Cladding spraying is a process used to apply protective or decorative coatings to the external surfaces of building cladding. This method involves using spray equipment to evenly distribute paint or protective coatings over large areas, providing a uniform finish. Cladding spraying is commonly used in industrial and commercial settings to enhance the appearance, protect against environmental damage, and extend the lifespan of the cladding. It is especially effective for covering expansive surfaces quickly and efficiently.
What Is Cladding Spraying?
Cladding spraying is a process used to apply protective or decorative coatings to the external surfaces of a building’s cladding. It involves specialised spray equipment that evenly distributes the coating, delivering a smooth and uniform finish. This method is particularly useful for refurbishing metal, concrete, or composite cladding, commonly found on industrial and commercial buildings. The advantage of spraying is its ability to cover large surfaces efficiently, speeding up the project while ensuring minimal disruption to building operations.
The coatings applied through cladding spraying are designed to shield the cladding from environmental factors like UV exposure, moisture, and corrosion, all of which can wear down the material over time. Beyond protection, these coatings can revitalise the appearance of a building, restoring vibrancy and gloss to faded or weathered cladding. Studies show that applying high-quality spray coatings can extend the lifespan of cladding by up to 15 years, making it a smart investment for maintaining both aesthetics and functionality. Cladding spraying is an efficient and practical solution, especially for large structures, ensuring the building stays well-protected and visually appealing for years to come.
Have a question about an upcoming project?
What Types Of Cladding Are Suitable For Spraying?
Metal, concrete, composite, and uPVC cladding are suitable for spraying. Metal cladding, especially those susceptible to cut edge corrosion, benefits greatly from spray-applied coatings that protect against rust and moisture. Concrete and composite cladding can also be sprayed to enhance their weather resistance and improve their appearance. Spraying is an efficient method for applying protective coatings across large surfaces, making it ideal for a wide range of cladding types in both industrial and commercial settings.
- Metal Cladding
- Composite Cladding
- Concrete Cladding
- uPVC Cladding
1. Metal Cladding
Metal cladding is the most suitable material for spraying due to its vulnerability to cut edge corrosion, which can severely reduce its longevity if left untreated. Spray-applied coatings, such as polyurethane or polyurea, create a uniform protective layer that shields the metal from rust, moisture, and UV exposure. These coatings also restore the appearance of metal cladding by renewing its colour and finish. According to the Steel Construction Institute, protective coatings can extend the life of metal cladding by up to 20 years, making spraying an effective maintenance strategy, especially for industrial units.
2. Composite Cladding
Composite cladding, typically made from a mixture of materials like metal and plastic, is also ideal for spraying. Spray application provides an even, consistent coating that enhances the durability of the cladding, improving its resistance to environmental factors like UV rays, rain, and temperature changes. Composite cladding benefits from coatings that not only improve appearance but also extend its lifespan by preventing surface damage. Spraying is especially useful for large surfaces on industrial units, where maintaining structural integrity and appearance is essential.
3. Concrete Cladding
Concrete cladding is effectively sprayed to increase its resistance to weathering, cracking, and environmental damage. While concrete is inherently durable, spray-applied coatings seal the surface, preventing water ingress and protecting the cladding from environmental stressors. These coatings add an extra layer of defence against pollutants and slow the effects of freeze-thaw cycles. Spraying concrete cladding is particularly beneficial in industrial units, where large areas can be treated quickly, ensuring both protection and aesthetic improvement.
4. uPVC Cladding
uPVC cladding is less prone to corrosion but benefits from spray applications to refresh its appearance and guard against fading, discolouration, and UV damage. Spray coatings provide a durable new surface that increases the material’s resistance to cracking and environmental wear. This method ensures smooth coverage, revitalising the cladding without the need for costly replacements. Spraying is a cost-effective way to update uPVC cladding on industrial units and commercial buildings, delivering a durable and attractive finish.
What Are The Benefits Of Cladding Spraying?
Cladding spraying offers multiple benefits, making it an effective solution for industrial and commercial buildings. First, it provides a consistent, smooth finish, ensuring even coverage over large surfaces, which enhances the building's appearance. Second, cladding spraying protects against environmental factors such as UV exposure, moisture, and pollutants, extending the lifespan of the cladding and reducing the need for expensive replacements.
Additionally, cladding spraying is efficient, allowing large areas to be coated quickly with minimal disruption to operations, particularly in industrial units. It also offers versatility in the coatings applied, from protective to decorative finishes, ensuring the cladding remains both functional and visually appealing.
- Provides a consistent, smooth finish
- Enhances the building's appearance
- Protects against UV exposure, moisture, and pollutants
- Extends the lifespan of the cladding
- Efficiently coats large areas quickly
- Minimises disruption to building operations
1. Provides a Consistent, Smooth Finish
Cladding spraying, particularly when spray painting is used, delivers a uniform, smooth coating across expansive surfaces, which is essential for maintaining the appearance of commercial premises. This method ensures even application, preventing streaks or inconsistencies often seen with other techniques. The smooth finish enhances not only the look but also the durability of the cladding by forming a continuous protective layer. This approach is especially effective when painting metal cladding for industrial units, where consistent coverage is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality.
2. Enhances the Building's Appearance
Spray painting cladding revitalises a building’s exterior, giving it a refreshed and well-maintained look. Over time, cladding may fade or discolour due to prolonged UV exposure and environmental wear. A new cladding paint coating, applied via spraying, restores the building’s vibrancy and sheen, enhancing its visual appeal and potentially increasing its market value. For commercial premises, this can create a more professional and attractive image, benefiting the business as well as the structure’s overall appearance.
3. Protects Against UV Exposure, Moisture, and Pollutants
One of the key benefits of cladding paint is the protective barrier it creates against damaging elements such as UV radiation, moisture, and pollutants. These environmental factors can degrade the cladding, leading to corrosion, cut edge deterioration, and general wear. A high-quality coating applied through spray painting provides long-lasting protection, ensuring the cladding remains in good condition. According to the British Coatings Federation, protective coatings can reduce the impact of UV exposure by up to 50%, significantly extending the life of metal cladding.
4. Extends the Lifespan of the Cladding
Cladding spraying, whether for painting metal cladding or other materials, significantly prolongs the lifespan of the building’s exterior by protecting it from environmental stressors. This process reduces the need for frequent repairs or early replacements, leading to long-term savings on maintenance. Regular spray painting keeps the cladding functional and visually appealing for decades, as noted by the Steel Construction Institute.
5. Efficiently Coats Large Areas Quickly
Spraying is one of the most efficient methods for applying cladding paint to large surfaces, making it ideal for commercial premises and industrial buildings. Traditional methods, like rolling or brushing, are slower and may result in uneven coverage. Spray painting offers quick, uniform application, reducing labour time and overall project duration. This efficiency minimises downtime for businesses and industrial operations, ensuring minimal disruption while the work is completed.
6. Minimises Disruption to Building Operations
Cladding spraying, particularly when painting metal cladding, minimises disruption during the application process, allowing business operations to continue with minimal interference. The speed of spray painting means large areas can be coated efficiently, reducing the time scaffolding or other equipment is needed on-site. For commercial premises and industrial units, this ensures smooth business continuity with little impact on day-to-day activities.
What Are The Signs Cladding Needs Spraying?
The signs cladding requires spraying include noticeable fading or discolouration, peeling or flaking paint, and the development of rust or corrosion, particularly on metal surfaces. Cut edge corrosion, where the edges of metal panels begin to deteriorate, is another clear sign that a fresh protective coating is needed. Water ingress, leaks, or moisture damage—whether on the exterior or interior of the cladding—also indicate spraying is necessary to restore its weatherproofing capabilities. Additionally, if the cladding looks worn or outdated, spraying can revitalise its appearance while improving durability. Research from the Steel Construction Institute shows regular maintenance, such as spraying, can extend cladding lifespan by up to 20 years, reducing the need for frequent repairs.
- Peeling or Flaking Paint
- Visible Rust or Corrosion
- Fading or Discolouration
- Cut Edge Corrosion
- Water Ingress or Leaks
- Overall Worn or Outdated Appearance
1. Peeling or Flaking Paint
Peeling or flaking paint is one of the most obvious signs cladding needs spraying. When the protective coating begins to break down, it exposes the underlying material to the elements, accelerating damage like rust or corrosion. This deterioration is often caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes. Reapplying a protective spray coating can seal the surface, prevent further degradation, and improve the appearance of the cladding. Addressing peeling paint promptly will prevent more costly repairs later.
2. Visible Rust or Corrosion
Rust or corrosion on metal cladding is a clear indicator that the surface is no longer adequately protected. Metal surfaces, when exposed to moisture and air without a proper coating, are prone to oxidation, leading to rust. This can weaken the structural integrity of the cladding and cause long-term damage. Spraying a new protective layer can halt further corrosion, ensuring the cladding remains durable and structurally sound. According to the Steel Construction Institute, anti-corrosion coatings can extend the lifespan of metal cladding by up to 20 years.
3. Fading or Discolouration
Fading or discolouration, often due to prolonged UV exposure, can leave cladding looking worn and unsightly. Although the impact is mostly cosmetic, fading indicates that the existing coating is deteriorating and may not be providing sufficient protection. Reapplying a high-quality cladding paint via spraying can restore the original colour and improve the cladding’s resistance to further environmental damage. This process not only refreshes the appearance but also adds an extra layer of protection.
4. Cut Edge Corrosion
Cut edge corrosion occurs when the unprotected edges of metal panels start to degrade, particularly where the coating has worn away. This type of corrosion can spread quickly, compromising the panel’s overall strength. Applying a protective spray coating to address cut edge corrosion is essential to prevent further damage. By sealing the exposed areas, the coating stops moisture from penetrating the metal, preserving the cladding’s structural integrity.
5. Water Ingress or Leaks
Water ingress or leaks, especially in the cladding seams, indicate that the current protective layer has failed, allowing moisture to seep through. This can cause internal damage, including mould growth, insulation issues, and structural weakening. A new spray-applied coating can restore the cladding’s waterproofing properties, sealing any gaps or cracks that allow water to penetrate. Ensuring proper waterproofing reduces the risk of costly internal repairs.
6. Overall Worn or Outdated Appearance
A general worn or outdated appearance is another sign cladding needs spraying. While not always indicative of structural issues, an aged exterior can negatively impact the building’s image, especially for commercial premises. Spraying a fresh coat of cladding paint enhances both aesthetics and protection, giving the building a modern, well-maintained look. This also improves the property’s value and marketability, making it an attractive investment for building owners.
How Much Does Cladding Spraying Cost?
The price of cladding spraying, particularly with polyurethane and polyurea coatings, typically falls between £45 and £120 per square metre. Polyurethane coatings are widely used for cladding spraying because of their strong adhesion, durability, and resistance to environmental factors such as UV rays and moisture. These qualities make polyurethane an ideal option for long-lasting protection of cladding surfaces on industrial and commercial buildings.
| Type of Cladding Coating | Price Range (per sqm) |
|---|---|
| Polyurethane Coatings | £45 to £90 |
| Polyurea Coatings | £70 to £120 |
*These estimates are general and may vary depending on specific project requirements, location, and market conditions.
