Structures consisting of three or more layers of rigid material are called “sandwich panels”. Their characteristics indicate reliability. As a rule, the outermost layers are protective and supporting, while the inner ones are variations of insulating materials depending on the purpose of the building. Sandwich panels are increasingly replacing other types of structures. Their popularity is due to their low weight and ease of installation. Not a single modern shopping center can do without them. Now on the market there is a large selection of insulating materials, which allows us to provide the necessary thermal conductivity, sound insulation, moisture resistance.
Why is it profitable to use?
Why are more and more people choosing sandwich panels? The characteristics of concrete and brick indicate the great reliability of traditional materials, but in almost all other indicators the sandwich panel is in front. Their low weight and durability can reduce the cost of transporting materials, do without the use of lifting mechanisms during installation. There is no need for a solid, powerful foundation.
In the construction of shopping centers and shops, the speed of construction is an important factor, because the faster the construction is completed, the faster the costs start to pay off. Sandwich panels, the characteristics of which make it possible to simplify installation as much as possible, are attached to metal, concrete and wooden frames. For small buildings (like car repair shops), ready-made kits are immediately produced from the frame and panels, they can only be assembled in the correct order. Such structures are quickly and easily disassembled and repaired.
Kinds
The classification of the material is made according to several parameters. There are wall and roof sandwich panels. The technical characteristics of the former are such that they can be used as vertical and inclined enclosing structures, as well as as ceilings between floors. Roofing are used for pitched roofs. Both those and other designs are used in the construction of industrial, warehouse, public, commercial buildings and low-rise residential buildings.
Sandwich panels differ in the type of thermal insulation material. They exist with mineral wool, polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, fiberglass and their combinations. Each type is used depending on the purpose of the building.
Protective layers
The extreme layers can be made of different materials. Mainly made of metal (stainless steel sheet). There are also options with drywall, fiberboard, DSP, PVC and paper.
Paper panels are used mainly as insulation, paper is an additional protective material for insulation.
Simple sandwich panels, the technical characteristics of which are of interest only in terms of thermal insulation, are made directly at the construction site, which greatly simplifies the installation process. Pre-assembly allows more efficient use of time. While the frame is being installed, a wall fence is already being prepared on the ground.
The extreme layers are coated with various polymers, which increase the anti-corrosion properties. The cost of a sandwich panel depends on the type of coating. Specifications indicate resistance to mechanical stress, sun rays and temperature extremes.
Mounting Features
Installation of sandwich panels is extremely simple and comes down to just a few basic methods. The first and most common is a tongue-and-groove joint. In this case, at the attachment point, one of the panels is thinner on the entire side, and the other has a groove.
When connected to the frame, the grooves are left and attached to wooden, metal or concrete racks.
The most reliable lock is Z-lock ("double shutter"). Two inclined studs of one panel engage with the groove of the other.
Secret fastening is used for facing a sandwich panel. Characteristics allow you not to think about the tightness of the seams and how to hide fasteners that spoil the appearance of the facade. First, the panel is attached with screws to the wall, and then the caps are closed with the next panel.
Roof-lock is a lock for roof structures, it is built on the principle of overlap.
There are also eccentric locks with which the panels are pulled together. This mount is mainly used for refrigerators.
Wall panels
As walling, wall sandwich panels are increasingly being used . Their characteristics are represented by thermal insulation and protective function. The most common type is a panel with insulation between two metal sheets. Such structures can be used anywhere in Russia, depending on the climate, the thickness and type of insulation changes.
Installation panels must be attached to the factory panels. With proper assembly, the structures will last from 20-25 years and more. They comply with fire safety requirements and do not harm human health.
Roofing Sandwich Panels
The technical characteristics of such structures are unique: they are convenient, quickly mounted and last a long time. The maximum length of the panels is 21 m, of course, a rangefinder is required for the transportation of such structures, but the construction speed increases significantly. The roofing sandwich panel weighs a bit. The characteristics of mass and dimensions allow the use of lightweight supporting structures. The roof slope should be provided for at least 5% in the absence of transverse joints and hatches for light. Otherwise, the slope should be at least 7%.
When installing roofing sandwich panels, the following rules must be observed to avoid injuries and damage to the structures themselves:
- At a wind speed of more than 9 m / s, installation is not allowed. The larger the panel, the higher its windage, it can easily carry a person with it.
- It is also impossible to carry out installation during precipitation (snow, rain, fog).
- The installation process must be accompanied by normal lighting.
- Sealing of longitudinal joints should be carried out at a temperature of at least + 4 ° C.
Slopes
The materials in question are already used as walling and roofing. Now there are sandwich panels for slopes. Their characteristics do not differ much from their predecessors: they are very convenient and practical, do not require additional insulation, decoration, installation is not difficult, and the service life is not less than other types of slopes. Sandwich panels with plastic as a protective layer are not afraid of water, unlike drywall, do not fade in the sun for a long time, do not break through, and do not attract dirt, like plaster.
Thanks to the established production at prices, sandwich panels have become affordable. They will not supersede other building materials, but they have firmly taken their niche.