ACP Cladding

What ACP is, and why the core matters

An aluminium composite panel (ACP) is a sandwich: two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a core, usually 3mm or 4mm thick overall. It is light, rigid, flat and easy to route and fold into trays, which is why it is the standard material for shop fronts and elevations.

The core is the key specification.

PE (polyethylene) core is the cheaper standard grade. It is combustible, which makes it unsuitable for tall buildings, escape routes and anywhere fire spread is a concern.

FR (fire-retardant) core is a mineral-filled core that resists burning and does not feed a fire in the same way. It costs more and is the safer specification for multi-storey frontages, malls, hospitals, schools and commercial complexes. Many building owners and mall managements now require it.

The face coating matters too. PVDF coatings hold their colour and gloss longer in strong sun than polyester coatings, which suits south- and west-facing fronts. Finishes include solid colours, metallics, mirror, wood-grain and stone effects.

The frame and fixing behind the panels

What you do not see decides how long a facade looks good.

ACP is fixed onto a sub-frame of aluminium sections or galvanised steel tube, anchored to the wall, slab edge or existing structure. Mild steel must be properly primed and painted, because a rusting frame behind the panels stains and loosens them over time. The frame is set out true, so the facade is flat even when the wall behind is not.

Panels are usually made into trays: routed along the back, folded at the edges and riveted or clipped to the frame. Joints are left as an open groove with a backing, or sealed with weatherproof silicone, depending on the design. Proper detailing at the top edge and around openings keeps rain from getting behind the cladding.

Thermal movement is real. A dark panel on a west-facing front can get very hot in May, and panels expand. Fixings must allow for that, or panels bow and joints open. Loose, rattling or bulging panels are covered on ACP panel loose.

For more on planning a frontage, read the ACP cladding shop front guide.

ACP shop fronts on Gurugram and Noida market roads

The typical job is a shop front in a commercial complex or on a market road: Sector 18 in Noida, MG Road and Sohna Road in Gurugram, the markets of Sector 14, South City and DLF phases, and showrooms along the Golf Course Extension and Noida Expressway. ACP wraps the fascia above the shopfront, frames the glass, and often carries 3D acrylic letters or an LED sign.

In a mall or commercial complex, the management usually has frontage rules: permitted colours, signage size, FR-core panels, approved working hours, and a work permit before anything is fixed. In a standalone building, the owner or other occupants may need to agree to the change.

The ACP often works with glass below it. A toughened glass shop front with door and a rolling shutter for security at night are common companions; structural glazing suits larger glass elevations.

Dust and diesel soot from busy roads show on dark matt panels, so lighter or metallic finishes are easier to keep looking clean.

What decides the cost of ACP cladding

ACP is priced per square foot of facade, and the rate depends on choices made at the visit. The ACP cladding price guide explains this in more depth; the main factors are:

Panel grade. FR core costs more than PE core, and branded panels more than unbranded.

Thickness and coating. 4mm over 3mm, PVDF over polyester, and special finishes such as mirror, wood or stone.

Frame. Aluminium versus galvanised or painted steel, and how much framing the wall needs to bring it true.

Detailing. Folded trays, curves, returns around columns and integrated signage grooves add labour.

Height and access. A single-storey fascia from a ladder versus scaffolding or a boom on a multi-storey front.

Site rules. Night working or restricted hours in malls.

The written quote shows each element, so two quotes can be compared on panel grade and frame, not just on a headline number.

How the job runs, and keeping ACP clean

Book a site visit for ₹99, usually within 24 to 48 hours; it is adjusted against your bill if you go ahead. We measure the facade, check the wall and fixing points, note signage and any complex rules, and agree panel grade and colour. A written, all-inclusive quote usually follows within about two hours and is valid for three days.

After a 50% advance, the frame is fabricated and the panels are cut, routed and folded to size. On site the frame goes up first, set out true, then the panels are fixed and the protective film peeled. The balance 50% is due on completion.

Wash ACP with water and mild detergent and a soft cloth once or twice a year, more often near a busy road, and avoid abrasive pads that scratch the coating. Check sealant joints annually. See all facade services in the facades and shutters catalogue, or the facades and shutters in Gurgaon page.