Construction elements

What are composite panels?

Composite insulated panels, also sometimes called sandwich panels, are made from two rigid metal facings (usually steel or aluminium), with a PU insulating core in between. During the manufacturing process the PU core expands, auto adhesively bonding and laminating completely to the metal facings, forming a single strong semi-structural unit. These panels are able to provide excellent thermal performance, with guaranteed continuity of insulation and factory engineered airtight joints.

 

Benefits and applications

One of the key advantages to using a PU composite system as opposed to a built up system is that it needs only a single fix installation. This is less labour intensive, reduces construction time, and makes project completion more predictable. The pre-engineered panels help to reduce on site waste, and to ensure the quality of the insulation, greatly reducing the risk of air leakage, cold bridging and inconsistent insulation.

There are also health and safety benefits: using PU composite panels on a roof reduces the risk of working at height because less time needs to be spent up there, and because properly fixed composite panels can provide a safe, walk able platform to work from compared with the common practice of installing fragile roof liners first, then building up the multi-parts.

 

Discover PU composite panels

Long length PU panels are increasingly available, and speed up the construction process even more. With the use of mechanical handling systems, the work can be done with fewer people in a shorter time and with increased safety.

PU composite panels are also extremely durable, and are particularly useful for upgrading the appearance of buildings in need of refurbishment as well as improving their thermal performance.

Now add to all of this wide ranges of colours and finishes that are available - from ridged profiles to completely smooth, flat panels, wood or metal to ceramic tiles, all offering excellent thermal performance - the design possibilities are endless.

You will find PU composite insulated panel systems used on warehouses, offices, retail outlets and industrial units, flats, schools and hospitals. Also the housing sector has discovered the benefits of using composite panels.

Cold stores and clean rooms

PU composite panels can also be found in cold stores and other chilled facilities, where their excellent thermal properties can offer temperature controlled environments. The demand for frozen and chilled foods is increasing and, whether the application is for food processing, chill or cold storage, there are PU cored composite panel solutions to meet these needs.

Panels are available in a wide range of thicknesses, depending on the kind of temperatures that need to be maintained, for example 200mm thick panels can provide a U-value as low as 0.11 W/m².K. Low air leakage of around 0.5/m³/hr/m² or better also helps to keep energy usage and running costs down, whether the temperature to be maintained is high or low.

Apart from excellent thermal performance, PU insulation can offer key benefits for food, pharmaceutical or other industries where health and hygiene are paramount. Because the closed cell structure of PU is resistant to water or vapour ingress it does not support mould and bacterial growth, and since it is also fibre-free there is no risk of loose fibers leading to contamination in a clean room situation.

This kind of application can be found in many different sectors: retail, food supply chain, confectionery, distribution and logistics, pharmaceuticals, even hotels and large leisure facilities.