Panel System
Made Simple

Choosing the Right cladding

Traditional fabrication methods like rout and return can slow down projects, drive up costs, cause delays, and leave little room for flexibility. At AL13, we take a different approach. Our Non-Fabricated ACM System is designed to be modified on-site without the need for specialized tools, complex machinery, or off-site prep — giving you more control, less waste, and faster turnaround.

AL13 Panel System

👍🏼Cut-to-fit on-site
👍🏼 No specialized tools required
👍🏼 No specialized labour required
👍🏼 Short lead times
👍🏼 Fast and simple install

Traditional Rout & Return

👎🏼 Long lead times
👎🏼 Frequent delays
👎🏼 Specialized labour required
👎🏼 Specialized tools required
👎🏼 Over-complicated systems

Project: Southpointe School –  Alberta, Canada
System: AL13 Panel System
Color: Copper Penny 
Total Sq Ft: 10,000

Us vs. Them

1. Backplates are fastened directly to the wall, establishing the foundation for panel attachment.

2. Panels are cut to fit on-site and mounted—no exposed fasteners needed.

3. Extrusions snap into the back plates to hold the panels in place to form clear reveal lines.

1. ACM panels are CNC-routed off-site to create return folds, requiring accurate shop drawings and lead time.

2. Reinforcing frame structure or stiffeners are bonded or riveted in-shop to prevent distortion and add rigidity. 

3. A continuous sub-framing system is mounted to the substrate, requiring precise alignment for joint accuracy. 

4. Panels are fastened to the sub-framing using the aligning features, allowing minimal tolerance for error. 

5. Sealants and backer rods are applied to joints for water resistance and thermal movement accommodation. 

6. A small strip of ACM is inserted behind the gaps to hide the sub-framing system.

7. Flashings and trim pieces are installed separately, often needing custom fitting or field adjustment.

Why AL13 Panel System is better than rout & return

AL13’s cut-to-fit on-site approach eliminates the delays, waste, and inflexibility of shop fabrication. Unlike rout and return systems—where every panel must be CNC-routed, folded, and shipped ready-made—AL13 panels can be modified with standard tools on-site.

Cost-Effective

Time-Saving

Ready In Stock

Easy Installation

Why Rout & Return Slows You Down

Off-Site Fabrication Required
Panels must be routed, folded, and reinforced in a shop, adding cost, time, and coordination.

Limited Field Flexibility
Pre-fabricated panels leave little room for on-site adjustments or corrections.

Higher Installation Risk
Tight tolerances and rigid components make alignment more difficult in the field.

More Material Waste
Mistakes often mean scrapping and reordering full panels, increasing waste.

Specialized Tools & Labor
Requires CNC routers, brakes, and skilled labor, not always available on-site.

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Quote

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Sample

Project: NDT Global – Alberta, Canada
System: AL13 Panel System
Color: Silver Metallic, White
Total Sq Ft: 18,000

Where does it go?

Walls

Designed to integrate seamlessly with architectural wall features, including windows, doors, and other building elements, ensuring a precise and cohesive finish.

Soffits

AL13 Panel System is lightweight and easily mounted on wide range of substrates, and compatible with structural features like facias and other transitions.

Finishes

AL13 Panel System is available in various solid and metallic finishes with a 20-year warranty. Custom color matching is also available. 

Solid

Amber
Cornell Red
Moss
Battleship Grey
dark gray rectangle color chip
Acorn Grey
black rectangle color chip
Galaxy Black

Metalic

Silver Metallic
Tan Metallic
Emery Metallic
Pewter Metallic
Charcoal Metallic Color - ACM Panel System
Charcoal Metallic

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Quote

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Sample

Project: Northwest Government Building – Canada
System: AL13 Panel System
Color: Custom Silver Metallic
Total Sq Ft: 30,000

Performance

AL13 Panel System utilizes Aluminum Composite Material (ACM), comprised two aluminum sheets bonded to a core material. 

PE Core (Polyethylene): 4mm panel with thermoplastic core.

FR Core (Fire-Rated):  4mm panel with mineral core, meets NFPA 285 and CAN/ULC S134.

Fire Rated

Tested to meet NFPA 285 and CAN/ULC S134 standards, AL13® panels are engineered for high-performance fire resistance. 

Moisture Management

AL13® panels are designed as a pressure-equalized rainscreen system tested to AAMA 508 standards. 

Wind Load

Our panel system is tested to ASTM E330 structural performance under wind pressure. 

Warranty

AL13® Panel System comes with a 20-year product warranty. Built to withstand the elements, AL13 panels are backed by tested durability, color retention, and long-term performance—giving you peace of mind for decades.

Warranty USA

Warranty Canada

Project: Generation Sports –  Canada
System: AL13 Panel System
Color: Galaxy Black
Total Sq Ft: 5,000

Design Flexibility

Top of a school building with a silver metallic and red meta l cladding. There is shadow in the building and a blue sky.

Flexible Installation

Panels can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at other angles—perfect for creative, custom layouts.

System Compatibility

AL13 Panel and Plank systems share the same frame components, allowing seamless transitions. 

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Quote

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Sample

Project: Langford Commercial Special Purpose Building – Canada
System:
– AL13 Panel System – Silver Metallic
– AL13 Plank System – Maple
Total Sq Ft: 3,816
Color: Maple, Silver Metallic

Our Team

Keith Borg

SVP of Business Devt.

Jake Carr

Territory Manager Central

Afsaneh Dhalla

Territory Manager East

Shannon Noto

Area Sales Associate East

Paulo Ramos

Technical Sales Specialist

Francisco Marin

Technical Sales Specialist

Keith Borg

SVP of Business Development

Discover AL13 Systems

ACM made accessible. Cut-to-fit on site for easy installation, saving time and money.
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Get the look of wood, with the durability of metal. A proprietary system with built-in rain screen.
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Innovative facades in wood look or solid colors. Intricate designs, simple installations.
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Quote

Request a
Sample

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More Projects!

Head Office

AL13’s reach extends beyond Canadian borders. With operations spanning both the United States and Canada, we serve architects, contractors, and developers through our robust network of certified dealers and Territory Managers (TMs). This ensures timely support, efficient distribution, and expert consultation for every project.

Contact form

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by AL13 by email or telephone/SMS. From time to time, we may wish to contact you with marketing information and updates.*