
Exterior cladding panels: the specifier’s guide to materials, finishes and fire ratings
Choosing the right exterior cladding panels has become significantly more complex over the past decade. Fire safety legislation has tightened,
Extruded A2 Aluminium
Rainscreen Plank System
Vulcan Cladding Systems is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of aluminium rainscreen and façade solutions. Our signature VulcaLap® system combines the timeless look of timber with the strength and low maintenance of architectural aluminium – trusted by architects, developers, and contractors nationwide.
Why Choose VulcaLap®:
Trusted across the UK for precision, performance, and project support, from design to installation.

Lightweight
Renowned for it's lightweight properties, aluminium is about a third of the weight of steel, which makes it easier and cheaper to transport and install than most other metals.

Weathering
Aluminium is very resistant to corrosion. Corrosion does not affect aluminium due to it's protective oxide coating. Unlike copper, weather conditions don't influence aluminium.

Sustainability
Aluminium is infinitely recyclable with no loss of quality. More than 55% of the world's primary aluminium is produced using hydroelectric power (no CO2 emissions and renewable).
for aluminium cladding
Lightweight Rainscreen Cladding
High-Rise Buildings over 18m
Exterior Cladding
Overcladding & Infill Cladding
Commercial, Education and Residential
Soffits, Fascia and Bargeboard
Fire Rated
Reaction to Fire Classification A2 – s1, d0. Suitable for High-Rise Buildings over 18m
Hidden Fixings
Secret Fixing allows for an attractive contemporary finish
Fast UK Lead Times
VulcaLap is Manufactured in the UK with Short Lead Times
VulcaLap® RAL colour powder-coated finishes achieve Reaction to fire classification: EN 13501.1-A2-s1,d0 in a wide range of colours, gloss levels and textures. Our extensive range of high quality powders gives you limitless design opportunity.
We have tested RAL finishes to meet the requirements for ISO 12944-6:2018, which gives a life expectancy until major maintenance of more than 25 years in a corrosivity category C4 environment: seafront, cyclic salt spray, UV, freezing and chlorine. You can also apply for 10-year project specific manufacturer warranty.
View our RAL Colour Chart for standard colours. We recommend a smooth matt finish for most exterior applications.
VulcaLap® is available in 11 attractive WOOD finishes which achieve Reaction to fire classification: EN 13501.1-A2-s1,d0 – further finishes will be available soon. Each finish has a subtle variation during production which adds to the authenticity.
Vulcan WOOD finishes meet the requirements for ISO 12944-6:2018, which gives a life expectancy until major maintenance of more than 25 years in a corrosivity category C4 environment: seafront, cyclic salt spray, UV, freezing and chlorine. WOOD finishes have also undergone testing in Florida with a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
WOOD finishes are an ideal choice for those seeking to capture the warmth and character of real timber, but without the maintenance and colour change to exposed areas. Timber is a popular feature that gives a softening effect in modern architecture.
Anodising is an electrochemical process which enhances the natural weathering resistance, as well as giving a much more consistent, aesthetic finish. Anodised finishes are A1 Fire Rated non-combustible.
Anodised finishes meet the requirements for ISO 12944-6:2018, which gives a life expectancy until major maintenance of more than 25 years in a corrosivity category C4 environment: seafront, cyclic salt spray, UV, freezing and chlorine.
The anodised process does not add anything to the metal, meaning that it remains 100% recyclable and 100% pure aluminium. As the need for improved product durability, sustainability and aesthetics increases, anodised aluminium is becoming an increasingly popular choice for property owners.
Our stone effect collection offers enhanced aesthetic finishes that provide a great alternative to concrete, Portland stone, limestone and brickwork.
Stone is a key feature of architectural design. It stands for combining stunning aesthetics with a promise of long-lasting architectural legacy.
These special effect powder coatings demonstrate exceptional variations in colour and patination, which imitates the appearance and textures of natural stone.
Stone finishes are subject to minimum orders quantities; please contact our sales team for further details.
Shiplap
Weathered Steel
Shiplap
Ebony
Shiplap
Western Red Cedar
Shiplap
Light Oak
T&G150
Teak
T&G150
Dark Oak
T&G150
Weathered Steel
T&G150
RAL 7036
T&G150
RAL 1015
T&G150
Golden Oak
T&G125
Rosewood
T&G125
Ebony
T&G125
Weathered Steel
T&G125
RAL 7003
T&G125
Chestnut
T&G125
Bronze Anodised
downloads
For information on how Aluminium reacts to fire, see here

Choosing the right exterior cladding panels has become significantly more complex over the past decade. Fire safety legislation has tightened,

Net-zero targets, BREEAM assessments, planning conditions and client ESG reporting all place pressure on specifiers to demonstrate the environmental credentials

When specifying the external finish for a new build or refurbishment, the choice between cladding and render is one of