Metal cladding protects insulation from weather, impact and moisture, and gives pipework, ductwork and vessels a durable finish. The two most common choices are aluminium and stainless steel. Both do the same basic job, but they suit different environments.
Aluminium cladding
Aluminium is the most widely used cladding for industrial insulation. It is light, easy to form around bends, tees and fittings, resists corrosion in most indoor and outdoor atmospheres, and is the more economical option for long pipe runs.
- Available as plain sheet or stucco-embossed, which hides minor marks and handling damage
- Suits plant rooms, external pipework, rooftop services, ductwork and most vessels
- Sheet thickness is usually set by the specification and increases with pipe or vessel diameter
Stainless steel cladding
Stainless steel is specified where the finish needs to stand up to frequent cleaning, chemicals, heavy wear or higher fire risk. It is harder and far more heat-resistant than aluminium, and gives a hygienic surface that suits washdown areas.
- Common in pharmaceutical, food, dairy, brewing and distilling plants, and clean-room areas
- Grade 316 is often chosen over 304 for washdown, chemical or coastal environments
- Costs more and takes longer to fabricate, so it is usually specified where those properties are needed
Details that matter with either metal
- Shedding water: laps and joints should face downward and away from the weather so water runs off rather than into the insulation
- Sealing: penetrations, supports and terminations need to be sealed, because water trapped under cladding reduces insulation performance and can lead to corrosion under insulation
- Dissimilar metals: aluminium and stainless steel, and their fixings, should be kept apart to avoid galvanic corrosion
- Access: removable boxes or jackets at valves, flanges and inspection points avoid damage to the cladding when the plant is serviced
How Lagforce can help
We fabricate and fit both aluminium cladding and stainless steel cladding over pipework, ductwork and vessels and tanks. Where a specification already sets the material, we work to it. Where it does not, we can talk through the options for the environment and budget.
Send drawings, specifications, photographs and the site location to info@lagforce.ie, or call 083 077 9667.