Re-skinning with aluminum

[Waliczek]

Well, I am back for advice. I find it necessary to re-skin the Rimple. The plastic I used originally, was attacked bu UV, and actually cracked apart.
I have priced 4 X 8 Sheets of brushed aluminum, .063( 16 ga) Approx 1/16th inch for $80.00 per sheet. No shipping because I can get it locally.
My question is:::
Do you feel that 1/16 inch is heavy enough? And, do you think I am paying too much.
Any and all advice is appriciated..
Thanks,
Tom

[SteveH]

Tom,

I think you will find .063" on the heavy side. I used .050" and feel it was a little too heavy also. If I were doing it again, I would look for something in the .040" range.

[asianflava]

You don't need it that thick. I used .040, it cost around $70 something for a 4X10 sheet. That was last year, I don't know what the price is now.

[Ron]

I used .032 aluminum in 4x10 sheets. Mine cost $38.00 per sheet.

[madjack]

...we used .032 4x10 @ 42 bucks a sheet...it was more than heavy enough and would consider using .024 next time
madjack

[larryl]

Tom:

What plastic product did you use to skin your exterior?

Larry

[Waliczek]

Thank you all for the input, I will go back to my supplier and talk again, it may be possible that I did not explain well enough what it is to be used for. If lighter material is good I will go that way.
Larry, I used those 4 X 8 sheets of plastic from H.D. that are used to line shower and tubs in bathroom. It was great for the first year, and shed the water very well, But the spring of the 2nd year when I pull off the tarp, It was cracked in a couple of places on the top. I patched them for the time being, however before the season was over it was breaking up big time. My beautiful little trailer was looking like crap. Please anyone, It you are just building, forget about those plastic sheets. The sun's UV eats them alive.

Personal experience talking----
Tom

[Jiminsav]

Tom, I hate to tell you I told you so, but, well, I think I might have mentioned that FRP panels don't do well outside.
and yes, .40 or less is fine for the skin.

[Gage]

Tom, I hate to tell you I told you so, but, well, I think I might have mentioned that FRP panels don't do well outside.
and yes, .40 or less is fine for the skin.

Jim, I think there were a few of us that were told we didn't know what we were talking about. And it was cheaper than alum so that's the way they were going. Now how cheap was it really in the long run? When I first read this post I almost fell off my chair laughting. And don't you mean .040. Got to make that clear. He might go after that .40 stuff (if they make it) and then wonder why it's so hard to bend.

[Jiminsav]

oh yeah, thats what I meant Gage..040 thick..my bad.

[doug hodder]

I wonder how that plastic would have held up if it were painted? Not that I'm going to try....just thinking Doug

[Gage]

I would think that even with paint, it's still going to expand and contract because of the heat vs. cold. Causing it to crack over time. Finished hard/aged plastic just doesn't stretch like alum does.

[SteveH]

Wonder how that Filon stuff would do on a roof?