Solutions — Exterior

Reclad without the scaffold bill.

NELCOS exterior-grade architectural film transforms building facades, cladding panels, and entry zones at a fraction of full recladding cost — with a 5-year exterior warranty.

Up to 60%

less than full recladding

5 years

exterior warranty

Zero

demolition waste

Recladding vs. film: the numbers.

Full facade recladding on a mid-rise commercial building typically runs 12–20 weeks and generates tonnes of landfill waste. NELCOS exterior film changes that equation.

Factor
Full Recladding
NELCOS Film
Project duration
12–20 weeks
2–4 weeks
Demolition waste
High — existing cladding removed
None — applied over existing surface
Scaffold requirement
Full perimeter scaffold
Reduced — section-by-section access
Material cost vs. replacement
Baseline
Up to 60% less
Tenant disruption
Significant — noise, dust, access restrictions
Minimal
Warranty
Varies by material
5 years exterior

Cost comparison based on typical mid-rise commercial facade. Actual savings vary by building size, substrate condition, and region.

Where exterior film performs.

Facade panels

Aluminium composite, fibre cement, and steel panel systems. Film applied directly over existing substrate — no removal required.

Entry canopies & soffits

High-traffic entry zones refreshed in wood-grain, stone, or solid colour. Resistant to UV, moisture, and temperature cycling.

Columns & pilasters

Structural and decorative columns wrapped in premium finishes. Consistent appearance across the full building envelope.

Balcony soffits & fascias

Residential and mixed-use balcony undersides and edge trims. Eliminates peeling paint and oxidation without repainting.

Retail frontage

Shopfront panels, bulkheads, and fascia boards. Seasonal or brand-refresh changes without structural work.

Parking structures

Concrete and steel surfaces in parkades and podiums. Durable, cleanable, and graffiti-resistant options available.

Exterior technical specifications

UV resistance
3,000+ hours accelerated weathering (ISO 4892-2)
Temperature range
-40°C to +80°C operational
Moisture resistance
IP54 equivalent; suitable for exposed exterior use
Surface compatibility
Aluminium composite, steel, fibre cement, concrete, glass
Adhesive system
High-tack exterior-grade, UV-stabilised
Fire rating
Class A / EN 13501-1 B-s1,d0
Warranty
5 years exterior; 10 years interior
Certification
Requires NELCOS Exterior-certified installer

Case study

12,000 m² facade. 3 weeks. Tenants stayed.

A 1980s office tower in Calgary required a full facade refresh to meet updated strata appearance standards. Full recladding quotes came in at $2.4M with a 16-week timeline requiring tenant notification and partial floor closures. NELCOS exterior film was applied over the existing aluminium composite panels in three weeks, with tenants remaining in occupation throughout. Total project cost: $680,000.

12,000 m²

Facade area

3 weeks

Total duration

$1.72M

Saved vs. recladding

0

Tenants displaced

Start with a facade assessment.

Send us your building photos and substrate type. We'll confirm film suitability and provide an indicative cost within two business days.