Typical applications include barriers, machine guards, fire screens, gutter guards, security doors and fences. These all offer protection, but still allow access for cleaning and maintenance when required.
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Wire mesh guards are typically used when visibility of equipment is required, but access needs to be restricted to protect either workers, or the equipment itself. The mesh can act as a net for any parts that may fly off during operation or provide guarding on machinery that cuts, crushes or grinds. Guards can also help prevent people climbing on large machinery; an issue more common in quarrying and mining.
The benefit of mesh guards is that they allow for full ventilation; this prevents any parts from overheating, which could affect the machines performance and cause operational downtime.
The four machine guard options are: permanent guards, fixed physical guards, interlock guards and perimeter guards.
A permanent guard is one that is welded to the machine to encase dangerous parts and is implemented when access, cleaning and maintenance are not required.
Similarly, fixed physical guards limit access to certain parts of a machine (such as blades) and can be removed but only by using a specific tool to do so.
Interlocking guards on the other hand, do permit easy access, but the machine will not operate unless they are closed.
Finally, perimeter guards generally isolate equipment by forming a fence around it and provide protection, whilst not completely restricting access.
Need help finding the right guard for you? Get in touch with us for further assistance.
Perforated metal panels is a popular choice by both contractors and homeowners for its unique style and wide variety of uses.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we offer perforated products including perforated metal panels, perforated coil, and perforated flat sheets in addition to our large selection of non-perforated metal roofing and siding panels.
This article goes over what perforated metal can be used for as well as considerations to make before you decide whether or not perforated metal is right for your project.
Perforated metal coil
What Are Perforated Metal Panels?
Perforated metal panels are steel panels that consist of a pattern of small holes or shapes throughout the surface. These openings have a mesh like appearance that have several benefits including allowing airflow and light to pass through while also creating an eye-catching aesthetic appeal. Perforated metal panels are just as popular for their appearance as they are for their function.
Corrugated Perforated Metal Panel
How Are Perforated Metal Panels Made?
The process begins with a metal coil that is turned into flat sheets. From there, the sheet metal is mechanically stamped or laser cut to create the desired patterns or hole shape in the steel.
Perforated Metal Panel Specifications
Each perforated panel will specify:
- The perforated pattern
- Hole size
- Staggered pattern (amount of space between each hole)
- The open area
Perforated pattern
The open area is a percentage that represents how much of the metal has been removed, or how much of the panel is open.
For example, if a panel has a .127 size holes and the stagger is 7/32", then the open area is 30.5 %, meaning that roughly 70% of the metal panel remains after the perforations have been made in the panel.
What Are Perforated Metal Panels Used For?
Perforated metal panels have many uses including:
- Roof coverings for patios or shade structures
- Soundproofing/ acoustic wall panels
- Windscreens
- Fences
- Ceilings
- Interior design accents
- Building cladding
- Partitions
- Stair treads
- Metal screens
- Signage
- Filters
We discuss some of the more popular uses in greater detail below for both exterior perforated metal panels and interior perforated metal panels.
Perforated Metal Fence
A perforated metal fence has a unique style that does not give total privacy, but rather allows for some airflow and sunlight while still serving as a barrier. Its common to see perforated metal fences used for wind screens, equipment screens, parks, sports complexes, and other outdoor commercial areas.
Perforated Metal Roofing
It seems funny that you would use a metal roofing panel with holes, but it makes sense in certain situations. Normally, perforated roofing panels are used in a canopy application in which weather tightness is not an issue. The perforated canopy will provide both shade and airflow. In addition, it looks great.
Perforated Metal Ceiling
Using perforated metal on a ceiling not only creates visual interest, but it also serves an important purpose when it comes to sound. Perforations in ceiling panels actually help reduce noise by absorbing the sound in a room. Its more common to see perforated metal ceilings in public areas where there is more heavy foot traffic and noise as opposed to inside of private residences.
Perforated Metal Facade
Perforated metal facade is decorative architectural cladding that serves a large variety of uses.
Perforated Corten AZP Raw Facade
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Incorporating perforated metal onto a commercial building can:
- Allow natural sunlight in
- Reduce noise
- Enhance curb appeal
- Create more privacy
- Increase design options for architects
Perforated Metal Guardrail
Photo credit: DeMax
A perforated metal guardrail or railing system is a unique and attractive alternative to more conventional railings. Perforated railings create an illusion of a space being more open since you are able to see through the material.
Pros Of Perforated Metal Panels
- Design And Aesthetic Appeal
- Enhances Energy Efficiency
- Soundproofing
- Exceptional strength
- Lightweight
Design And Aesthetic Appeal
Whether youre using perforated aluminum, steel, copper, or zinc, metal with perforations has an eye-catching and unique aesthetic that fits with almost all design styles. People love to use decorative perforated metal in their projects because of how it enhances the visual appeal of the space where it's being installed. Its a versatile product that has a seemingly endless amount of ways it can be used.
Enhances Energy Efficiency
Perforated metal helps regulate temperatures which in turn makes your cooling systems not have to work as hard. It deflects heat build up while also allowing for ventilation and the admittance of natural sunlight.
Soundproofing
Perforated metal helps diffuse sound. When used along a ceiling, it helps reduce echoes.
Strength And Durability
The structural strength of perforated sheet metal is greater than many other building materials. It has an inherent strength that provides great durability and resistance to the elements when used in exterior applications.
Perforated Metal Is A Lightweight Material
Metal panels are already known for being lightweight. Now remove 10-40% of that panel, and you have perforated metal. Since the hole patterns remove some of the metal, it makes the perforated panels even lighter than non-perforated panels which makes them easier to transport and install.
Cons Of Perforated Metal Panels
- Perforated Metal Panels Are Hard To Find For Smaller Projects
- Higher Cost
Perforated Metal Panels Are Hard To Find For Smaller Projects
Perforated panels and perforated sheet metal are much easier to find for larger projects which are generally those that are 5,000- 10,000 pounds or greater.
For a smaller project, or a project that is less than 5,000 pounds, ordering perforated panels is too expensive to justify for a smaller job. You will have to find a manufacturer or supplier that keeps perforated panels in stock which can be difficult. On top of that, you will be limited in the colors you have to choose from for a small project.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we can make any panel or color we sell perforated for larger jobs. However, we also keep the following perforated metal in stock and available for smaller projects:
Perforated Metal Panel
Gauge (Thickness)
Galvalume®
20 Gauge, 24 Gauge
Painted Polar White
24 Gauge
A606-4 (Aka Corten)
22 Gauge
Painted Corten AZP Raw
24 Gauge
Perforated Metal Panel Cost Is Higher Than Standard Metal Panels
Perforated metal comes at a premium price point compared to other types of metal panels. The cost of perforated metal panels can range anywhere from 50% higher to double the amount of non-perforated metal panels.
Request A Quote For Perforated Metal Sheet Or Perforated Metal Panels
Using perforated metal in your construction projects brings a variety of functional and aesthetic benefits, making it one of the most popular and unique metal products on the market today.
Ready to purchase your perforated metal products? Get your project started by taking the first step and request a free quote today.
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