Cladding in HVAC refers to the protective outer layer—typically metal—that covers and shields insulation on ducts, pipes, and equipment. It is essential in applications such as duct cladding, chilled water pipeline cladding, chiller cooler cladding, boiler cladding, and hot water pipeline cladding. Its primary role is to protect insulation from mechanical damage, weather exposure, and environmental wear.
Aluminum cladding is a premium choice, offering superior strength, durability, and resistance to harsh conditions compared to ceramic coatings. Although more expensive, it significantly enhances the longevity of HVAC components, especially in environments prone to extreme physical or environmental stress. As such, aluminum cladding is most often used on fully exposed chiller pipelines and their critical connections.