Perforated Metal Panels: Pros, Cons, And Uses

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. It’s 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. It’s 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

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 you’re 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. It’s 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 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.