Aluminium Cladding

Aluminium cladding continues to increase in reputation among specifiers and design professionals as a versatile solution for modern build projects. It carries a stylish aesthetic, gives a building an impressive level of durability and weather resistance, and it is a relatively quick and easy building material to install compared to other cladding materials.

Architects and specifiers are increasingly working with fire-resistant cladding materials for a building’s envelope, where they need to ensure a solution controls or restricts the spread of fire.

Knotwood are pleased to manufacture and supply a unique range of aluminium cladding to the UK market. Construction professionals favour our cladding as:

• Stunning aesthetics: our aluminium cladding comes with a powder coated woodgrain effect, thanks to the latest in sublimation and photographic film technology we use.
• Beautiful finish: our panels and battens are modular profiles and conceal all fixings, ensuring a seamless finish.
• High functionality: our cladding is non warping, weather resistant and scratch resistant. It has also been CWCT tested.
• Fire-rating: it is fire rated to A2-s1-d0 and classed as non combustible. This ensures it is an excellent solution for architects, main contractors and developers.
• Sustainable: we use VOC free coatings on our cladding with lead free finishes, and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life span.

For specification guidance and product samples, contact our team today.

The uses of aluminium cladding

Aluminium cladding is a popular material choice for architects and specifiers alike, and can be used in the following situations:

• Creating a controlled internal environment
• Thermal insulation
• Prevention of fire
• Protection against weather 
• Privacy and security
• Acoustic barrier
• External facades 
• Facilitating openings for ventilation and access

Timber effect aluminium cladding

Knotwood manufactures and supplies a range of aluminium cladding solutions with a stunning powder coated timber effect. 

Timber effect aluminium cladding provides the earthy, timber visual appeal associated with beautiful open spaces and wellbeing, without raising concerns over the combustibility of wood.

We use a unique sublimation process to transfer the wood grain designs onto the powder coated surface of the boards. The resulting textured matt finish looks just like wood, while still providing all the above benefits of aluminium.

Many professionals, who, when are introduced to our range of aluminium cladding assume the wood grain designs are a sticker, veneer or a wrap. They are impressed to realise that the wood grain patterns are powder coated onto the aluminium, for extra durability and longevity. 

Many people now want to live and work in buildings that look more natural than artificial, and timber effect aluminium provides that welcome illusion.

All of the wood effect colours in the Knotwood range have been rigorously tested for colour stability to ensure the wood effect aluminium cladding finish withstands the pressure of challenging weather conditions. This is a key point of concern for the architect or designer who wants their buildings to continue to look as good as they’d originally envisaged, for many years to come.

Colours available in Knotwood wood effect aluminium cladding

The extensive range of wood grain colours and finishes available in Knotwood aluminium cladding cover all applications for both traditional and modern buildings.

For the traditional look, the wood grain stock colours offer natural wood tones such as light oak, grey ash and natural oak. Solid colours are also available with Knotwood’s speciality Textura coating. These are ideal for high traffic areas and other hardwearing environments due to the scratch, scrub and abrasion resistance of the Textura finish.

Additional colours can be made available upon request to accommodate more unique, design-led aluminium cladding projects.

Residential timber effect cladding

Whether you are specifying cladding for a new build project or to replace existing cladding in a retrofit project, timber effect aluminium cladding is ideal for any location. 

It is commonplace for end users and specifiers to want their residential projects to have the look of natural timber, but without the regular maintenance of timber. 

Our aluminium cladding carries all the aesthetic benefits of timber with the natural wood grain effect, however you also benefit from the durability of aluminium. The wood effect finish is powder coated onto the aluminium and does not weather or fade like natural timber, meaning the building stays looking the same for many years to come. 

Properties in rural locations where buildings must be authentic to their surroundings complement the local environment more naturally with timber effect cladding than solid colours.

Since building regulations were enforced in 2018, high rise residential buildings of 11 metres and above, or any project where an A2 fire rating is required by law, must not have any combustible materials on outside walls.

Only fire rated cladding panels can be used. Knotwood timber effect aluminium cladding has the necessary fire rating of EN 13501-1 Class A.

Timber effect cladding is not only used on high rise buildings. Residential housing developments of two and three storey buildings also have cladding for other reasons than just aesthetics, such as insulation, noise reduction, privacy and weather protection. 

Commercial cladding systems

Commercial cladding systems are ideal for covering the exteriors of large, commercial and industrial sized buildings that need to be insulated, fire protected and weather resistant.

While aluminium may be lightweight, it is also highly durable and strong which is why it is a regular choice for the design of commercial buildings. 

Some commercial cladding systems are designed to create a contemporary appearance, particularly by using solid colours. Wood effect commercial cladding systems have the dual benefit of being suitable for creating both contemporary and natural concepts for the design of building exteriors. This is another area of its versatility. 

Just like residential buildings, combustible materials are not allowed on the outside walls of commercial properties. In May 2020 the fire safety regulations for tall buildings were extended, bringing new hotels, hostels and boarding houses within legislation. Aluminium is unaffected by this because it is not a combustible material.

Knotwood – Premium aluminium cladding

Knotwood is a premium aluminium, wood effect cladding product. It offers all the technical and practical benefits associated with aluminium cladding while also enabling architects and designers to create timber-effect designs that are fashionable in a biophilic age where a connection with nature is so important.

The top coat application of exterior grade paint is baked onto the panels, making the cladding scratch-resistant and protected against chipping and flaking. The specialist finishes ensure the longevity of surfaces, requiring no repainting. Instead, only a limited amount of ongoing maintenance is necessary.

In terms of sustainability, Knotwood premium aluminium cladding uses only VOC free (volatile organic compounds) coatings and lead free finishes, and is 100% recyclable when it reaches the end of its lifespan. 

FAQs

What are the applications for Knotwood aluminium cladding?

Knotwood aluminium cladding can be used for a variety of projects, including exterior walls, facades, soffits, and more. The cladding can be used on both residential and commercial buildings and comes in a variety of profiles and finishes to accommodate any design aesthetic.

Is the aluminium cladding safe for the environment?

It is, indeed. In fact, aluminium boasts one of the highest recycling rates.  The cladding is 99% recyclable and made of recycled aluminium. Using Knotwood aluminium cladding can also help to reduce demand for traditional wood products, which can be harmful to the environment.

Is the cladding fireproof?

Yes, the cladding is non-combustible and a Class A fire-rated material. This means that it is suitable for use in both residential and commercial settings and can help to reduce the spread of fire.

How long can it last?

Our cladding is built to last for many years, even in harsh weather. The cladding is made of high-quality aluminium that is corrosion, fading, and scratch resistant. It can last for decades if properly maintained.

How do I clean the cladding to keep it in good condition?

Every six months, try to clean the cladding to remove any dirt, dust, or grime that has accumulated on the surface. Use a mild detergent and water. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the finish. Then, to remove any remaining soap residue, thoroughly rinse with water. To avoid water spots and streaks, wipe the cladding with a soft cloth.

Choose Knotwood for your aluminium cladding

Knotwood is a global, industry leader in wood effect aluminium cladding. For more information, please get in touch with our team of experts who will be happy to discuss your requirements.