.
3. Code Compliance
Architects and builders are well aware that code compliance and fire-rating are extremely important things to consider with wall cladding. As a reminder, regardless of the material or manufacturer you may consider, it is essential to choose companies who value safety and can prove it.
At Fundermax, we rigorously test our products so we can offer the peace of mind that comes with local and national code compliance. Additionally, while many cladding panels have a standard Class B fire rating, all Fundermax exterior phenolic wall panels are Class A fire rated. We are proud to say that our company has always been ahead of the curve regarding testing and code compliance for high-pressure laminates.
4. Longevity & Warranty
When investing in something like exterior wall cladding, it is critical to consider the longevity of the material and the warranty that covers it. Wall panel longevity can be compared based on durability, sustainability, and product quality.
High-quality phenolic wall panels have a lifespan of 40-60 years. The superior longevity offered by exterior phenolic wall panels is rooted in the durability and low maintenance of the material, allowing the wall cladding to continue performing without needing to be replaced, thus reducing waste while ensuring buyers get their money’s worth.
It is also essential to find a panel that has a leading warranty from a trusted manufacturer. For example, Fundermax proudly offers an industry-leading 10-year limited warranty - including both material and labor - for our exterior phenolic wall panels. Be sure to choose phenolic panel manufacturers who stand behind their products.
5. Sustainability
Choosing sustainable building materials reduces the negative impact on the environment, is cost-effective, and does not have to limit the quality of your design – yes, even when choosing exterior wall cladding.
Luckily, most phenolic panels are considered a sustainable material. However, Fundermax specifically has a long history of commitment to sustainability. This commitment is evidenced in our business operations and in our sustainable phenolic cladding panels that are uncompromising in design and durability.
When choosing exterior wall cladding, remember that these five factors are absolutely essential considerations for leveraging the best material. Contact Fundermax today to discuss whether phenolic panels may be the best material for your project’s exterior wall cladding.
