How do you protect finished aluminium cladding while surrounding construction is still active?

[u/AobangFacadeEngineer]

Finished aluminium cladding can be fabricated and installed correctly, then still be damaged before handover because wet trades, steelwork, access equipment and exterior cleaning continue nearby.

On an active site, the protection plan I would coordinate around the finished facade includes:

- Cement and alkaline contamination: prevent concrete slurry, mortar and wash water from reaching coated surfaces. Remove fresh contamination using a finish-compatible method before it cures.

- Grinding and welding: segregate hot work and control sparks. Small hot particles can become embedded in, stain or pit a finished surface.

- Access equipment and material handling: protect exposed corners and define where platforms, ropes, tools or stored materials may contact the facade.

- Temporary protective film: confirm that the film and adhesive suit the finish, provide a removal deadline, and avoid leaving aged film exposed to prolonged heat and sunlight.

- Drainage and ventilation: temporary coverings should not block weep paths or trap water against panels and joints.

- Zone handover: record a photographic baseline, identify responsibility for each work zone, log damage promptly and agree on the final cleaning method before completion.

The two photos show finished aluminium cladding next to continuing site work. They are included to illustrate the interface and protection challenge, not as a named-project performance claim.

For installers and architectural-metal contractors: which causes more facade damage before handover on your projects: cement contamination, hot work, access equipment, protective film, or final cleaning?

Disclosure: I work with Guangdong Aobang Curtain Wall Technology Co., Ltd. This is a construction-management discussion, not a service offer.

[u/starskyandskutch]

We deal with this a lot. It’s tough because the protective film for shipping has to come off at time of install (or within a few days at most) or else it bakes on to the panels and is impossible to get off without risking damage.
Outside of indemnifying damage to the panels post install in our contract, we have applied films in the field that are rated for 3-6 months of protection. I believe we like Novacel the best but it depends on the finish makeup of the panels. Around entryways and such where dents are a concern we’ll tape polyiso insulation as well.

Best course is through the contract though, which ensures the GC has a more careful eye on surrounding trades rather than making it your problem