Can Cladding Be Repaired?

Yes, cladding can be repaired from weather damage, corrosion and general wear and tear, all of which are common for buildings in the UK. Incredibly effective, cladding repair gives business owners a way to restore panels without the cost, downtime, and stress of cladding replacements.

Cladding repair typically starts with the identification of damage before an application of protective finishes like spraying or coating. These can be used to future-proof cracked coatings, rusted or dented panels, peeled paint, and more. When the correct materials and processes are implemented, repair work can be carried out with minimal disruption to business operations.

At ACS Coatings, we have years of experience with cladding repair in commercial and industrial premises. Assessing each property based on its unique set of requirements, we work hard to protect the integrity of your building with a comprehensive service that minimises downtime and limits business disruption. 

In this article, we’ll explore how the cladding repair process works, and why cladding spraying is key to getting long-lasting results for your commercial or industrial property.

The Cladding Repair Process

Cladding Inspection

Every cladding repair should begin with a detailed site inspection. Here, experts will assess the extent of the damage and identify affected areas on roofs, exterior walls, or both. 

Once this information is confirmed, a suitable cladding repair method will be recommended. This may be cladding patching, replacement of panels, or other forms of restoration. 

Surface Cleaning and Prep

Before any cladding repair work starts, all panels must be properly cleaned by experienced specialists. This can be achieved with industrial-grade pressure washing equipment and products tailored to the property and materials at play.

Proper cleaning removes the most common cladding contaminants like dirt and algae, among others, and loose coatings are also removed to prepare the area effectively.

Repairs or Replacements

If cladding panels are dented, cracked, or seriously corroded, repairs or replacements will be needed. Commercial fillers are often used for repairs while large sections may need to be replaced entirely.

The approach for cladding repair or replacement will depend on the material type, location, and damage involved. The goal should always be to minimise disruption and reduce costs wherever possible.

Sealing and Priming 

Once repairs or replacement work is completed, joints and edges must be sealed properly, and fasteners should be put in place to prevent future water ingress. 

Where required, primer coats may be applied to encourage adequate adhesion and protect the underlying surface of the cladding. This is particularly important when it comes to industrial roof cladding repair, which is more susceptible to allowing the elements into a building.

Spraying and Finishing

The final step of the cladding repair process is the spraying of repaired or replaced panels to match the colour and finish of the rest of the building. 

Doing this means that your business has a seamless visual aesthetic and ensures that repairs blend in effectively. Leaving no visible trace of the work carried out, cladding spraying can also go a long way to fortifying your panels against damage in the future.

Is Colour Matching Often an Issue?

At ACS Coatings, we provide a full colour-matching service with all of our cladding repair or cladding spraying services. Why? Because we understand that consistency is crucial for business branding and that business owners are rightfully concerned about cladding repairs or replacements, especially when it’s only partial. 

That’s why we place great emphasis on our colour matching capabilities and offer options for all materials and finishes for our clients.

To achieve the best colour match possible, we use professional colour matching apparatus, and we work directly with leading paint suppliers to source or mix the exact shade. We also consider existing weathering of the cladding, so the new finish aligns perfectly with it.

For even more peace of mind, before any cladding repair or spraying is started, our experts can test sample patches for visual accuracy and seek your approval before starting any work. This means you can be confident the final result will look cohesive and professional. 

The Importance of Spraying

Most of the time, spraying is a crucial aspect of the cladding repair process and helps protect your building for longer. It’s carried out after cladding repair has taken place and acts as a sealant and reinforcement that not only looks great but protects your building against adverse weather conditions and corrosion. 

Cladding spray coatings are also designed to bond with original and newly repaired surfaces, forming a protective barrier to tackle water and UV rays from the weather. This helps your building look the part and perform for longer, reducing the risk of future damage on walls and roofing areas. 

All in all, as well as robust performance and protection, cladding spraying delivers consistency of colour by covering joints, fillers, and repaired patches uniformly.