The increase in complexity, the discussion on the function of the decoration and its meaning has always involved dozens of knowledge in the formation of a contemporary thought where even the technological systems of the facade and the division of the space have been fascinated.

Decorated panels become an opportunity for designers and architects of applied research, not only towards new forms, but also towards materials used differently than in the past.

Metals for example, not only used in their structural function, but also in that of decoration and finishing, thanks to their ease of processing and assembly, flexibility of use, durability over time and resistance. They adapt to new digital design models and are an expression of a new contemporary language.

The infinite combinations that develop become opportunities for unusual spatiality. Perforated, folded, stretched and corrugated sheets are just some of the possibilities that sheet metal panels offer designers.

The infinite combinations that develop become opportunities for unusual spatiality. Perforated, folded, stretched and corrugated sheets are just some of the possibilities that sheet metal panels offer designers. In fact, metal decoration can be useful to integrate technological systems or stairs, they can contribute to the ventilation of indoor environments and of the facades themselves, improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Now, the metallic decoration takes on not only the ornamental function, but also a functional role in the building.

Ora, Il decoro metallico assume non solo la funzione ornamentale, ma anche un ruolo funzionale nell’edificio.

Protection from humidity and therefore mold or fungus

The metals, due to the dense conformation of their lens, inhibit biological aggressions and constitute an environment unsuitable for the appearance of mold and fungi. Copper, like all the alloys that contain it, even cancels its possibility of formation.

Copper alloys such as bronze and brass retain this ability. The zinc, on the other hand, with which the surfaces of commercial carbon steels are protected, facilitates the birth of fungi and molds. Steel alone does not allow its proliferation, but unfortunately, it remains inapplicable in any outdoor structure without an adequate galvanizing procedure.

On aluminum, however, they are unable to take root, because in the metal, since water stagnation cannot occur, they cannot find a favorable environment for nourishment.

Of all the metals on the market, Corten steel panels are certainly the most suitable application for outdoor use, due to their self-passivating and anti-corrosive characteristics.

Where there are metal oxides, in fact, an environment conducive to the development of mold is not created. The copper, tin, iron oxides that form on the surface of Corten steel are in fact believed to be the best inhibitors of these life forms.

Corten steel: prices and comparisons with other metals

In addition, from the economic point of view, of all noble metals, the price of Corten steel can represent a fair compromise, also considering its unique aesthetic performance, against the investment made.

Note the infinite Corten patterns that can be obtained for the construction of external facades through paneling.

Certainly compared to other noble metals, such as brass and copper, it puts corten steel as a right compromise between price between costs and aesthetic performance and therefore, the ideal combination for coating large surfaces.

When the intervention requires, however, the application of panels for the exterior of the lower surface, certainly, the choice of Brass and Copper, always remains with a great aesthetic impact and not too prohibitively economically.

The importance of the supports in the metal panels

With TrackDesign solutions, decorative panels, whether for exteriors or interiors, undergo adjustments in terms of thickness, in order to reduce the impact of expensive materials such as brass and maintaining the added value on the beauty and craftsmanship of the multiple treatments superficial offered.

Thanks to careful planning, order by order, the products are adapted to different applications.

The supports of a facade cladding are designed and integrated to the climatic situations or different geological conformations of the territory, not limiting our services to standard products.

Calculating and predicting micro-displacements of the soil allows to obtain eternal applications of decorative panels for exteriors.

Wind is also a component to be calculated according to the geographical location of the facade to be covered or from the altitude.

Sun protection

In conclusion, a further advantage of metal surfaces, remaining in the field of their usability (because aesthetically we think there are no rivals) lies in the great protection against radiation of all kinds.

The metal surfaces reflect, in fact, both ultraviolet and infrared radiation thus making these panels applicable to facades, both in hot and cold countries, while maintaining excellent functionality in any case.

The mirror reflection of some finishes of aluminum and natural steel manages to reject significant quantities of radiant heat from the facades, keeping the rooms of warm countries cool.

Here, very often, for the external facade, a spacing of the metal panel is combined from the facade of the building, in order to create a convective motion and allow warm air to rise, further cooling the environment, and avoiding energy waste in air conditioning.

In the very cold Scandinavian countries, metal panels with dark colors are preferred, in order to absorb as much solar energy as possible, to melt the snow that is deposited on the roofs and also to improve the heating energy consumption here.