MCRMA Technical Paper No.

5
REVISED EDITION
CI/SfB

(4-) Rh2

OCTOBER 2004

METAL WALL SYSTEMS

DESIGN GUIDE

THE METAL CLADDING & ROOFING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Contents

Page
1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Design considerations 1

2.1 Coatings and colours 1
2.2 Profiles 2
2.3 Performance considerations 5

3.0 Systems 7
3.1 Built-up systems 7
3.2 Composite panels 13
3.3 Façade systems 14

4.0 Coatings and materials 15

4.1 Steel organic coatings 15
4.2 Aluminium cladding coatings 15
4.3 Colour matching 15
4.4 Post coating 15

5.0 Thermal performance 16

6.0 Fire performance 16

6.1 Introduction 16
6.2 Legislative requirements 16
6.3 Euroclasses and EU fire tests 17
6.4 Insurance requirements 17

7.0 Acoustics 19
7.1 Sound reduction 19
7.2 Sound absorption 19

8.0 Sealants and fixings 19

9.0 Architectural fabrications and flashings 20

10.0 References 21

For up to date information on metal roof and wall cladding, including downloadable
construction details, visit www.mcrma.co.uk.
© The Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association Limited. October 2004
Introduction Design considerations

Metal wall systems offer an advanced, attractive Wall cladding is the most visible element of any
and durable form of wall construction which building and most specification decisions will start
maintain high levels of thermal performance, with the aesthetic. This decision will probably be
weather resistance and also, when required, based on existing examples and photographic
acoustic and fire resistance. evidence supplied by manufacturers however; a
brief outline of what is available together with their
The specifier is offered a wide choice of systems visual implications is given below.
– the aim of this guide is to simplify the selection
process and ensure that the right choice is made 2.1 Coatings and colours
according to the needs of the client. 2.1.1 Colours
When metal wall cladding became popular in
Robust details for wall cladding systems are
the 1970s, it brought with it the great advantage
available from each of the full members of the
of colour choice across the spectrum. Despite
MCRMA.
this, grey and brown industrial and commercial
buildings predominate, resulting in generally dull
commercial estates.

There is still a tendency to conservatism in colour

design, probably out of fear that the look will date
too fast. However, wall cladding and thus the entire
building can be transformed by interesting colour
design. Cladding suppliers offer a wide colour
choice however, the designer should always check
which are stock colours as non-stock items may
present delivery delays and be subject to minimum
quantity.

Interesting use of colour with metal wall systems

1
 Manufacturers of coated metal offer guidance require a very high standard of product and
on colour design of wall systems. One useful installation, whereas plastisol-coated cladding
computer graphic design tool is ‘Repertoire’ requires good workmanship, but is more tolerant to
which enables designers to try different colours small inconsistencies.
and profiles on typical buildings. This service is
available from the full members of the MCRMA. 2.2 Profiles
A variety of profiles is offered from very low
2.1.2 Coatings emphasis simple trapezoids, to striking half round
Different coatings offer varying functional and deep trapezoidal shapes.
performance. Aesthetically too, there are
considerable variations ranging from hard shiny
metallic to softer matt plastisol. Metallic coatings Typical profile shapes

Sinusoidal

Shallow (20mm) trapezoidal

Standard (30mm) trapezoidal

Trapezoidal with stiffeners

Bold trapezoidal with stiffeners

Deep trapezoidal with stiffeners

Asymmetric trapezoidal

Half round

2
2.2.1 Vertical cladding expression of shape and colour to add interest to
The profiles provide vertical lines on the wall face. large building with simple overall geometric shape.
These lines are less emphasised if the cladding Much closer tolerances in product and construction
is placed with the broad face out as is usually the are required than for vertical cladding however,
case. The appearance of vertical profiled cladding because the eye easily picks up any slight variations
varies considerably with the way that the light falls in line or flatness when viewing a long horizontal
on it because of shadowing which can also lead to surface, especially if it also has horizontal lines in it.
pleasing textural effects on the wall. This effect is considerably reduced by breaking the
flat surface in every bay with a vertical line; another
reason for the popularity of top hat end joins.

Vertical profile

Profiled cladding requires surface flashings and

Horizontal profiles
is usually through fixed, so flashings and fixings
are quite visible. The flashings form a significant Horizontal cladding is frequently used as a feature
feature of the construction. band, where the rest of the cladding is vertical; this
tends to achieve the positive qualities of both types
Vertical cladding is a tolerant form of construction.
and again gives interest to otherwise bland buildings.
The eye cannot pick up small variations in structure
or slight looseness in the metal because the sight 2.2.3 Plank
line along the vertical plane is broken by the
vertical lines.

2.2.2 Horizontal cladding

The profile lines follow the eaves line; for buildings
which have a low height to width ratio, the building
shape is emphasised in a pleasing way and the
effect is frequently highlighted by architects using
more dramatic profile shapes.

Horizontal cladding also uses surface flashings

and fixings. The end joins between sheets may be
butted (with straps behind) or lapped away from
the line of sight. However, a frequently used detail Plank profile - higher elevation
is the top hat end joins which provides a feature
Plank is a term referring to a particular profile
line, usually at every building frame.
shape where the metal is formed to present a wide
The profile shape is emphasised more in the flat face outermost and a narrow recess into which
horizontal which gives more scope for the the fixings are placed. The effect is to provide a

3
 flat appearance without visible fixings however, the and other junctions. The inner face is usually
profile lines are still apparent in other words, it is a provided with a very slight profile.
cross between a profiled sheet and a flat panel.
The points made above about horizontal cladding
Plank is treated in the same way as a profiled sheet apply even more so to flat panels as even the
and is very popular probably because it provides a most microscopic deformation will show, especially
comparatively economic flat appearance. For large if metallic finishes are used. A very high (and
unbroken areas, plank is aesthetically better fixed therefore costly) standard of material, manufacture
vertically rather than horizontally. and construction is required. For these reasons,
many manufacturers prefer to offer micro-rib finish
2.2.4 Flat composite panel panels as described below.
Composite panels consist of two skins of metal
with an insulation core, manufactured in a factory, 2.2.5 Micro-rib composite panel
usually in an automated process. This type of Exactly as flat panel described above however, the
panel is manufactured with an intrinsic side joint, outer face has a micro-rib shape roll-formed into it
but not end joint – so the end join details are usually no more than 1 or 2 mm deep. The surface
assembled on site. This has aesthetic implications looks flat but diffused which makes these panels
and it is why this type of panel is differentiated much less susceptible to any appearance of being
from the bi-modular panel described further on. ‘out of flat’. Micro-rib panels are aesthetically pleasing,
less susceptible to damage and weathering, and are
thus an extremely popular choice.

Profiled composite panels are also used for wall

construction, and are functionally different from
built-up cladding however, in aesthetic terms
there is no difference between them and profiled
cladding described above.

Flat composite panels

A completely flat skin consisting of light gauge

metal would in itself have little strength and display
deformation (oil canning) when fixed vertically.
Flatness and strength is achieved by composite
action with the insulation.

Flat composite panels present an extremely clean

Micro-rib composite panels
finish with a ‘high-tech’ modern appearance and
showcase impressive coatings well. This type of 2.2.6 Modular panels (façade systems)
panel is usually used in long lengths and may be These are panels with factory formed joints on
fixed vertically or horizontally. all four edges, and which connect together in
a pre-engineered modular system. The jointing
Both secret fix and through fix panels are available;
is engineered to be efficient and discrete. Most
secret fix has the obvious advantage in that no
systems include windows, doors and other
screws heads are visible however, with both types
openings and corners and junctions so that the
some flashing detail will be visible at the end joins
complete façade is provided as a cohesive entity.

4
Modular panels are manufactured either as sealed is, limiting the amount of noise getting in or out
systems or as rainscreen systems. They are of a building. Some systems can be designed to
formed as sandwich panels with insulation being provide sound absorption, to damp reverberation
bonded to metal skins or single skin (much thicker) or echoing inside the building. Specialised
metal. These differences are important functionally, systems are also available for specific acoustic
but are not visually apparent. requirements.

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Modular panels and rainscreen

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Panels are manufactured to high standards and ��� ��� ��� ���� ���� ����
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because they are formed across three axes
achieve greater flatness; furthermore, the fact Graph showing the sound reduction performance
that they are installed in modular form means that of a site assembled metal cladding system and a
any lack of flatness is harder to perceive because metal skin foam core composite panel.
vertical planar faces are broken by joint lines. Thus,
modular panels are more successful than ordinary
composite panels at achieving flatness. ����������������������������������������������
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Not surprisingly, façade systems present extremely ���
well and thus tend to be regarded as the top of
the range metal wall cladding systems. They are ��
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used on buildings or parts of buildings where

appearance is of prime importance. ��

2.3 Performance considerations ��

2.3.1 Fire performance
A full discussion of fire performance is given in ��
Section 6.0. Whilst all systems should currently
provide a Class O to the Building Regulations, �
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there are considerable variations in other ��������������
measures of fire performance across the different
Graph comparing the sound absorption performance
types of cladding system. Statutory requirements
of a site assembled metal cladding system with a
for fire performance also vary between England
perforated liner to a single skin steel sheet.
and Wales and Scotland.

2.3.2 Acoustic performance

The acoustic performance of metal wall cladding is
dealt with in Section 7.0. Metal cladding systems
offer a good performance in sound reduction that

5
 2.3.3 Cost 2.3.5 Flexibility
There is a great variation in the installed cost of Cladding systems vary as to the ease of repairing
metal wall cladding systems which is largely a and replacing elements in the event of damage or
question of “horses for courses”. However, cost if future change such as new openings, upgrading
should always be considered on a whole life basis. or repair are required. This is not usually a highly
The choice of wall cladding system can have a influential factor in system choice but may be a
significant effect on operating costs and a dramatic consideration for particular building types
effect on the value of the business conducted inside
the building, vastly outweighing the initial cost. 2.3.6 Speed and ease of erection
All metal wall cladding is fast track construction
especially when compared to the other
construction processes. It remains vital however,
to give sufficient lead-time to manufacturers and
contractors, especially where non-standard finishes
are specified.

2.3.7 Thermal performance

Thermal performance is covered in Section 5.0. All
wall cladding systems used on heated buildings
must comply with current Building Regulations.
In England and Wales cladding must comply
with the Building Regulations 2000, Approved
Document L2 requirements. In Scotland it is the
Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2001.
Ratio of capital cost to operating cost to value of Regulations 22 Part J: Conservation of fuel and
business carried out in an office building over a 20 power that govern.
year period. 2.3.8 Weather resistance and structural integrity
The success or failure of any wall cladding in both All systems must offer these qualities to be fit for
looks and performance is nearly always defined purpose. Some systems may be more resistant to
by the detailing. It is therefore undoubtedly a intruder attack than others.
false economy to force contractors to squeeze
the pennies off any cladding contract, and thus
cut corners to stay in profit. A basic system which
is well-designed, detailed and fixed will look and
perform better than a badly detailed and fixed
expensive system.

2.3.4 Durability
Performance varies according to location, building
exposure and climate however, in most conditions,
good quality coated steel cladding provides a more
than adequate lifespan. Aluminium systems can
offer increased longevity. Manufacturers will provide
detailed information on coating performance and
many offer system guarantees.

6
Systems

3.1 Built-up systems

3.1.1. Vertical
Built up system with vertical
cladding profiles

Components
• Metal profiled liner fixed
vertically outside rails.
• Insulation – usually mineral wool
• Spacer system – to hold
sheets apart and support outer
cladding.
• Metal profiled outer sheet.

Assembly
• Site assembled by cladding sub
contractor.

Variations
• Fire walls. Special tested
constructions can be used as
fire resting walls.
• Inside rail construction.

3.1.2. Horizontal
Built up system with horizontal
cladding profiles

Components
• Metal profiled liner fixed
vertically outside rails.
• Insulation – usually mineral wool
• Spacer system running vertically
– to hold sheets apart and
support outer cladding.
• Metal profiled outer sheet
running horizontally.

Assembly
• Site assembled by cladding sub
contractor.

Variations
• Fire walls. Special tested
constructions can be used as
fire resting walls.
• Inside rail construction.

7
 3.1.3 Structural liner tray
Built up system with structural liner
tray

Components
• Steel structural liner tray
spanning between main
columns
• Insulation – usually mineral wool
placed within troughs of liner
tray, plus as a sheet over the
ribs of the tray.
• Metal profiled outer sheet
running vertically.

Assembly
• Site assembled by cladding sub
contractor.

Variations
• Fire walls. Special tested
constructions can be used as
fire resting walls.

3.1.4 Site assembled composite

Components
• Metal profiled liner fixed
vertically outside rails.
• Insulation – mineral wool or
foam board profiled to match
liner and outer sheet fills space
between the sheets.
• Metal profiled outer sheet
running vertically, held in place
by stand off type fixings.

Assembly
• Site assembled by cladding sub
contractor.

Variations
• Fire walls. Special tested
constructions can be used as
fire resting walls.

8
Photograph courtesy of Corus Kalzip

9
10
All photographs courtesy of Corus Colors

11
 Photograph courtesy of Euro Clad Limited

12
3.2 Panel systems
3.2.1. Foam core composite panel
Components
• Metal inner face, lightly profiled.
• PIR or similar foam insulation core, injected
foamed and cured between the metal sheets
during manufacture. Core is fully bonded to
inner and outer metal sheets.
• Metal outer face, flat, micro-rib or profiled.
• Side joints are formed into the panel, the ends
are left plain

Assembly
• Complete panels are delivered to site and
then fitted by cladding sub contractor.

Variations
• Panels may be fitted horizontally or vertically.
• End joins may be recessed top hat as shown,
protruding top hat, gasket joint or other.
• Panels may be secret fix (no screw heads
visible) or through fix by stand off type screws.

3.2.2. Stone wool core composite panel

Components
• Metal inner face, lightly profiled.
• Stone wool (rock fibre) insulation core, with
specialised fibre directionality, autohesively
bonded to inner and outer metal faces during
manufacture.
• Metal outer face, flat, micro-rib or profiled.
• Side joints are formed into the panel, the ends
are left plain

Assembly
• Complete panels are delivered to site and
then fitted by cladding sub contractor

.Variations
• Tested panels can be used as fire resting
walls.
• Panels may be fitted horizontally or vertically.
• End joins may be recessed top hat as shown,
protruding top hat, gasket joint or other.
• Panels may be secret fix (no screw heads
visible) or through fix by stand off type screws.

13
 3.3 Façade systems
3.3.1 Modular composite panel
Components
• Metal inner face, lightly profiled or flat.
• Board insulation core, consisting of either,
foam (PIR or polystyrene), or stone wool,
bonded to inner and outer metal faces during
manufacture.
• Metal outer face, flat or micro-rib.
• Side joints and end joints are formed into the
panel, during manufacture.
• Panels are retained by secret fixing method.

Assembly
• Complete panels are delivered to site and
then fitted by a specialist sub contractor. All
joining componentry is included with the
system.

Variations
• Tested panels (with stone wool cores) can be
used as fire resting walls.
• Modular systems may include louvres,
windows, doors and other opening types.

3.3.2 Rainscreen
Components
• Insulation – usually mineral wool
roll or board
• Spacer system – to hold rainscreen
façade away from inner wall.
• Breather membrane.
• Ventilated airspace
• Metal outer face, not airtight but
providing drainage from airspace
behind to outside.

Assembly
• Complete panels are delivered
to site and then fitted by a
specialist sub contractor. All joining
componentry is included with the
system.

Variations
• Rainscreen façade systems may comprise complete self supporting walls (as shown) or be designed
to attach to the outer face of an inner wall (such as blockwork or an existing outer wall in the case of
refurbishment)
• Modular systems may include louvres, windows, doors and other opening types.

14
Coatings and materials

Manufacturers offer detailed information on the • PVDF

range of colours and coatings they offer. It is A smooth fluorocarbon top coat 27micron thick,
important to remember that some specifications available smooth or in metallic, with good
may not be stock items. Here is a brief summary colour fastness and gloss retention. Gives a
of commonly available coatings and materials harder more reflective surface and is commonly
available. associated with a ‘high-tech’ look

4.1 Steel organic coatings • Polyester

• High build PVC More economic pre-painted finishes, used more
The coatings are thick (200 micron) and frequently outside the UK.
tough and therefore are resistant to damage.
They are either supplied with an embossed, 4.3 Colour matching
smooth or leathergrain finish. All have a matt Coil coating plants run a particular colour for a
appearance once weathered. batch of coils, and then change to a different
colour. Tiny colour variations occur between
• Metallic high build: different batches of the same colour runs that are
This is a less thick (120 micron) plastisol not visible when viewed on a sample, but can
coating with a metallic finish. Aesthetically become striking on a large scale on a building.
similar to metallic PVDF.
Thus, it is vital to ensure that all the wall cladding
• PVDF (formerly known as pvf2): and flashings of the same colour on any building
A smooth fluorocarbon top coat 27micron thick, all come from the same coil coating batch.
available smooth or in metallic, with good
colour fastness and gloss retention. Gives a 4.4 Post coating
harder more reflective surface and is commonly Cladding panels and fabrications can be coated
associated with a ‘high-tech’ look after being manufactured, by polyester powder
coating or other means. Expense and practicality
• Polyester and acrylic: limit this to specialised panels and particular
More economic pre-painted finishes, used more fabrications which cannot be satisfactorily made
frequently outside the UK. any other way. Again, care needs to be taken with
colour matching.
4.2 Aluminum cladding coatings
• Mill finish /stucco embossed:
It is perfectly viable to use mill finish
aluminium, the oxidized layer on the metal
providing considerable durability. However,
mill finish is seldom used on walls due to
aesthetic considerations. Aluminium is also
offered stucco embossed, which improves
the appearance. Manufacturers do not offer
longevity figures for mill finish, whereas they do
for coated aluminium.

• ARS
A high durability coating with good handling
characteristics achieved through its
tough construction based on polyester or
polyurethane resin reinforced with polyamide.

15
 Thermal performance Fire performance

For detailed information on thermal performance 6.1 Introduction

refer to MCRMA technical paper No.14 Guidance The manner in which all elements of building
for the design of metal roofing and cladding to constructions perform in the event of a fire is of
comply with Approved Document L2:2001. prime concern to the designer, the occupants,
the building owner and the building insurance
Thermal design for non-domestic construction in
company. Profiled metal cladding constructions
the United Kingdom varies between Scotland and
must therefore conform to specific requirements
England and Wales.
which are defined in the Building Regulations
In England and Wales thermal design is currently Approved Document B. They may also have
carried out to comply with the Building Regulations to comply with other requirements defined by
2000, Approved Document L2 requirements. In building insurance organisations, such as the Loss
Scotland it is the Building Standards (Scotland) Prevention Council (LPC). Detailed information
Regulations 2001. Regulations 22 Part J: on fire performance may be found in MCRMA
Conservation of fuel and power that govern. technical paper No.7 Fire design of steel sheet
clad external walls for building: construction
Unless the building is unheated, systems suppliers performance standards and design.
must be able to show compliance to the current
regulations. This primarily involves proving the 6.2 Legislative requirements
heat loss through the cladding system expressed 6.2.1 Statutory requirements
as a U-value. With metal systems this must be In England and Wales the statutory requirements
shown by test or calculated from thermal modelling, are defined by The Building Regulations 2000
where all bridging paths are included. Suppliers Approved Document B – Fire Safety: 2000 Edition,
will also provide robust details that include the - amended 2000.
value (pronounced ‘psi’), the heat loss through the
In Scotland, buildings must comply with the
detail and the ‘f’-value which measures the risk of
Building Standards (Scotland) Regulation 12 Part
internal condensation. The robust details and the
D Structural Fire Precautions.
cladding system must be sealed to be airtight.
6.2.2. Transition to European standards
It should be noted that this does not guarantee a
The timing of publication of this technical
building will comply with the Regulations, because
paper is a transition period, where UK Building
heat and air may also be lost through doors,
Regulations refer to both British Standards and EU
windows, smoke vents and other junctions. It is the
classifications. As more European standards are
building designer’s responsibility to ensure that the
published, they will be referred to, with the ultimate
whole building complies with the Regulations.
aim of dropping the national standards altogether.

6.2.3 Reaction to fire

In Approved Document B, the most favourable
performance in reaction to fire is given by a
Class O spread of flame rating to the Building
Regulations. This combines results from BS476
At the time of publication, the government is
Part 6: Methods of test for Fire Propagation
changing the Part L2 Regulation to meet the
for Product and BS476 Part 7 : Methods for
European energy directive which comes into
Classification of the Surface Spread of Flame.
force on 1st January 2006.
Alternatively a Class O may be shown by
For up to date information please check the Euroclass B or better (see Section 6.3)
Building Regulations section of the government
6.2.4 Fire resistance
web site at www.odpm.gov.uk.
The Regulations demand that certain walls, in

16
addition to providing a satisfactory performance and is necessary for the CE marking of building
in reaction to fire, must show a fire resistance products. Euroclasses also measure smoke
performance in terms of integrity and insulation production and flaming droplets, however for wall
measured in minutes. Examples of these are cladding Approved Document B currently sets
external walls constructed on or near boundaries, these at the minimum requirements - s3, d2.
or walls used as partitions. These constructions
have to be tested to BS 476 Part 22: Methods for Transpositions to Euroclasses (England & Wales)
the determination of the fire resistance of non-load British Standard Transpositions to
bearing elements of construction. Euroclasses
Non-combustible A1
6.2.5 Difference between Scotland and England
& Wales Limited combustibility A2
This technical paper cannot analyse all the Class 0 B
variations between the different Regulations Class 1 C
however, one is of particular importance to fire Class 3 D
resisting wall construction that for walls 1000mm or
more from boundary the insulation requirement in
England & Wales is 15 minutes and in Scotland it Transpositions to Euroclasses (Scotland)
is 30 minutes. Load bearing capacity and integrity Performance British Transpositions to
requirements also vary up to two hours however; Risk Standard Euroclasses
the insulation figure is of particular significance Non- Non- A1
because most current fire walls offered in the UK combustible combustible
only have 15 minutes insulation. Low Limited A2
6.2.6 Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations combustibility
1997 (Amended 1999) Medium Class 0 B
This legislation places a duty on employers to High Class 1 C
minimize or eliminate fire hazards in the workplace. Very High Class 3 D
For some building uses the specification of wall
cladding will have an influence on fire hazards and
6.4. Insurance requirements
thus on the employer’s duty of care.
Insurance requirements are primarily concerned
6.3 Euroclasses and EU fire tests with the preservation of property. They can be
A common system of fire testing and classification more severe than statutory requirements; therefore
of the resulting test data for construction products it is essential that they are seriously considered at
across the EU member states is being introduced the time of specification.
over a period of many years.
Class O complying wall cladding systems will
BS EN 13501 Fire classification of construction not contribute to starting a fire (reaction to fire),
products and building elements is being published however there is a considerable variation across
in five parts. Part 1 – Classification using test the available systems as to how much they
data from reaction to fire tests and Part 2 - contribute to the spread of a fire (resistance to fire).
Classification using test data from fire resistance
Where wall cladding is concerned, insurance
tests are relevant to wall cladding systems.
company interest is currently mostly focused on
6.3.1 Euroclasses reaction to fire composite or sandwich panels. Built-up systems
Building materials are classified in 7 classes, A1, using non-combustible mineral wool insulation
A2, B, C, D, E, F with A1 showing the best (least are not normally an insurance problem, although
combustible) performance. This system is in place compliance with the requirements of the Loss

17
 Prevention Council, Design guide for the fire 6.4.1. Specifying metal wall systems to meet
protection of buildings, 2000, may be demanded. fire requirements
FM (Factory Mutual) highlight their preference There are wall cladding systems available to suit
for non-combustible materials and indeed, only every level of fire requirement. However, it is vital
constructions containing combustibles have to be to establish that requirement at specification stage
FM approved. as not all composite panel systems are LPCB
approved.
Where sandwich panels are specified, the attitude
of the insurers should depend on risk assessment If in any doubt, it is best to use completely non-
based on building use, amongst other things. As combustible materials in the wall construction.
a result, the insurance requirement may vary This most commonly means using mineral wool
from at the minimum, compliance with statutory insulation, such as in rock fibre core composite
requirements, to a higher requirement of being panels or alternatively a built up system with rock
LPCB or FM approved, or ultimately complete or glass wool insulation.
avoidance of combustible materials
6.4.2 Façades and rainscreen
• LPCB Approval These may be treated as curtain wall systems, for
Panels with LPCB (Loss Prevention which the relevant test standards are:
Certification Board) approval have to be
Pr EN 1364 – 3 Curtain walls – full configuration
successfully tested to LPS 1181: 2003
Pr EN 1364 – 4 Curtain walls – part configuration
Requirements and Tests for LPCB Approval
Pr EN 1364 – 5 Semi-natural fire test for facades
of Wall and Ceiling Lining Products and
and curtain walls
Composite Cladding Products. Part 1 applies
to external envelopes and systems may attain Where an open air space is created behind
EXT-A or EXT-B ratings. a façade and in front of a lining, the Building
Regulations demand fire breaks at every floor and
• FM Approval
at every 20m laterally.
FM Global (Factory Mutual) approval is to
test standard FMRC 4880 (1994) Approval
requirements for Class 1 fire classification with
no height restriction. Achievement of class
1 is dependent on the performance of the
panel system in a number of tests including
a 50ft corner test, a room test, oxygen bomb
test, ignition residue test and surface burning
characteristics.

• Compartmentation and insurers

Where a fire compartment wall abuts external
cladding, there may be a requirement from
insurers for the cladding in that area to form
a “Protected Zone”, to prevent the fire passing
around the compartment wall. Protected Zones
will require a specific minimum fire resistance,
even where the rest of the wall cladding does
not. For further information, see the Loss
Prevention Council Design guide for the fire
protection of buildings 2000.

18
Acoustic performance Sealants and fixings

For detailed information on acoustic performance For detailed information on the use of sealants
refer to MCRMA technical paper No 8 Acoustic refer to MCRMA technical paper No.16 Guidance
design guide for metal roof and wall cladding. for the effective sealing of end lap details in metal
roofing constructions.
Acoustic requirements are defined in Approved
Document E, Resistance to the passage of Where wall cladding is supplied as a system,
sound. However, as this is mostly concerned with the manufacturer will specify the sealants and
residential construction, it is not relevant for the fixings that are required. Generally, the use of the
majority of applications for metal wall systems. specified items is necessary to gain the warranty
on the system.
Many commercial and industrial projects however
do have acoustic performance requirements, due In any event, the correct specification of these
to either their position or the nature of use within items is essential as they are vital to both the
the building. performance and life expectancy of the metal wall
system.
Metal systems can be designed to offer a good
performance both in sound reduction and sound
absorption and sometimes both at once.

7.1 Sound reduction

Sound reduction is a measure of the reduction
in sound level of noise escaping from a building.
In traditional construction, the sound reduction
is proportional to the mass but in metal cladding
systems it is improved by use of airtight skins
combined with soft acoustically absorbent
insulation and air spaces.

7.2 Sound absorption

Sound absorption is the damping of echoes or
reverberant sound that would normally reflect back
off internal surfaces. This is provided by the use
of perforated liner sheet backed by acoustically
absorbent insulation. The use of perforated liner
sheet also tends to reduce the sound reduction, so
where both reduction and absorption are required
extra skins may be needed.

MCRMA member companies offer advice on their

systems that offer acoustic performance and their
suitability for specific applications.

19
 Flashings and architectural
fabrications

For detailed information on the use of flashings Simple flashing details provide the connections
refer to MCRMA technical paper No.11 Flashings necessary at junctions in wall cladding systems
for metal roof and wall cladding: design, detailing and at junctions with other elements.
and installation guide.
Increasingly sophisticated architectural fabrications
The quality of detailing defines the success of a are also available, which create interesting features
metal wall system. It is essential that all details are in their own right and can be an important part of
well designed, manufactured and installed. the aesthetic concept. Some examples of what is
available are illustrated

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20
MCRMA technical papers

No 1 Recommended good practice for daylighting Liability

Whilst the information contained in this design guide is
in metal clad buildings
believed to be correct at the time of going to press, the Metal
No 2 Curved sheeting manual Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association Limited and
its member companies cannot be held responsible for any
No 3 Secret fix roofing design guide errors or inaccuracies and, in particular, the specification for any
application must be checked with the individual manufacturer
No 4 Fire and external steel-clad walls: guidance concerned for a given installation.
notes to the revised Building Regulations,
The diagrams of typical constructions in this publication are
1992 (out of print) illustrative only.
No 5 Metal wall systems design guide
No 6 Profiled metal roofing design guide
No 7 Fire design of steel-clad external walls
for building: construction, performance
standards and design
No 8 Acoustic design guide for metal roof and
wall cladding
No 9 Composite roof and wall cladding panel
design guide
No 10 Profiled metal cladding for roof and
walls: guidance notes on revised Building
Regulations 1995 parts L & F (out of print)
No 11 Flashings for metal roof and walls: design,
detailing and installation guide
No 12 Fasteners for metal roof and wall cladding:
design detailing and installation guide
No 13 Composite slabs and beams using steel
decking: best practice for design and
construction
No 14 Guidance for the design of metal roofing
and cladding to comply with Approved
Document L2: 2001
No 15 New Applications: composite construction
No 16 Guidance for the effective sealing of end lap
details in metal roofing constructions.

Please note: Publications can be downloaded

from the MCRMA web site at www.mcrma.co.uk

21
 THE METAL CLADDING & ROOFING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION LIMITED
18 MERE FARM ROAD
PRENTON . WIRRAL
CHESHIRE CH43 9TT

TELEPHONE: 0151 652 3846

FACSIMILE: 0151 653 4080
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www.mcrma.co.uk
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