NORX Cladding for Commercial Entrances

Understanding NORX Cladding for Commercial Applications

NORX Cladding is a composite system designed for walls, ceilings, and soffits, offering a consistent aesthetic across different architectural elements. The material is available in several collections, each featuring a set of board profiles and a specific color palette. All composite collections are capped on three or four sides, depending on the collection, and are designed for installation with a hidden clip system on furring.

For commercial entrances, the material's composition and installation method are key. The hidden clip system provides a clean, fastener-free appearance, contributing to a modern aesthetic often desired in commercial settings. The composite nature of NORX is intended to offer an alternative to wood, aiming for reduced maintenance requirements.

The Barcelona Collection, made from PVC, offers a distinct option with a different composition and warranty period compared to the wood-plastic composite lines. This distinction is important for projects with specific material preferences or performance criteria.

Selecting the Right NORX Collection and Profile

NORX offers seven collections, each named after a city and featuring distinct characteristics. For a commercial entrance, the choice of collection often balances aesthetic goals with practical considerations like profile width and surface technology.

For example, the London Collection features wide slat panels, which can create a bold, contemporary look suitable for prominent entrances. The Rome Collection offers narrower panels for a more refined or intricate pattern. Collections like Paris and Los Angeles incorporate advanced surface technologies, such as Elastic Surface™ and advanced resistance to moisture and fading, which could be beneficial for high-exposure entrance areas.

When selecting a color, remember that digital representations are for reference only. Always confirm the finish with a physical sample to ensure it meets the project's aesthetic requirements under actual lighting conditions. Colors range from dark grays and browns (e.g., Elysees, Ipanema) to lighter tones (e.g., Triomphe, La Rambla).

Planning Layout and Detailing Around Commercial Doors

The area around a commercial entrance door requires precise planning for cladding layout and detailing to ensure both visual continuity and functional integrity. Consider the door frame and any adjacent architectural features, such as transoms or sidelights. The cladding should integrate seamlessly, avoiding awkward cuts or abrupt transitions.

For a clean finish, plan the placement of the hidden clips so that they are not visible at door edges or corners. This often means careful consideration of furring strip placement and the starting point of the cladding installation. Ensure that any necessary trim or flashing around the door frame is compatible with the NORX system and provides adequate weather protection.

Accessibility is also a key factor. Ensure that the cladding system does not interfere with door operation, including emergency exits, or create any tripping hazards. Maintain appropriate clearances as specified by building codes and manufacturer guidelines.

A Worked Example: Cladding a 12-Foot Wide Commercial Entry

Consider a commercial entrance measuring 12 feet wide and 10 feet high, with a standard double door opening of 6 feet wide by 8 feet high centered in the wall. The design calls for NORX London Collection cladding in Big Ben (black), installed horizontally.

The London Collection features wide slat panels. Let's assume, for this example, that these panels have a face width of 6 inches (0.5 feet). The total area to be clad is (12 ft x 10 ft) - (6 ft x 8 ft) = 120 sq ft - 48 sq ft = 72 sq ft.

For horizontal installation, the number of courses (rows) needed for the 10-foot height would be 10 ft / 0.5 ft per board = 20 courses. For the areas to the left and right of the door, each section is (12 ft - 6 ft) / 2 = 3 feet wide. Each 3-foot wide section would require 20 courses of 3-foot long boards. Above the door, the area is 12 feet wide by (10 ft - 8 ft) = 2 feet high, requiring 2 ft / 0.5 ft per board = 4 courses of 12-foot long boards. Below the door, there is no cladding.

To calculate purchased quantity, we consider standard board lengths. If NORX boards are commonly supplied in 12-foot lengths, the 3-foot sections would be cut from these. Each 12-foot board could yield four 3-foot sections. Therefore, for the side sections (20 courses x 2 sides = 40 sections), 40 sections / 4 sections per board = 10 boards of 12-foot length would be needed. For the top section (4 courses of 12-foot length), 4 boards of 12-foot length would be needed. The total purchase would be 14 boards of 12-foot length, accounting for cuts and avoiding waste by utilizing offcuts where possible. This calculation is a basic estimate; always consult detailed cut plans and account for waste factor specific to the project and installer.

Considering Durability and Maintenance for High-Traffic Areas

Commercial entrances experience significantly higher foot traffic and potential impact compared to other facade areas. NORX composite cladding is designed for durability and is resistant to rot and termites. However, the exact performance characteristics in terms of impact resistance should be verified with specific product documentation.

Maintenance for NORX cladding is described as rinsing, with no need for painting or staining. This low-maintenance characteristic can be a significant advantage for commercial properties, reducing ongoing operational costs. For commercial entrances, regular cleaning to remove dirt, grime, and environmental pollutants will help maintain the aesthetic appearance.

The Barcelona Collection, being PVC, may offer different maintenance and durability characteristics compared to the wood-plastic composite lines. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for long-term performance in a commercial setting.

Coordinating with Other Materials and Finishes

Commercial entrances often feature a combination of materials, such as glass, metal, stone, or stucco, alongside cladding. NORX Cladding's diverse color palette allows for coordination or contrast with these adjacent materials. For instance, a dark NORX color like London Collection's Big Ben could provide a strong visual anchor against lighter stone or metal accents.

Consider how the texture and finish of the NORX boards will interact with other surfaces. Some NORX collections, like Rio, offer various texture options. This interplay of textures can add depth and sophistication to the entrance design. Ensure that all material transitions are detailed correctly, with appropriate flashing and sealants, to prevent water intrusion and ensure a cohesive appearance.

Before you order

• Determine the primary aesthetic goal for the entrance (e.g., modern, classic, bold).
• Evaluate the specific NORX collections for suitable board profiles (e.g., wide slat, narrow panel) and surface technologies.
• Obtain physical samples of chosen NORX colors to verify appearance under project lighting.
• Plan the exact layout of cladding panels around the door opening, considering trim and flashing.
• Verify clearances for door operation and accessibility requirements.
• Confirm the long-term durability and maintenance requirements of the selected NORX material (composite vs. PVC) for high-traffic areas.
• Coordinate NORX cladding with adjacent materials and finishes, detailing all transitions.
• Calculate preliminary material quantities, accounting for cuts and potential waste.

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

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