Break metal cladding refers to architectural elements made from sheet metal that has been bent or "broken" using a brake press into specific shapes. These shaped metal pieces are then used to cover or clad various surfaces in a building.
Understanding Break Metal Cladding
The term "break metal" comes from the process of bending sheet metal using a specialized tool called a brake press. This allows fabricators to create custom angles, profiles, and shapes from flat metal sheets. Cladding is the application of one material over another to provide a skin or layer. Therefore, break metal cladding is the application of these custom-shaped metal pieces as a covering for building components.
Key Uses of Brake Metal
As noted in construction practices, Brake Metal is a versatile material used in numerous applications for finishing and protecting building elements.
Common uses include:
- Covering Structures: It is often used for columns, risers, sill bases, and platforms. This provides a durable, often aesthetic, finish to these structural or foundational parts.
- Large Surface Coverage: It can cover large areas adjacent to the storefront, providing a cohesive look or protecting the underlying wall.
- Storefront Systems: It may also be used to cover or "clad" the storefront glazing system and doors. This can hide framing, provide weather protection, or enhance the visual design.
Purpose of Break Metal Cladding
The primary purposes of using break metal cladding include:
- Aesthetics: Creating clean lines, sharp angles, and a modern look.
- Protection: Shielding underlying materials from weather, impact, and wear.
- Finishing: Covering raw edges, transitions, or structural elements for a polished appearance.
- Durability: Metal provides a long-lasting surface.
By shaping metal precisely, break metal cladding allows for custom fits and finishes that seamlessly integrate with other building materials, offering both functional protection and architectural design flexibility.
