What Are Commercial Metal Wall Panels?
Metal wall panel systems are prefabricated exterior cladding elements fabricated from steel, aluminum, zinc, or copper. They deliver a sleek, modern aesthetic with exceptional longevity and require minimal maintenance over the building's service life. In the Pacific Northwest commercial construction market, metal panels have surged in popularity over the past decade and now appear on the majority of premium multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial office projects.
Exteriors Design LLC is one of Portland, OR's most experienced metal wall panel installers. Our teams have completed metal panel installations on dozens of commercial projects, working with Metal Sales, AEP SPAN, Morin, Pac-Clad, Dry Design, El Zink, and Longboard panel systems.
Metal Panel Installation Process
Commercial metal panel installation begins with a detailed shop drawing and engineering review process. Panel layout, joint details, penetration locations, and attachment calculations are reviewed and approved before fabrication. Panels are fabricated off-site to tight tolerances and delivered job-ready.
On site, our crews install the structural subframe — either an aluminum or steel hat channel, Z-furring, or engineered bracket system anchored to the building's sheathing or structure. Panels are then installed in a predetermined sequence, with each panel's clip or fastener aligned precisely to the subframe. Horizontal and vertical joints are designed to accommodate thermal movement without buckling or joint telegraphing.
All flashings, trims, and panel terminations are fabricated from matching metal to create a cohesive, finished appearance. Window and door surround trims, corner conditions, and base conditions are detailed and fabricated as part of the panel package.
Benefits of Metal Wall Panels
- Premium aesthetic: The dominant material choice for modern commercial architecture
- Longevity: Properly installed metal panels have 40-60+ year service lives with minimal maintenance
- Factory finish: PVDF coatings maintain color and gloss for decades without repainting
- Lightweight: Aluminum panels weigh as little as 1.5 lbs/sf — significantly reducing structural load
- Recyclable: Aluminum is fully recyclable at end of life — a significant sustainability advantage
- Design flexibility: Available in hundreds of profiles, colors, and finishes including natural zinc and copper
Get a Metal Panel Estimate
Exteriors Design LLC provides comprehensive metal panel services from pre-construction consulting through installation and punch list. Contact us at (503) 914-0200 or submit your project for review.