What are the disadvantages of wall cladding?

While aluminum wall cladding offers numerous benefits—lightweight, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic versatility—it is not without disadvantages. The initial material and installation costs can be higher than traditional masonry or vinyl siding, impacting project budgets. Specialized subframe and fastening systems require skilled labor, adding labor costs. Thermal bridging can occur if subframes are not thermally broken, reducing energy efficiency. In coastal environments, chloride exposure may necessitate marine-grade aluminum or additional coatings. Damage to panels—dents from impact—can be more noticeable than repairs on rougher surfaces like stucco. Finally, end-of-life recycling, while advantageous environmentally, requires separation of composite cores from aluminum skins, complicating demolition waste streams.