With energy prices increasing year after year, architects and lighting professionals are always concerned with designing new buildings in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. Not only does this enable companies to better stewards of the environment; businesses can greatly reduce the cost of heating or cooling their building, as well.
Architects and developers across the country have found perforated metal panels to be effective tools to increase energy efficiency by managing light distribution and shielding workplaces from unwanted sunlight. When manufactured and installed correctly, perforated metal panels and sunshades are great resources for businesses looking to cut energy costs in a new building or by retrofitting existing office complexes or factories.
Sheets or panels or perforated metal can be manufactured from a variety of metals and materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, cold rolled steel, and carbon steel. The panels’ perforations are created by a perforating press, which can be adjusted to match a variety of shapes and patterns, such as circles, rectangles, triangles, or ovals. Over 60% of the total surface area of the panel can be perforated while still retaining the strength and characteristics of the metal. The thickness of the sheets can be up to three quarters of an inch, with the perforations available in diameters ranging from .02 inches to to six inches. This level of customization available to architects is one reason why so many have begun using perforated metal sheets and panels.
The uses of perforated metal panels have grown beyond their original function as industrial sorters and separators. Today, perforated panels are utilized for architectural applications in commercial and residential construction. Researchers and architects have nearly perfected the strategic installation of custom-made perforated panels to balance light indoors and control incoming sunlight.
The latter is accomplished with panels called sunshades, which are affixed to the outside of a building (usually over windows) to block a specified amount of sunlight. Sunshades lower energy costs by reducing the need for air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter.
Indoor light management is also a great way to increase energy efficiency. By installing perforated metal light covers, architects can enhance the quality of lighting in a space while using even less energy. Most experienced perforated metal manufacturers can aid architects and designers with formulating the most efficient lighting solution for their project.
Lighting covers and sunshades are easily installed within or outside existing structures, as well. Property owners and businesses have recently been taking advantage of tax incentives to retrofit buildings, and perforated metal panels have played a key role in increasing energy efficiency.
If you’re a business owner or architect looking for ways to reduce energy and electricity costs, take a look at custom perforated metal panels. Not only will you keep more money in your pocket, but your employees will appreciate working in a more comfortable environment, too.
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