Over the last few years, the building industry has changed considerably due to the presence of technology. At present, architects and other architecture professionals ensure that they have the most suitable structures with a variety of materials that will make them physically attractive or esthetically pleasing. The use of insulated concrete panels and metal claddings is one of the most modern approaches used by structural engineering professionals to attain high efficiency and diverse phrases. MBCI’s report highlights the different pros and cons of the use of the two methods in architecture. Metal panels and claddings’ key advantages over the other techniques of building imply that such materials offer a broad range of aesthetic choices of structures of all types, sizes, and purposes. Metal panels and claddings have attracted the wide use in commercial and residential buildings due to their beauty. According to MCBI (p.1), the aesthetic value of metal panels and claddings has made it the only option for most architects, construction managers, and structural engineers. The variations of the design for the metal panels and claddings are also unlimited and dependent on the creative opportunities of the project developers. The point of aesthetics raised by MCBI is true and manifests in most constructions that have been developed using metal plan claddings. According to Song, Lim and Song (139), such materials, unlike the traditional ones used in construction, has a modern touch that makes them the only option for developers. Their aesthetic value is undebatable and evident to the naked eye. Song, Lim, and Song (139) also note that cities with structures built with the metal panels and claddings are the biggest tourist attractions.
The second benefit that MCBI discusses is constructability. The article notes that one of the key reasons for the adoption of metal claddings is the simplicity of their use. Unlike other materials and methodologies of construction, the claddings’ ease of application shortens the duration of the building. MCBI’s failure to elaborate this point makes it weaker and less understandable than other advantages. However, Song, Lim, and Song (144) support this benefit by noting that the use of metal panels and claddings is time-efficient and easy to connect saving construction managers a great deal of the building duration.
The article also states that insulated metal panels and metal claddings offer architects and clients a leverage on the cost of construction. Most manufacturers acknowledge that the life cycle of metals makes them cost-effective and the most suitable material for large projects. The cost-effectiveness of the materials not only applies to the new constructions but also retrofit projects. Song, Lim and Song (146) support this point by noting that unlike generic building materials such as cement and sand, insulated metal panels and metal claddings cost less and last longer, thereby reducing the finances that might be required for renovation.
The final pro that MCBI’s article addresses are the issue of energy efficiency. The article’s third consideration was the investigation of techniques that would be utilized in the improvement of energy efficiency using the metal claddings and other IMPs. The material conserves energy through its ability to retain gloss, heat, and dirt and resistance to chipping, fading, and chalking. Energy efficiency was discussed to exhaustion by the author, making it a key benefit of the insulated metal panels and metal clippings as building materials. MCBI’s point on energy efficiency has been reiterated by many authors including Song, Lim and Song (147) who note that the materials’ aim is the enhancement of environmental sustainability. Most green structures are constructed using the metal claddings and IMPs.
While there are numerous benefits of the modern materials for construction, the key drawback of metal panels and claddings is that they are prone to corrosion, thereby weakening structures made from the materials. However, most architects and engineers choose natural metals that are corrosion-resistant such as copper, zinc, and aluminum to construct buildings. The distinct look of the materials paves the way to the second disadvantage, which is the high cost associated with the natural metals. Coating and painting the metal panels and claddings are also expensive and time-consuming. Song, Lim and Song (149) consider the disadvantages mentioned in MCBI’s article noting that despite the cost-effectiveness of metal panels and claddings, the funds required for retrofitting are relatively high. Purchasing metals to be utilized in construction is a long, tedious, and costly process that needs the approval from different bodies.
In summary, the points raised by the MCBI are concrete, clear, and agreeable. The key benefits raised by the author include cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, durability, aesthetic opportunities, and ease of construction. The author elaborates on these advantaged by providing examples and using relevant quotes from professional organizations and construction association. However, the drawbacks raised in the article were weak. The articles only addressed the cost and time limitations and corrosion issues associated with the metal panels and claddings. The author forgot to mention that IMPs and claddings also require specialized skills for connection and maintenance purposes. Nonetheless, advantages and drawbacks presented in the article were both satisfactory and authentic
Works Cited
MBCI. “Metal Panels and Claddings: Varied Expression, Consistent Performance.” Continuing Education, 2014, https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/article_print.php?C=1204&L=213. Accessed 19 Dec. 2017.
Song, Jin-Hee, Jae-Han Lim, and Seung-Yeong Song. “Evaluation of Alternatives for Reducing Thermal Bridges in Metal Panel Curtain Wall Systems.” Energy and Buildings, vol. 127, 2016, pp. 138-158. Print
