Selecting sandwich panels
What is a glass-fibre facing in a sandwich panel?
In brief
In a sandwich panel, glass fibre can reinforce the inner resin facing. This does not mean a mineral wool core or a translucent rooflight. Such a panel is sometimes used in roofs of agricultural buildings. When selecting, the chemical conditions, cleaning, load-bearing capacity and the method of protecting the joints must be checked. An example solution has a profiled steel facing on the outside, a PUR or PIR core and a composite facing on the inside. The composite consists of polyester resin reinforced with glass fibre. Each of these parts has a different function and its own properties.
What layers does such a panel consist of?
This panel should not be called a panel with a glass core. The insulation is provided by foam. The glass fibre is part of the facing. This distinction helps avoid confusion with mineral wool, translucent sheet or a separate wall cladding. When ordering, all layers must be described.
Where can such a solution be useful?
Variants with a composite on the interior side are intended for, among other things, cowsheds, poultry houses, pigsties and agricultural warehouses. The aim is to match the surface to more demanding operating conditions. However, this does not mean that one facing will withstand every concentration of agents and any temperature.
Before selection, state the type of facility, ventilation conditions and cleaning method. Areas exposed to prolonged damp are also important. A suitable surface does not replace effective air exchange or correctly executed flashings. The entire enclosure must correspond to the actual environment.
How should example dimensional parameters be read?
In one of the roof families, the covering module is 1050 mm and the production length range is 2000–12000 mm. Thicknesses of 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 160 mm are available. These are data for a specific variant and must be confirmed before ordering a specific configuration.
A length of 12 m does not mean that the panel can span that distance without supports. The spacing of the structure results from the loads and the relevant load-bearing table. Changing the interior facing compared with a steel panel affects the selection. Data must not be transferred from another product.
What do the thermal parameters of such a panel mean?
For an example roof PIR variant with a thickness of 100 mm, Uc 0.22 W/(m²·K) is given. For 120 mm it is 0.18, and for 160 mm 0.14. The values relate to the described family. They are not automatically valid for wall panels or another type of core.
The choice of thickness depends on the required interior temperature and the building design. Tight connections are also needed. A favourable value in the panel field does not eliminate losses at ventilation openings or an incorrect ridge. The whole roof is assessed together with the details and conditions of use.
How do you determine resistance to washing and chemicals?
Give the chemical names of the agents, the concentration, the temperature and the contact time. Determine separately the rinsing method and the permissible cleaning pressure. A general description of ‘resistant to the agricultural environment’ does not replace verification of the specific conditions.
Pay attention to joints, exposed edges and fasteners. A resistant surface alone does not automatically protect a poorly protected opening. Seals and flashings should match the chemistry and temperature. If the disinfection method changes, conformity must be checked again.
Include inspection of the areas at fans and ducts in the maintenance plan. Dirt and condensate can accumulate there. Service access should allow inspection without damaging the panel surface.
What must not be assumed about fire and load-bearing capacity?
Glass fibre in the facing does not make the entire panel non-combustible. The classification applies to the specific product or assembly. The result should not be transferred from a panel with mineral wool or with two steel sheets. Fire resistance is also a separate property.
Check the correct fastenings and the support conditions. Building equipment should not be suspended arbitrarily from the facing. Luminaires, installations and devices require the intended support. Penetrations are made according to the relevant detail, maintaining tightness and protection of the core.
How do you prepare an order for a specific building?
Include the roof plan, the support spacing and a description of the interior with your enquiry. State the required external colour and the cleaning method. Determine the installation direction, the length division and the eaves solution. The fewer assumptions in the quote, the easier it is to compare suitable variants.
At acceptance, check the composite side for damage and delamination. Not every mark is merely aesthetic. Protect the material during storage and installation. Correct execution also includes flashings that allow the interior to be maintained under the intended conditions.
Questions before ordering
Does a glass fibre facing mean a transparent panel?
No. The variant described is an insulated panel with a composite surface on the interior side. A skylight is a different element and has a different function.
Can the load-bearing table for a standard steel panel be used?
Not without confirming compatibility. The variant with a composite facing should be selected according to data specific to its construction.
7 branches. Materials closer to your project.
