Composite Panels & Specifying
aluminium composite panels
aluminium cladding panels
aluminium sandwich panel
composite insulated panels
external wall infill panels
glazing composite panels
double glazed panels
glazed door panels
window infill panel
upvc door infill panelswindow insulated panels
PERFORMANCE ASSURED WITH ALUMINIUM PANELS
Specifying aluminium composite panels is one of the most effective ways of achieving high levels of energy efficiency on both new and existing buildings. Aluminium is a versatile material and can also be used to create a whole range of aluminium cladding panels and aluminium sandwich panels. The aesthetic appeal of the material, which can be finished in a variety of colours, allows for the creation of high performance buildings that have an engaging visual appeal, combined with high levels of thermal performance.
The difference between aluminium cladding panels and aluminium sandwich panels is more to do with terminology, rather than physical differences (they are often the same thing!)
Aluminium sandwich panels usually have an insulated foam core, often made of Styrofoam insulation. Aluminium cladding panels can, although not always, be insulated and so you can begin to see why the distinction is really around terminology. However, some aluminium cladding panels are designed simply as rainscreen cladding and used to create a rear ventilated cladding system. In this case, the insulation is installed in the wall, rather than sandwiched in the aluminium composite panel – which is where the term aluminium sandwich panel probably came from!
When referring to these types of panels, we therefore prefer to use the “catch-all” phrase of aluminium composite panels, which covers all the shapes and sizes of panels, including composite insulated panels, wall infill panels and external wall infill panels, along with glazing composite panels.
When fitted in a curtain walling systems, aluminium composite panels are often referred to as glazing composite panels. On these types of projects they are fitted alongside the double glazed units.
It is the fact that each project requirements are different that has resulted in such a wide range of terminology. However, this shouldn’t present an issue for an established supplier who will be able to quickly identify your requirements.
On many projects, alminium composite panels are designed to meet both visual and performance requirements. For example, when used as external wall infill panels and specified with an insulated Styrofoam core, they help the building meet latest building regulation requirements such as Approved Document (Part L).
There are many surface finishes to choose from, too, on aluminium composite panels. These range from the full spectrum of powder coated colours, through to Western Red Cedar boards that create a more traditional appearance.
Both new and existing buildings can benefit from aluminium composite panels. For example, office buildings and hotels benefit for retro-fitting of aluminium cladding panels, which give the exterior a fresh new look, as well as improving its thermal efficiency. Many contractors and building designers opt for window insulated panels and a good supplier of aluminium composite panels will be able to ensure it fits into a window frame. This gives you the option of installing either glass or the window insulated panel (sometimes referred to as window infill panel).
When it comes to entrance systems, aluminium composite panels are available as upvc door infill panels and are an alternative to glazed door panels.
When used in new buildings, aluminium sandwich panels can be fitted as part of a unitized panel system, or alternatively fitted as traditional aluminium cladding panels.
Before choosing a supplier of your composite insulated panels, check that they can work to accurate tolerances as that will ensure they fit first time on site and make the building more energy efficient and airtight. That also means making sure that they can be fitted with the double glazed panels on both walls and glazed door panels.
There are a vast range of aluminium composite panels on the market and here we have just taken a quick look at their uses and terminology. Next time you are sourcing a composite panel, it is important to choose a supplier that can demonstrate a track record in the industry, as that will ensure the performance and longevity of the building.
Panel Systems – additional info
For more information on Panel Systems’ bespoke range of composite aluminium panels, telephone: 0114 249 5635, or email: web_enquiries@panelsystems.co.uk Reviews at the blog
Panel Systems has the experience and expertise to work with a range of facing materials, such as Trespa, timber, plastisol steel and aluminium to name but a few. This means the Panel Systems range of architectural panels can satisfy customers’ requirements for aesthetics, longevity, acoustics, thermal insulation, fire and impact resistance.
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