We recently published an article comparing siding materials. However, we thought it was worth paying some attention to the issue, so today, we will take a little deeper look at ACM panels, which have been gaining a lot of popularity in Chicago in recent years. Are ACM panels a good choice? What should you pay attention to when choosing those? You’ll find out everything in this article.
What are ACM Panels?
ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) is an innovative building material used in wall cladding. This solution is also known as “sandwich panels” and has been in development for about 40 years, but in residential construction we have been dealing with it for a relatively short time.
Each panel consists of 3 layers:
- Outer layer – a thin sheet of aluminum covered with veneer or lacquer, which gives the panel a certain color and texture;
- Middle layer – a thermoplastic core, the purpose of which is to insulate thermally and strengthen the entire structure;
- The outer layer – a second thin sheet of aluminum sheeting that encloses the entire structure in a whole.
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Where did the ACM Panels come from?
The history of Aluminum Composte Material panels (ACM panels) dates back to the 1960s. Designers tried to create a lightweight, durable and at the same time aesthetically pleasing building material, although initially, no one thought of creating solutions for residential construction. The panels were used for billboards, and only after a while did they begin to be used to create facades for large commercial buildings, such as office buildings, factories and warehouses.
With advances in technology, architects have begun to experiment with the use of ACM panels in residential projects, although so far, this material is more often found on modern office buildings. All signs indicate that the popularity of sandwich panels will only grow.
Mechanical Parameters of ACM Panels
The sandwich structure makes ACM a very strong material. Very importantly, the layers of aluminum give the panels flexibility, while the core stabilizes the entire structure. ACM Panels can be bent to some extent, although with their properties they resemble a thick steel sheet rather than a sheet of paper. The range of ACM’s manufacturers varies, but there are two standards for panel thicknesses on the market – 3mm and 6mm (0.11 and 0.22 inches). These are relatively few, making the protagonist of our today’s article very lightweight – the panels can be easily moved, making installation very easy.
One side of ACM panels is usually coated with a special varnish, which is responsible for their external appearance. In the vast majority, the coating is uniform in color and smooth, but you can buy panels that resemble wood or brushed aluminum. The range of their manufacturers is really wide, although only a few companies dominate the market.
Resistance to Outdoor Conditions
The structure of ACM panels makes it an excellent siding material for use in climates typical of Chicago. Due to the use of aluminum, we can talk about 20-30 years of comfortable use without the need to replace any elements of the facade. The panels are not sensitive to UV radiation, temperature changes, water or smaller mechanical damage such as hail. A well-made wall cladding with ACM panels should also be resistant to moisture, which is very important due to the proximity of large lakes in our area.
A certain disadvantage of ACM panels is their smooth surface – if you opt for a light color, you must expect the need for regular cleaning. In return, such a procedure should not pose major difficulties – all you need is a suitable chemical and a pressure washer, with the help of which you can effectively get rid of dust and dirt.
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Safety
One of the few major drawbacks of ACM panels is their susceptibility to fire – due to their composite interior, which is usually made of polyethylene, in the event of a fire, the entire facade can suffer very serious damage. Sometimes ACM panels cannot be used precisely because of safety regulations.
On the other hand, ACM panels, during normal use, do not emit any harmful compounds, have no sharp edges or are not prone to mold. This makes, as a rule, this form of siding completely safe for you and your family.
Are ACM Panels Expensive?
Generally speaking, yes, ACM panels are a fairly expensive material, although their installation is quite cheap. The high initial cost of this investment is due, among other things, to the relatively low competition in the market, the high price of aluminum, and the rather complicated manufacturing process, which requires precision. On the other hand, it is a justifiable expense, since ACM panels are of very high quality, their operation is long and trouble-free, and defects are virtually non-existent. In exchange for a slightly higher price, you get a very comfortable and aesthetically pleasing siding, so in the end, you will most likely be satisfied with your purchase.
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How Much do ACM Panels Cost?
As with other building materials, there are huge differences on every level between specific models of ACM panels, and price is no exception to this. Currently, basic sandwich panels can be purchased for around $15-18 as well as $30-35 per sqft. The price depends on several factors, such as the thickness, size of the panels and the reputation of the manufacturer.
Top Manufacturers of ACM Panels
Among the most popular manufacturers of ACM panels are:
- Reynobond;
- Alucobond;
- Vitrabond;
- Maxbond;
- Alpolic;
We could expand this list, but practice shows that more than half of our customers choose the products of one company – Reynobond.
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Pros of ACM Panels
Durability
Aluminum composite material (ACM) are renowned for their above-average durability. Aluminum exterior cladding panels are essentially completely corrosion-resistant – even if the synthetic coating begins to degrade under external influences such as UV radiation or abrasion, the structure of the material will not change. ACM cladding panels are also resistant to strong winds, because the wall covered with them is smooth, so it puts up much less resistance.
Aesthetics
ACM is a very broad group of cladding panels – they can be used both as an alternative to classic fiber cement siding and for interior finishing. The panels are also offered in a wide range of sizes, from relatively small up to those with dimensions approaching king size bed.
The undoubted advantage of this technology is the vast availability of finishes. Wall panel suppliers offer aluminum wall panels with wood textures, completely smooth and matte panels, panels that pretend to be sheets of rust-covered steel, and even ones that resemble stretched vinyl. Because advanced coatings such as Kynar can be applied, the great look of aluminum sandwich panels usually lasts much longer than vinyl siding or wood siding.
Longevity
Estimating the longevity of ACM siding panels is difficult, as they only became popular 20-30 years ago. However, based on research and manufacturers’ warranties, it can be assumed that with typical use, aluminum sandwich panels will serve you seamlessly before 40 or even 50 years.
Insulating Properties
The primary use of ACM Panels is not to insulate the interior of the building – the wall membrane and wall insulation are used for that. However, it is worth noting that the inner polymer layer reduces heat loss, which in the long run, can generate some savings for the building owner.
Low Weight
As Curbell mentions, aluminum composite material panels (ACMs) are very light – 1 square meter of standard thickness panels weighs between 3 and 8 kilograms (6,5 lbs – 17,5 lbs), more than twice as much as fiber cement siding, which averages 16,9 kilograms per square meter (about 37 lbs).
Cons of ACM Panels
Initial Cost
In the vast majority of cases, conventional solutions like fiber cement siding, vinyl siding and stucco are simply cheaper, especially in terms of purchase cost. However, the situation is a bit more complicated – the cost of installing aluminum wall sandwich panels is lower because they are larger and lighter.
Susceptibility to Dirt
ACM wall panels with a smooth finish are impractical because of their potential to get dirty – the surface of aluminum coated with Kynarem or other paint coatings requires regular cleaning.
Low fire safety
Some time ago, there was a tragic fire in the UK, whose walls were just aluminum wall panels with a polymer core. According to the British Government, a huge part of residential buildings over 18 meters high have been subjected to the action of replacing wall cladding with other, safer solutions.
In the vast majority of countries around the world, ACM wall cladding is considered safe, but it’s fair to say that this technology can pose a fire risk if not used properly. So far, we have also not heard that sandwich panels are unsafe for use on single-family homes.
Is it Worth Choosing ACM Panels?
So far, ACM’s seem to be a very good choice – they are durable, elegant, their installation is not expensive, and the slightly higher purchase price is justified due to their longevity. If you consciously agree to the inconvenience of regular cleaning, you should be very happy with the purchase of ACM panels, although when deciding on this investment, you must remember to choose the right siding installer, who will take care of the quality of installation. This service is really not worth saving on.
