Unpainted Metal Cladding

Designers should recognise that unpainted metallic coated steel may not last 50 years in corrosive environments or where the design allows the metal to remain wet. (See Unwashed Areas  and Metal Performance) When it is difficult to replace any of the cladding elements aluminium or other metal options that require similar detailing to steel, should meet the 50-year NZBC requirement.

The use of unpainted metal cladding as an architectural feature on domestic buildings requires a high standard of flashing and junction detailing by the designer and the installer to ensure acceptability for both durability and aesthetics.