If you are thinking about finishing the facade of the building, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with a completely new innovative material called composite panel. This cover appeared relatively recently, but has already gained a lot of fans. Our task is to find out what technical and qualitative characteristics it possesses.
Description
A composite panel is a type of building decoration material. It consists, as a rule, of several layers. It has the following functionality:
- the building takes on an aesthetic appearance;
- protection against the cold;
- extra reliability.
She got the name "sandwich." All due to the fact that the panel consists of several layers. Let's consider each of them separately:
- The top layer, which is located on the front side of the panel, is made of decorative color film. It can be varied. The most commonly used polyvinylidene fluoride coating.
- The next layer is a colorless coating, which is made of polyester.
- Aluminum sheet.
- In the middle of the panel is a special mineral fiber. It can be of various types.
- The next layer is again an aluminum sheet.
- The back side is covered with an anti-corrosion agent.
Application
Such panels are widely used in various directions. For instance:
- construction and decoration of residential and office premises, sports complexes, retail space, children's entertainment centers;
- facing of airports, stations, tunnels, hotels and banks;
- creating an exclusive style;
- facing of balconies, entrance groups and edging of roofs;
- production of billboards and signs, stands and information boards;
- individual interior decoration of various complexity of architectural structures.
If you need high-quality, inexpensive and stylish material, then you can choose composite panels. The photo will show how such building materials actually look.
Characteristics
The panels are distinguished by the following positive qualities:
- high insulation and moisture protection;
- reinforced sound insulation of walls from street noise;
- if the panels have a special substance, then they are reliably protected from fire;
- the special top coat remains in a beautiful and well-groomed appearance for a long time;
- they are easy to care for, if necessary, well washed with water;
- light weight.
But even with all the positive qualities, there were some disadvantages:
- can not be used for decoration of special institutions, for example, hospitals, schools, kindergartens and many others;
- the lower part of the wall is best decorated with a special material that has anti-vandal protection;
- the high cost of even the most budgetary panel.
Internal Features
I would like to talk more about the composition of the panel. There are a large number of analogues, but all of them are distinguished by their high cost. These composite panels use aluminum. It is worth talking about why this material was chosen:
- This metal is not susceptible to corrosion.
- Light weight makes panel installation easy.
- It is preferable to use for decoration of buildings that do not have a foundation. Such panels do not load the building.
- Low cost, unlike steel and other metal structures.
The material is able to withstand any kind of processing. These include:
- welding;
- cutting;
- gluing;
- rolling.
Construction secret
At first glance, the panel is a thin piece of metal. In fact, this is a complex multilayer construction. Its composition can only be complemented by decorative coatings and internal material, on which heat and noise insulation depend. There are several secrets here:
- If you bought an inexpensive panel, then all the inner void is filled with inexpensive cellular polyethylene. This material provides no additional protection.
- If you bought an expensive panel, then it contains mineral fiber, which protects against the penetration of noise, cold. Such material is considered environmentally friendly to humans.
- Depending on the brand and price category, the top decorative layer is also different. It can be polymer, powder or enameled.
- More expensive samples have a top layer coated with a special film. It helps protect panels from moisture, sunlight, and various other natural factors.
Cladding with composite panels is possible for buildings of any design. There are also some nuances here.
Cladding
As a rule, for each individual construction, such panels are made to order. This is due to the following features:
- The architecture of each building is taken into account.
- The panels are made in the desired shape and size.
- If the building is large, then the order and manufacture of panels should be carried out at the stage of development of the architectural project.
- If your building is not difficult, then you can order standard panels.
- You can install them yourself, without resorting to outside help.
Manufacture
It is worth paying special attention to the issue of how the production of composite panels proceeds. Everything is divided into several stages:
- Mineral fiber is made on special equipment, which is used to fill the middle of the panel.
- This substance is fed by a special conveyor between two layers of aluminum tape, which is treated with an adhesive film.
- Using calendars, form the thickness of the panel.
- The material is completely cooled in a special chamber.
- After that, everything goes to the alignment area, where the panel is converted to the desired shape.
- They cover the surface with pigment, a protective film and send it to the cutting, packaging and transportation workshop.
Specification
As we have found out, the colors of composite panels can be different. Now let's talk about sizes. They are standard, but can be individual. Let's consider in more detail:
- the standard sizes include panels with a width of 125 and 150 cm, a length of 320 and 400 cm;
- on request, widths up to 150 cm are allowed, lengths from 109 to 800 cm;
- total panel thickness - 4 mm;
- the thickness of the inner aluminum sheets can be from 0.4 to 0.5 mm;
If you chose composite panels whose dimensions are not considered standard, then be prepared that their cost will increase several times.
The inner layer
If you decide to choose composite panels for cladding, then you should know about the filler. There are several of them, and each has its own characteristics:
- Polymer fiber. It belongs to the highest hazard class. If it comes to fire, the material will begin to emit toxic fumes. Most often, polymer filler is used for the manufacture of billboards and signboards.
- Mineral fiber. This is high pressure foam polyethylene. Refers to refractory materials. Most often, such panels are used for finishing facades.
- Aluminum honeycomb. These panels are characterized by increased rigidity. Instead of the usual filler, thin sliced strips of aluminum are used. Lightweight, but poorly retain noise and heat.
It is worth talking separately about the exterior.
Front side
Composite panels come in different colors. The top layer is also made of various materials. Consider the following:
- Paintwork. This is an inexpensive representative that has a glossy finish. Withstands all weather conditions. The color remains for a long time and does not fade.
- Fluorocarbon paint. It differs from the previous representative by high resistance to mechanical damage. Resists corrosion and fading from constant sunlight. Each manufacturer gives a guarantee for such a coating for 15-20 years.
- Oxide film. Protect the top sheet no worse than previous representatives. On top of such a film has a protective layer that keeps the panel intact and protects from the negative effects of the street. Keeps a covering from scratches. It can last about 20 years.
- Lamination film. With its help, you can reproduce a real picture of wood or marble. There is a wide selection of shades and textures. The coating can last for 20 years.
Installation
Installation of composite panels can be carried out at any time of the year. The entire installation process follows the following principle:
- Geodetic survey of the facade of the building. Her data allows you to correctly install the brackets that are attached to the wall with anchor bolts.
- Be sure to install insulation boards, which are covered with a film. It protects the walls from wind and moisture. In order for everything to hold, secure with dowels.
- Now that everything is ready, one by one the panels are installed. The seam between the panels should be determined strictly in accordance with the design of the building.
The color and size of the panels will make any building visible, vibrant and modern. At the same time, they will protect your building from aging and wear. Finishing with composite panels is simple. You just need to purchase the material of the right size and color, install the mounting system and panels. And now a unique look is ready that will fit into any landscape of the city.
Remember that each composite panel has a different internal composition and external coating. Check all details before purchasing from manufacturers. Not only cost, but also security will depend on this.