External wall cladding for data centres refers to a protective and functional outer covering or facade applied to the exterior walls of a data centre. Its primary purposes include protecting the facility, managing the building’s energy efficiency, and ensuring compliance with aesthetic, environmental, and security requirements. Below are the key aspects of external wall cladding for data centres:

1. Protective Barrier
Weather Resistance: Protects against rain, wind, snow, and UV radiation.
Thermal Insulation: Helps in maintaining internal temperatures to meet data centre cooling needs.
Moisture Control: Prevents water ingress and reduces the risk of mould or structural damage.

2. Fire Safety
Fire-Resistant Materials: Many cladding systems are made from fire-retardant materials to comply with stringent safety codes and reduce fire risks in data-sensitive environments.

3. Thermal Efficiency
Energy Savings: Reduces thermal loss or heat gain, making HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems more efficient.
Minimized Thermal Bridging: Insulated panels within cladding prevent heat from passing through structural elements.

4. Durability and Security
Enhanced Security: Offers increased resistance to physical breaches or vandalism.
Durability: Cladding materials, such as metal, stone, or composite panels, are designed to withstand harsh environments and require minimal maintenance.

5. Acoustic Management
Some cladding solutions provide sound insulation to reduce noise pollution from external sources, crucial for sensitive equipment and operations.

6. Aesthetics and Branding
Cladding contributes to the building’s visual appeal, which may align with corporate branding or local regulations on urban design.

7. Types of Cladding Materials Used
Metal Panels (e.g., aluminum, steel): Lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant.
Composite Panels: Sandwich panels combining layers for thermal and acoustic efficiency.
Fiber Cement Boards: Non-combustible, weather-resistant, and versatile.
Glass or Polycarbonate: Used sparingly for aesthetic purposes in specific areas.
Natural Stone or Brick Veneer: Durable and visually appealing, though heavier.
High-Pressure Laminates (HPL): Lightweight, customizable, and fire-resistant.

8. Smart Cladding Systems
Some advanced systems incorporate sensors to monitor environmental conditions, thermal performance, or detect breaches.
External wall cladding in data centres is a critical design feature because it directly influences operational efficiency, security, and regulatory compliance.

Our MD Shaun Gooch has over 30 years of experience in Cladding and Curtain Walling Industry. We have worked on various high profile projects including T2A Heathrow Airport ( Laing Orourkes ). This project included us completing the following tasks:

At Cladders LTD we have an incredibly skilled and highly trained workforce. Our team of 76 operatives that worked on the project included:

This 2year project was completed under the guidance of our MD managing a team of 76 and is a perfect example of how our highly skilled, highly professional and highly motivated team can successfully complete any project.