Aluminium cladding is misunderstood. Let us clear up the most common myths we hear from homeowners and builders.
Myth 1: It looks fake
Modern sublimated finishes bond a high-resolution grain into the coating, so at normal viewing distances it reads convincingly as timber. The days of obviously printed metal are gone.
Myth 2: It is all combustible composite
Solid aluminium products have no combustible core. The substrate is non-combustible to AS 1530.1 - quite different from the polyethylene-core composite panels that caused concern.
Myth 3: The colour fades fast
The finish is engineered to be UV-stable and holds its colour far longer than oiled or stained timber, which fades and greys within seasons.
Myth 4: It dents easily
Architectural-grade aluminium boards and extruded battens are robust. Sensible handling on site is all that is needed; in service they stand up well.
Myth 5: It is more expensive than timber
Up front it is comparable to quality hardwood. Over time it is cheaper, because there is no oiling, repair or replacement cycle to fund.