Toronto is well-known as a diverse and forward thinking city on the grow, but what’s lesser talked about when we build new skyscrapers is the amount of buildings which have long outlived their aesthetic appeal.
 There are a number of ways to give your home an updated and sophisticated facelift, however many of these come riddled with problems. Wood for example has long been a staple material for our exterior walls, and while beautiful when first installed and painted, it can lose its luster rather quickly. Flaking paint, dry rot, mold, and discoloration are just a few of the hassles that homeowners utilizing this substance have to face, and these issues can come up in as little as 3-7 years!

Toronto Exterior Cladding

 Exterior metal cladding in Toronto is making big waves in the future of aging building renovations. Utilizing a system of panels made from aluminum, aluminum composite, steel, copper, or other metals, any structure whether made of wood, concrete, brick, or even steel can be upgraded with this remarkable product for a sleek, classy visual presentation.

 Panels are made from 100% recyclable materials for those who wish to revitalize their outer appearance without causing more damage to the environment. These panels are created by pressing composite metals together and running them through a high-powered press, melding the materials together, and providing the basic shape. Once this is completed they are then run though a serious of other machines to facilitate the finished project, which can then be pigmented however you like. Once the colour has been chosen it is applied to the metal and baked at temperatures over 700 degrees to seal in the paint and providing a durable finish which can last for decades without fading.

Installing Style and Reliability

When it comes to protecting your most important investment, second best simply won’t do. But what alternative is available which will offer you piece of mind while enhancing your home or business with a modern façade?

The design of Toronto exterior cladding is the secret to its success. Once the panels are built, they are stacked into place inside a furring system (small aluminum bars attached to the structure to hold the panels) and locked into place with a tongue and groove system, which keeps the elements out, and your hard-earned money in. Panels are simple to install and can be performed either by yourself if you’re handy, or a licensed professional who’s had some simple training. If you’re unsure of who to call simply ask the fabricator, as generally they will have a list of reputable companies which are familiar with their products and have already shown fantastic results with other clients. The proof of reliability is in the warranty – the best Toronto exterior cladding companies will offer warranties of up to 40 years, giving you peace of mind that the product will have your home looking showroom new for many years to come.

What are Rain-screen Cladding Systems?

In construction terms, a rain-screen is a method of installing wall cladding in a manner that allows drainage of moisture before it can build up and cause potential damage to the wall. The rain-screen refers to the wall paneling and more specifically how it installed as a barrier against the elements. The wall deflects most of the rainwater that may be present, but a complete rain-screen cladding system will take into account how to deal with residual water and moisture that gets between the cladding and the wall.  Obviously, the rain-screen is a vital element in any new construction or renovation project because of the important function it serves protecting the structural integrity of the wall it is installed on. 
 The most common type of rain screen cladding system creates a drained/back ventilated rain-screen. This system works best when there is a quality waterproofing barrier behind the cladding that will allow limited amounts of moisture to effectively drain away. The ventilation allows any remaining moisture to dry before it can cause any issues.  
 Pressure equalized rain screen systems involve the use of larger ventilation openings between wall cladding. These larger openings allow the air pressure directly behind the wall cladding to equalize with the pressure outside the wall cladding. The equalization of pressure helps to form an effective barrier that prevents water from entering the area behind the cladding.

Metal Rain-screen Cladding Systems

Premium quality metal cladding systems such as Aluminum Composite Panels, Aluminum Plate Panels and stainless steel paneling are available to facilitate the creation of an effective and beautiful rain-screen cladding system. Aluminum is an excellent choice of materials because it is lightweight, easy to install and it provides effective ventilation for rain-screen applications. Aluminum will not rust and it is incredibly easy to work with. In some applications installers can spread each metal panel by as much as 1/16” in order to plan for any potential framing dislocation. Metal cladding panel trims can be manufactured specifically to improve rain-screen facade applications for both looks and functionality.
 The metal panels that are chosen for the project are an important part of the overall effectiveness of the rain-screen, but the top manufacturers are dedicated to providing a full package deal with every element specifically designed to improve the ventilation, thermal, acoustic and fire prevention properties of the installation system as a whole.

Finding the Best Rainscreen Systems

NORTEM Corporation is a major manufacturer of premium quality full package wall cladding systems for both commercial and residential applications. Offering a full line of both Linear and Plug In panels, NORTEM is able to provide exceptional products with the ability to customize the look for any building.
NORTEM is dedicated to using the latest materials, technology and innovating thinking to continually develop facade concepts and cladding systems that challenge traditional typologies. This includes using as much recycled material as possible and providing products that achieve LEED Certification to help reduce the overall carbon footprint.

A Little Background

Ontario builders and architectural designers have an exciting opportunity to channel the natural benefits of aluminum for many applications. Corporate brands including restaurants, retail outlets and banks are consistently reinventing themselves. Buildings their brands embody are easily recognized by the style of their “bricks and mortar.” Think of your local fast food restaurants, easily recognized from the highway. Look closely at those buildings the next time you find yourself at their front door.
 It’s not just retailers and restaurants that are using metal cladding systems to upgrade their architectural design. Ontario is booming with condominium development, specifically in the GTA and downtown Toronto. The already crowded skyline of Canada’s largest city continues to climb higher with skyscraper condos looking to fill their units with trendy residents. Developers are looking to create the “it” building – the one that is both luxurious but also striking in appearance. One way designers achieve this modern look versus the traditional apartment building look is to use metal cladding systems. Top aluminum paneling system manufacturer NORTEM uses two different approaches to satisfy both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Cassette and Linear Panel Systems

Both the Cassette panel (NCP) and the linear panel (NLP) have different properties that will appeal to designers and builders depending on what application will be used.
 The Cassette panel (NCP) has a very durable coating called fluoropolymer paint which gives it a smooth and slick appearance. The paint prevents salt corrosion, airborne dirt and pollution. While aluminum has its own natural protective properties the fluoropolymer paint enhances this natural strength. For those looking for a smooth, seamless look, choose plugin panels.
 The linear panel (NLP) has a slightly different mounting system has a different paint coating. Polyvinylidene Fluoride is baked onto the aluminum panels at a temperature of 780 degrees Celsius to lock in bright and vivid colors. The NLP is a robust and stylish aluminum paneling system that has both exterior and interior applications. It gives architects and designers the freedom to create a full spectrum of color and style for commercial or residential builds.

 Material Benefits

 But the aluminum itself has a plethora of benefits for exterior and interior siding applications. Aluminum has a high weight to strength ratio making it easy to work with, but highly resilient. Aluminum is recyclable, if at some point it breaks down! Because of the natural strength and durability of aluminum, most manufacturers offer 40 to 50 year warranties. This makes it very environmentally conscious for those looking to make a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint. For those living in Ontario, aluminum paneling systems are highly economical, offer a high return on investment and continues to usher in modern style for residential and commercial buildings.

As the total number of cases across Canada climb over 7,000 at the time of writing, Canada like other countries around the world has started taking safety measures and precautions across public and private sectors. 

The public has been told to limit their movement, self-quarantine, and practice social distancing to limit the speed or rate of spread. On the other hand, business sectors have begun shutting down or accessing work from home facilities where possible. A major economic implication of the shutdown is unemployment as many local, international, and multinational companies across various industries lay off employees or halt production, affecting thousands of jobs. 

Besides medical facilities, utility or supermarkets, etc., there are not many businesses and industries as a whole that remain functional. Construction and contractor businesses are still in flux. 

Many companies continue to operate around Canada, even in Ontario. Albeit, they have special precautions are undertaken that were published by local authorities, the Canadian government, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.  

One of the main adjustments has been the implementation of the 2-metre rule where workers on-site have to maintain that distance at all times. On some sites, supervisors have mandated compartmentalization of the workers. They are isolated so that they can be on different sides of the building. More resources of hot water, soap, and sanitizers along with safety gear such as masks, suits, and gloves have been dispatched as well. 

From the Workers’ Perspective 

As many construction businesses halt productions across Ontario, there have been workers laid off given indefinite leave. From their perspective, there is a severe risk of facing economic damages in terms of expenses. 

Despite the introduction of the benefits program for fighting employment issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are workers worried about debt. This has a bigger implication on the overall national economy and GDP. 

Fearing homelessness, defaulting on mortgages, insurance coverage, and other financial aspects of their lives, many workers are choosing to continue working through the pandemic. 

Facing such dire consequences, workers who are ultimately forced to work have been approaching the matter differently. In Ontario, the Carpenters’ Union and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades have demanded the closure of the construction industry as a response to COVID-19. 

There has been name–calling, public requests, and petitions signed, etc., demanding the closure of businesses and stricter actions taken for the protection of workers. In a CBC article detailing the current goings in the construction industry in Ontario, it was mentioned that some workers have better working conditions as developers and contractors enforce necessary safety measures with stringent tracking. 

What’s the Verdict 

Currently, Toronto construction businesses are operating with somewhat normalcy. However, the inevitability of deadlines being pushed, some projects being delayed, and losses is approaching reality. 

Besides a financial slump, unavailability or delay of the delivery of construction materials, inspections, efficient manpower, and labor disruptions are posing a risk to the entire industry. Countless residential and commercial projects will be affected along with the personal lives of the workers and developers involved. 

For the post-pandemic period, coming back from this slump would also take its time. Delay periods even then would be unavoidable as companies would scurry to re-mobilize teams and bring back development to speed. 

Until then, major shutdowns and possible strict lock-down is a possibility. As the situation around COVID-19 changes every day, experts in the construction industry continue to monitor the situation with a close eye.