Introduction

Wall cladding protects a steel building from wind, rain, temperature changes and external contaminants.

A complete wall system usually includes:

• Wall girts

• External cladding

• Thermal insulation where required

• Internal liner panels

• Doors and windows

• Flashing and trim

• Sealing materials

The correct wall solution depends on building use, climate, insulation requirements, appearance and budget.

Wall Girts

Wall girts support wall panels and transfer wind loads to the primary steel structure.

Common types include:

• C-section steel girts

• Z-section steel girts

• H-section members for larger spans

Girt spacing should be determined according to panel span capability and wind loading.

Additional framing is normally required around:

• Doors

• Windows

• Louvers

• Large openings

Tall gable walls may also require wind columns depending on engineering design.

Type 1: Single-Skin Profiled Steel Wall

A simple wall system consists of:

Profiled Steel Sheet → Fasteners → Wall Girts

Common panel profiles include:

• Corrugated steel sheets

• Trapezoidal profiled sheets

Advantages include:

• Low cost

• Lightweight construction

• Fast installation

• Simple maintenance

It is suitable for buildings without high insulation requirements.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Installation

Vertical Installation

Panels run from bottom to top.

Advantages can include:

• Fewer horizontal joints

• Good rainwater drainage

• Efficient installation for suitable building heights

Horizontal Installation

Panels run horizontally across the façade.

This can create a stronger architectural horizontal line and is often used where appearance is important.

Horizontal joints require careful sealing and flashing design.

Type 2: Sandwich Panel Wall System

Sandwich panels combine:

Outer Steel Sheet
↓
Insulation Core
↓
Inner Steel Sheet

Common core materials include:

• EPS

• Rock wool

• PU

Rock Wool Panels

Often selected for projects requiring improved fire performance.

PU Panels

Commonly used for projects requiring stronger thermal insulation.

Applications may include:

• Food facilities

• Cold storage

• Clean environments

• Temperature-controlled production facilities

Type 3: Profiled Steel Wall with Insulation

Another common solution consists of:

Outer Profiled Steel Sheet
↓
Glass Wool or Rock Wool
↓
Optional Inner Liner Sheet
↓
Wall Girts

This solution can provide basic insulation while maintaining cost efficiency.

Type 4: Composite Wall Systems

Higher-end industrial and commercial buildings may use composite façade systems.

Typical layers can include:

• Decorative external metal panels

• Ventilated air cavity

• Insulation

• Internal liner

• Secondary framing

External materials may include:

• Aluminum panels

• Perforated metal panels

• Decorative metal cladding

• Architectural façade systems

These solutions may be selected for:

• Corporate factories

• Office buildings

• R&D centers

• High-end industrial facilities

Key Selection Factors

Wall cladding selection should consider:

• Wind pressure

• Rain exposure

• Thermal insulation

• Fire requirements

• Corrosion environment

• Building height

• Panel length

• Transportation

• Installation method

• Architectural appearance

For overseas projects, panel coatings and base metal should also be selected according to local humidity, salt exposure, UV radiation and industrial pollution.

Conclusion

The wall system is a major part of the steel building envelope.

From economical single-skin steel sheets to insulated sandwich panels and architectural composite façades, each system provides different levels of performance and cost.

The best wall solution should balance:

Weather Resistance + Insulation + Fire Performance + Durability + Appearance + Budget

ZSJH STEEL supports customized wall cladding solutions for steel warehouses, workshops, industrial facilities and commercial buildings.