Sandwich panels: description, types, size, purpose, photo, application

A sandwich panel is a building material, the outer sides of which consist of a solid material, most often metal, and the inner side of insulation. They got their name because the layers resemble a sandwich (English sandwich ['sænwɪʤ]) - the same materials on the outside and one more on the inside. Sandwich panels were first used in 1930 in America during the construction of a residential building. Later, mass production of panels began. In the Russian Federation, this building material began to be produced in 1974, and it quickly occupied its niche in the construction market.

Where are sandwich panels used?

Sandwich panels were created in America in the 30s of the twentieth century. As for the domestic market, products appeared on it relatively recently. Despite this, their popularity is growing rapidly. What is the material used for:

1. Construction of garages.
2. Construction of garden houses.
3. Construction of warehouses and industrial buildings.
4. For decorative wall decoration.

Today, the material can be used to build cabins, kiosks and shops, as well as cinemas. They are used to insulate warehouses and finished structures. In addition, it is an excellent soundproofing material, suitable for creating interior partitions. Supermarkets, shopping centers, cottages and buildings whose height is no more than 2 floors are all created from panels.

Preparations before installation

Sandwich panels can only be installed on a flat, straight surface. The connecting joints must be sealed during installation, and the base must be cleaned.

To cut the facade panels, you should use a saw. The hot cutting method should not be used; it can lead to detachment of the heat-insulating layer from the facing layer; such cutting can cause ignition and damage to the anti-corrosion layer. Thus, it is unacceptable to use laser cutting or angle grinding equipment, for example, a grinder.

If you do not have to cut in very large quantities, you can use electric scissors designed for working on metal. Installation can be done horizontally or vertically.

Types of sandwich panels according to purpose criteria

Based on the criterion of functional purpose, the following types of panels are distinguished:

• wall;

• roofing

Sandwich panels, classified as wall panels, are used in the construction of buildings for various purposes (warehouse, industrial, administrative, retail and others). In addition, they can be used in the construction of low-rise residential buildings and refrigerators. When carrying out the above work, horizontal and vertical, as well as inclined, enclosing structures are assembled from products.

Another way to use wall sandwich panels is the construction of enclosing structures (both internal and external), as well as flooring and interfloor coverings. In addition, these materials are often used for the reconstruction of buildings.

Roofing sandwich panels, as their name suggests, are used in the construction of roofs. We can talk about the construction of buildings and structures of various types.

A separate group is formed by modern sandwich panels of element-by-element assembly.

They use highly efficient insulation, which is complemented by a profile made of galvanized cold-rolled steel with a polymer coating. In addition, a wind and water protection system is provided, which makes the structures resistant to the most extreme climatic influences. Varieties of element-by-element assembly are attractive not only for their resistance to wind and precipitation, but also for their good noise insulation, variability of configurations, maintainability and cost-effectiveness.

Possible consequences of purchasing low quality panels

It may happen that the manufacturing company claims quality that, to put it mildly, does not correspond to reality. Outdated equipment, unqualified personnel and the use of uncertified materials significantly reduce not only the cost, but also the quality of the finished prefabricated house. The consequences of using low-quality panels can be:

• Formation of cold bridges. Occurs if the panels are not assembled accurately and after assembly there are gaps between them, covered only by finishing. You can forget about saving on heating.
• Violation of the geometry of the structure. If the discrepancies in size exceed 3-4 mm, the floor joists may occupy different heights. You will no longer get rid of creaking floors.

To minimize such troubles, you should contact companies with an impeccable reputation and high standards. Maybe their construction prices will look a little higher than those of fly-by-night companies, but in the long run the costs will always pay off, because a poorly made house will constantly require more and more financial investments for repairs. The work of specialists is preferable for many reasons, and a serious organization can be recognized by the following signs:

• They work on modern equipment and regularly train staff.
• Often a full production cycle is established: high-quality wood is used for the frame and wall panels of the future home, which is dried and processed themselves.

German technology, modified project with utility roomsSource fabrikhaus.ru

• Certified building materials are used.
• They draw up an agreement with the customer, which stipulates warranty obligations.
• An estimate with a full list of materials and work, with transparent calculations, is attached to the contract. You will know not only the total amount, but also the cost of each stage.
• They do not violate technological requirements and control quality, which ensures reliable operation of housing.
• They hand over to the customer a house that meets all SNiP requirements.

When placing an order for a house kit using frame-panel technology, you will not be able to evaluate the filling of the panel structure, the quality of thermal insulation, steam and moisture protection

When choosing a company, pay attention to one that:. Allows you to visit the production facility to see with your own eyes how the walls of the house are assembled

If you are unable to get to the factory, the company will make a video recording of all stages of production

Allows you to visit the production facility to see with your own eyes how the walls of the house are assembled. If you are unable to get to the factory, the company will make a video recording of all stages of production.

Production of frame houses using German technologySource royalwood.by

They give a guarantee for the house kit for 5-10 years.

You should be wary of construction organizations that:

• Immediately, without preliminary estimates, they name the cost of construction. Typically, this amount covers all the risks, but not all the stages for which you will have to pay extra.
• They offer an attractive price, much lower than the market price. A common type of fraud among swindler builders. In the midst of work, you are informed that some work (for example, wiring of communications) is not included in the price, and an additional payment is required. Horses are not changed at the crossing, and you will be forced to agree to all subsequent conditions. As a result, the house will be built and, perhaps, its quality will suit you, but the price will be much higher than the market price.

Types of sandwich panels by type of cladding

Based on this criterion, several types of panels are distinguished.

With metal casing. Most often, it is made of thin sheet galvanized or stainless steel, which is protected by a polymer coating made of polyvinyl fluoride, plastisol, pural or polyester. In addition, fabric, paper, stainless steel or aluminum foil can be used as a covering. Metal sheets with different types of profiling are used - knurled, smooth, microwave-shaped or trapezoidal.

With sheathing made of plasterboard, plywood, fiberboard or CSP (cement-bonded particle board). One of the listed materials is used only on one side of the slab, while a sheet of metal is used on the other. Most often, such panels are used in the construction of internal partitions. They are convenient because you can place cable channels in them, into which, in turn, wiring is laid.

With PVC sheathing. In these varieties, there are rigid PVC sheets on the outside, and insulation between them (for example, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam). Products with PVC sheets are widely used in the manufacture of office partitions, windows and doors. In addition, they are used when finishing door and window slopes.

With paper lining. The paper in these varieties is supplemented with a layer of aluminum foil or polyethylene. Such panels are used for thermal insulation of building elements - walls, roofs, foundations and others. Varieties with paper sheathing impregnated with bitumen are very popular. This material does not allow steam to pass through, so condensation does not accumulate on the inside of the roof. Panels with bituminized paper are very often used in the construction of warehouse roofs. To reduce heat loss, you can use foil paper, which reflects infrared radiation into the room. Panels with paper sheathing have a relatively low weight, which allows saving on their transportation and installation.

Minuses

The disadvantages of walls made of sandwich panels include:

• 
  Short service life.
  In this parameter, even the highest quality sandwich panels are inferior to brick and wood. In order for it to last as long as possible, major repairs will have to be carried out at least once every 20 years. However, the short service life of the panels is offset by their affordable cost.

• The need to install forced ventilation. The panels themselves practically do not “breathe”. To avoid the accumulation of condensation and dampness of the walls, you need to take care of high-quality ventilation.
• A large number of counterfeits.
  There are a lot of underground workshops for the production of panels. They offer to purchase their products at an attractive price, assuring that their material meets the requirements of GOST. However, too low a cost should be alarming. Walls made from such low-quality panels will quickly become unusable. In addition, being in such rooms is simply dangerous, since toxic formaldehyde resins can be used in the manufacture of wood-based panels.
• The need for high-quality sealing and finishing. If the connections are not airtight, the house will freeze in winter. Lack of finishing has a negative impact on the life of the building.
• Architectural simplicity. Panels do not allow complex design ideas to be realized. Although the use of panoramic windows, decorative cornices and other modern building materials gives the house a quite presentable appearance.

As for the strength of the panels, they are inferior in this indicator to brick and reinforced concrete. Therefore, with a strong impact, the walls are deformed.

Types of sandwich panels by type of polymer coating

There are varieties with several main coatings.

Polyester (designated PE). This coating is suitable for all climatic zones; it is recommended for structures constructed inside buildings. The thickness of the polyester coating is 25 microns, heat resistance is approximately 120°C. It has several advantages - good formability, hardness, affordability. Manufacturers make panels with a glossy and matte finish from polyester.

Plastisol. It contains polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. To designate it, markings like PVC 200 are used, where the number indicates the thickness of the coating, expressed in microns. The advantages of plastisol coating are its applicability for both internal and external structures, resistance to mechanical damage, corrosion and rolling, and good formability.

Polydifluorionad (designated PDVF). The thickness of this coating is 25 microns, it is resistant to temperatures up to +120°C and temperatures down to -60°C. Such advantages as resistance to mechanical damage, aggressive substances and corrosion deserve attention.

Pural (indicated by Pural). The basis of this coating is polyurethane. It has an attractive matte-silky surface and is resistant to temperature changes, corrosive and aggressive substances, and ultraviolet radiation. Most often, panels with this coating are used outside buildings.

Characteristics of polymer coatings of sandwich panels
Polyester	Plastisol	Pural	Polyvinyl fluoride
Coating thickness, microns	25	175/200	50	25
Maximum operating temperature, °C	+120	+60	+120	+120
Minimum processing temperature, оС	-10	+10	-15	-10
Surface	Smooth	Embossing	Smooth	Smooth
Preservation of appearance	**	***	****	*****
Min. bend radius	3xt	0xt	1xt	1xt
Corrosion resistance: - salt test, hours - water test, at least, hours	500 1000	1000 1000	1000 1000	1000 1000
UV resistance	****	***	****	*****
Resistance to mechanical damage	***	*****	****	****

Prefabricated houses, prefabricated and capital construction

Compared to conventional capital, prefabricated houses have many advantages. First of all, it is worth noting the reduction in construction costs due to the reduction of transport costs, construction time, savings on construction equipment and foundations (unlike standard prefabricated construction, neither a deep foundation nor the use of a special structure is required). materials). This ensures a quick return on investment.

Prefabricated houses are also distinguished by their simplicity and speed of installation, and ease of installation in climatic conditions. This means that assembly can be carried out in almost any weather conditions with any climate.

Prefabricated houses are easy to transport and do not require special loading and unloading conditions. In addition, they have high strength, high resistance, sound and heat insulation characteristics. Prefabricated houses have an attractive appearance and do not require additional finishing.

Technologies for the rapid construction of various buildings from lightweight panels with modern finishing and thermal insulation materials are increasingly in demand in the construction market. Among domestic manufacturers of prefabricated houses, one of the leading positions is occupied by production, which produces high-quality materials and components, and also offers standard designs of prefabricated houses and the construction of building sets for individual orders.

Characteristics and features of building material

Wall panels are made from a variety of insulating materials, which are protected by rigid sheet materials. For this purpose, PVC, polyurethane foam, mineral wool, EPS (expanded polystyrene) are used. Regardless of the type, the products are suitable for cheap and quick construction. The sandwich panel is made of 3 layers. The top and bottom are protective; most often galvanized steel is used for it. It is protected from corrosion, resistant to temperature changes and reliable.

Between the protective sheets there is thermal insulation material. The main requirement for it is a low heat conductivity coefficient, moisture resistance and durability.

What are sandwich wall panels?

New generation sandwich panels have unique properties and characteristics that allow them to be widely used in construction.

They got their name for their multilayer structure , which includes a large lamella of compressed insulation, “wrapped” in a frame finishing material made of metal, OSB boards or plastic. In this case, the internal insulation can be represented by mineral wool, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam.

Most often, panels are in demand as a material for the construction of partition walls or insulation, as they have high thermal insulation qualities. But they are often used for arranging floors, roofing, and also as additional sound insulation or noise protection.

Regulatory requirements GOST

Technological requirements for sandwich panels are presented in the following regulatory documents:

• GOST 32603-2012;
• GOST 17177-94;
• GOST 22950-95;
• SP 23-101-2004;
• SNiP 23-02-2003;
• STO_17532043-001.

The listed requirements are basic; builders use their provisions at the stages of product manufacturing and installation. A reference to all documents that relate to sandwich panels and their detailed characteristics are in the first sections of GOST 32603-2012.

Similar to a sandwich, the SIP panel differs from it in the material that makes up the base and in one more feature. SIP panels are stronger, capable of bearing significant structural loads, and sandwiches are more often used as an auxiliary material and finishing.

Wall design

A panel wall is created from several products connected to each other by a special mechanism. A standard sandwich panel is represented by a complex structure, the three-layer structure of which consists of materials glued together using a two-component adhesive produced using Holt-Melt technology:

• top and bottom;
• internal.

The filling that is inside the product is insulation, represented by any environmentally friendly and durable polymer (foamed or extruded), mineral wool. The top and bottom layers are represented by protective sheets. Most often, they are made of PVC, steel or OSB board.

The outer (upper, street) side of the coated “sandwich” is of higher quality and more attractive - smooth, with a slight gloss. The underside is slightly rough and coated with adhesive.

Manufacturers package products in a special film, which is easily removed during installation . Film protection is necessary for the panel from the influence of external mechanical factors (damage), as well as temperature changes.

The presented design allows the products to be widely used in housing as the main structure. But there are also sandwich panels that differ from the standard ones and consist of only two layers (they lack the back part) - they are used only as insulation.

The sandwich panel has a locking connection on each product, which allows the products to be successfully joined together into one structure.

Weight

The structural weight of sandwich panels directly depends on the type and thickness of the thermal insulation layer. In addition, the density of the insulation also plays a key role. For example, for mineral wool this figure is 110 kg/m2 , for polystyrene foam - 25 kg/m2 . Accordingly, subject to standard dimensions, the weight of wall sandwich panels with mineral wool can vary between 16-39 kg . Similar products, where foam is used as insulation, will weigh 12-17 kg .

For walls

panel thickness according to insulation t, mm	cladding thickness, mm	panel weight, kg
50	0,5	16,03
	0,7	19,55
80	0,5	19,7
	0,7	23,22
100	0,5	22,15
	0,7	25,67
120	0,5	24,6
	0,7	28,12
150	0,5	28,27
	0,7	31,79
175	0,5	31,34
	0,7	34,86
200	0,5	34,38
	0,7	37,9

For roofing

The weight of roofing sandwich panels is 12-38 kilograms, depending on the thermal insulation layer used.

panel thickness according to insulation t, mm	cladding thickness, mm	panel weight, kg
50	0,5	17,4
	0,7	21,16
80	0,5	21,07
	0,7	24,83
100	0,5	23,52
	0,7	27,28
120	0,5	25,97
	0,7	29,73
150	0,5	29,64
	0,7	33,4
175	0,5	32,71
	0,7	36,47
200	0,5	35,75
	0,7	39,51

Repair of such buildings

The need for repairs may arise, most often, due to mechanical stress on the panel. Sandwich structures will need to be repaired in the following cases :

• 
  Visible damage to the facade (scratches, dents). This will require cleaning the damaged area, puttingty and painting the surface. Work must be done as quickly as possible so that the wall panel does not absorb moisture.

• The need to dismantle corners, flashings or flashings. Using a special construction tool, remove the necessary parts, replacing them with new ones.

The technology for carrying out repair work is selected individually in each specific case. The stages may be as follows :

1. Sanding the damaged area with an abrasive material.
2. Using a surface degreaser.
3. Puttying the treated area flush with the surface to be repaired.
4. Drying time for the putty (1 day or more, depending on atmospheric temperature).
5. Sanding the surface with fine sandpaper until the wall is smooth.
6. Applying a layer of two-component primer.
7. Drying of the primer (up to 6-12 hours).
8. Painting the panel in the required color.

The repairman will need spatulas, sandpaper of different grain sizes, brushes for primer and paint, putty, primer and paint. It is quite possible to repair a wall in 2 days . If the building has several floors, or repairs are required at a high altitude, an industrial climber is invited to perform all the necessary work.

If it is necessary to replace corners and strips, then purchase a fastening element and new corners (or strips, if they are replaced). Old hanging fasteners are removed. Use a drill, screwdriver, self-tapping screws, bolts, screws, anchors, depending on the required area to be repaired and the purpose of the wall - interior, exterior.

Sandwich panels that are too deformed are replaced completely, so their repair is useless.

Wall sandwich panels: dimensions

The data is given for wall panels with mineral wool insulation,

with a density of
110 kg/m³ and metal sheets with a thickness of 0.5 - 0.7 mm.

Standard panel thickness [mm]	Width over facing [mm]	Panel length [mm]	Specific gravity of sandwich panel [kg/m²]
			0,5	0,6	0,7
50	1206 (mounting width - 1190)	1800 — 13000	14,61	16,26	17,93
80			17,91	19,56	21,23
100			20,11	21,76	23,43
120			22,30	23,96	25,62
150			25,61	27,26	28,93
170			27,81	29,46	31,13
200			31,11	32,76	34,43

The data is given for wall panels with polystyrene foam insulation,

with a density of
25 kg/m³ and metal sheets with a thickness of 0.5 - 0.7 mm.

Standard panel thickness [mm]	Width over facing [mm]	Panel length [mm]	Specific gravity of sandwich panel [kg/m²]
			0,5	0,6	0,7
50	1206 (installation width - 1190)	1800 — 13000	10,36	12,01	13,68
80			11,11	12,76	14,43
100			11,61	13,26	14,93
120			12,11	13,76	15,43
150			12,86	14,51	16,18
170			13,30	15,01	16,68
200			14,11	15,76	17,43

The data is given for wall panels with polyurethane foam (PUR) insulation, density 40 - 42 kg/m³ and metal sheets 0.5 - 0.7 mm thick.

Standard panel thickness [mm]	Width over facing [mm]	Panel length [mm]
40	1185 (installation width - 1190)	1800 — 13000
50
60
80
100
120
150
200

The data is given for wall panels with polyisocyanurate foam (PIR) insulation, density 40 - 50 kg/m³ and metal sheets 0.5 - 0.7 mm thick.

Standard panel thickness [mm]	Width over facing [mm]	Panel length [mm]
40	1185 (installation width - 1190)	1800 — 13000
50
60
80
100
120
150
200

Manufacturers of sandwich panel equipment set the dimensions of sandwich panels based on the size of the raw material - profiled metal sheet.

Manufacturers of the sheet chose a size of 1250 mm in width, based on transportation standards, namely the maximum width of the Eurotruck body - 2450 mm.

In a standard Euro truck with a body width of 2450 mm , the width accommodates two rows of pallets of sandwich panels.

Negative reviews

Having considered the designs of houses made of metal sandwich panels, you should not make hasty decisions. Before purchasing the material, you should also read the negative reviews. From them you can find out what consumers believe: the material is short-lived compared to traditional concrete, wood or brick. In view of this, you should not expect that the house will stand for more than 30 years. You can hear from manufacturers that they provide a 50-year guarantee, but this is hardly relevant for harsh climates.

Buyers also emphasize that sandwich panels have unsatisfactory environmental friendliness. The walls will not breathe, because of this the issue of proper ventilation is very acute. Buyers emphasize that such houses cope well with hurricane winds, but a fallen tree can make a hole in the wall. The material is not able to resist open fire for a long time, and when exposed to it, it begins to release harmful substances.

If the house is not equipped with an effectively working ventilation system, then conditions will be created inside for the development of mold and mildew, which negatively affects the well-being of the residents. Consumers quite often refuse sandwich panels for another reason: they believe that selling such a house after several years of operation can be quite problematic. If this can be done, then the price will be lower compared to a building built from brick.

Roofing sandwich panels: dimensions

The data is given for roofing panels with mineral wool insulation, density 130 kg/m³ and metal sheets with a thickness of 0.6 and 0.7 mm.

Standard panel thickness [mm]	Width over facing [mm]	Panel length [mm]	Specific gravity of sandwich panel [kg/m²]
			0,6	0,7
50	1084 (mounting width - 1000)	1800 — 13000	18,34	20,18
80			22,24	24,08
100			24,84	26,68
120			27,44	29,28
150			31,34	33,18
170			33,94	35,78
200			37,84	39,68

The data is given for roofing panels with polystyrene foam insulation, density 25 kg/m³ and metal sheets with a thickness of 0.6 and 0.7 mm.

Standard panel thickness [mm]	Width over facing [mm]	Panel length [mm]	Specific gravity of sandwich panel [kg/m²]
			0,6	0,7
50	1084 (mounting width - 1000)	1800 — 13000	13,09	14,93
80			13,84	15,68
100			14,34	16,18
120			14,84	16,68
150			15,59	17,43
170			16,09	17,93
200			16,84	18,68

The data is given for roofing panels with polyurethane foam (PUR) insulation, density 40 - 42 kg/m³ and metal sheets 0.5 - 0.7 mm thick.

Standard panel thickness [mm]	Width over facing [mm]	Panel length [mm]
40	1000	1500 — 13000
60
80
100
120
150

The data is given for roofing panels with polyisocyanurate foam (PIR) insulation, density 40 - 50 kg/m³ and metal sheets 0.5 - 0.7 mm thick.

Standard panel thickness [mm]	Width over facing [mm]	Panel length [mm]
40	1000	1500 — 13000
60
80
100
120
150

Due to its deeper profile, a roofing sandwich panel always has shorter width compared to a wall sandwich panel.

Kinds

Facade sandwich panels for the exterior of a house differ in cladding material, insulation, and installation method:

Differences in cladding material

An important part of the panel, which is responsible for strength and aesthetics:

Metal sandwich panels

They come with a smooth and corrugated surface. For cladding, galvanized sheets with a thickness of 0.7-1.2 mm are used. Galvanized steel does not rust and fungus does not develop on it. The panel does not collapse under the influence of precipitation and can withstand multiple freeze-defrost cycles.

Galvanized metal has excellent anti-vandal properties and is not destroyed by mechanical stress. The polymer coating according to the RAL and RR catalogs allows you to choose the color of the panel exactly for specific conditions.

The disadvantage is the weight of the element. To install metal sandwich panels, you need a solid base or frame.

Aluminum sandwich panels

A more expensive cladding option. Aluminum panels weigh much less than metal ones. The price per square meter is much higher. They have lower anti-vandal and strength characteristics. Due to the light weight of the elements, they can be used to sheathe unstable, old, emergency foundations.

Aluminum sandwiches perfectly withstand the aggressive effects of precipitation. They are not destroyed by seasonal temperature fluctuations.

The high price makes them unclaimed in private construction. They are used to decorate industrial and commercial buildings.

Multilayer panels made of wood-polymer boards

SIP panels are used for the construction of frame low-rise residential buildings. Wood boards are a clean, harmless material. Their strength is quite sufficient for constructing external walls in a cottage. Low weight allows you to reduce the cost of installing a reinforced concrete foundation.

Differences in insulation

An important component of the panel, which is responsible for thermal insulation and noise protection. For the production of sandwich panels, two types of insulation are used:

Expanded polystyrene

Lightweight and reliable. Polystyrene foam does not absorb or allow moisture to pass through. It has a low thermal conductivity coefficient, as well as good noise absorption performance. Foam-based sandwich panels can be installed below ground level.

Multilayer façade elements made of foam plastic do not always comply with fire safety standards. They are used for cladding non-residential and industrial buildings.

Mineral wool

Heavier insulation. For the manufacture of panels, basalt mineral wool with increased fiber density is used. Mineral wool absorbs water and needs additional protection. It has a low thermal conductivity coefficient and high sound insulation performance.

Mineral wool meets all fire safety standards. It can be used as part of panels for finishing residential and public buildings.

Differences in installation method

Finishing the façade with sandwich panels can be done in two ways:

Classical

The walls are covered with ready-made panels, which are cut at the factory. The plates are joined into a lock. Mounted on a bare base or on a frame. Installation starts from the bottom corner. The junction points of the sandwich panels are sealed with silicone sealant or special polyurethane foam.

Piece by element assembly

The walls or frame are sheathed in layers. Low-rise frame buildings are built in this way. The first layer is installed cassette panels made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Mineral wool is inserted into them. The structure is sheathed on top with a second layer of metal cladding. All joints between elements are carefully sealed.

Characteristics of insulation. Sound insulation of sandwich panels

The thermal insulation properties and fire resistance of sandwich panels depend on the insulation used. Sound insulation depends on the thickness of the panels.

Therefore, the choice of insulation should be based on:

• fire safety requirements for the building - for example, administrative and residential buildings are built only from panels with mineral wool insulation;
• purpose of the building - in the construction of refrigeration and freezing chambers, polyurethane foam or polyisocyanurate foam is used;
• economic feasibility - in terms of price/quality ratio, the optimal choice is polystyrene foam as an advantageous lightweight and warm insulation.

Characteristics of sandwich panels with mineral wool insulation

Thickness, mm	Thermal resistance Rt=m2×°C/W	Sound insulation, dB	Thermal conductivity λ=W/Mk	Fire resistance limit, GOST 30247.0-94	Flammability of insulation	Density, kg/m3	Water absorption in 24 hours, % by weight	Water absorption for 2 hours, % by weight
50	1,04	30	0,05	EI 30	NG	120-140	—	1,5
80	1,67	31	0,05	EI 45	NG	120-140	—	1,5
100	2,08	32	0,05	EI 90	NG	120-140	—	1,5
120	2,5	33	0,05	EI 150	NG	120-140	—	1,5
150	3,13	35	0,05	EI 180	NG	120-140	—	1,5
200	4,14	38	0,05	EI 180	NG	120-140	—	1,5
250	5,21	43	0,05	EI 180	NG	120-140	—	1,5

*Flammability group NG is assigned to non-combustible materials (GOST 30244)

*Fire resistance from EI 30 to EI 150 – degradation of integrity under high temperature (fire) exposure for 30 to 150 minutes; It is allowed to use panels for all fire resistance categories of buildings

Characteristics of sandwich panels with polystyrene foam insulation

Thickness, mm	Thermal resistance Rt=m2×°C/W	Sound insulation, dB	Thermal conductivity λ=W/Mk	Fire resistance limit, GOST 30247.0-94	Flammability of insulation	Density, kg/m3	Water absorption in 24 hours, % by weight	Water absorption for 2 hours, % by weight
50	1,28	25	0,042	EI 15	G1	25	2	—
80	2,05	28	0,042	EI 15	G1	25	2	—
100	2,56	29	0,042	EI 15	G1	25	2	—
120	3,08	31	0,042	EI 15	G1	25	2	—
150	3,85	33	0,042	EI 15	G1	25	2	—
200	5,13	35	0,042	EI 15	G1	25	2	—
250	6,41	39	0,042	EI 15	G1	25	2	—

*Flammability group G1 is assigned to low-flammable materials (GOST 30244)

*Fire resistance EI 15 – degradation of integrity under high temperature (fire) exposure for 15 minutes; It is allowed to use panels from 2 to 5 categories of fire resistance of buildings.

Characteristics of sandwich panels with polyurethane foam/polyisocyanurate foam insulation

Thickness, mm	Thermal resistance Rt=m2×°C/W	Sound insulation, dB	Thermal conductivity λ=W/Mk	Fire resistance limit, GOST 30247.0-94	Flammability of insulation	Density, kg/m3	Water absorption in 24 hours, % by weight	Water absorption for 2 hours, % by weight
50	2,38	30	0,022	EI 15/EI 15	G4/G2	41	1,6	—
80	3,81	31	0,022	EI 15/EI 30	G4/G2	41	1,6	—
100	4,76	32	0,022	EI 15/EI 30	G4/G2	41	1,6	—
120	5,71	33	0,022	EI 15/EI 30	G4/G2	41	1,6	—
150	7,14	35	0,022	EI 15/EI 45	G4/G2	41	1,6	—
200	9,52	35	0,022	EI 15/EI 45	G4/G2	41	1,6	—

*Flammability group G2 is assigned to moderately flammable materials (GOST 30244)

*Fire resistance from EI 15 to EI 45 – degradation of integrity under high temperature (fire) exposure for 15 to 45 minutes; It is allowed to use panels from 2 to 5 categories of fire resistance of buildings.

House installation

To build a house using frame-panel technology, one photo is not enough; you will need a project developed by the appropriate organization. We will intentionally skip the process of building a foundation; we will only note that for such a house you will need a shallow strip foundation, a columnar or pile-screw structure, and you can also use a shallow slab foundation.

It is much more important to know how sandwich wall panels are installed. To do this, you should follow the following sequence of actions:

1. First, the strapping beam is laid. To do this, we use a product with a cross-section of 25x15 cm. The beam is mounted on a strip base or grillage in its central part. The horizontality of the element is carefully controlled.
2. In the corners, the timber is connected “into a paw” or “in half a tree”. The connection is additionally secured with a wooden dowel. The dowel is installed in drilled holes with a diameter of 2 cm and a length of 10-15 cm.
3. The beam is fixed to the base with anchors. The pitch of the fasteners is 1.5-2 m, and in the corners we use two fasteners. For these purposes, we take anchors 35 cm long and 1-1.2 cm in diameter. We recess the heads of the anchors into the strapping beam.

Floor made of SIP panels

We prepare the beams for the logs. These same beams will act as tenon beams that will be inserted between the panels. The beam must be of such length that it fits into the groove on the strapping beam and rests firmly on the base structure. For panels with a thickness of 174 mm, we take beams measuring 15x5 cm, and for products with a thickness of 224 mm, beams with a section of 20x5 cm are suitable. Next, we cut the panels to the required length. To remove the insulation we use a thermal cutter.

Further installation is carried out in the following sequence:

1. We begin assembly from the corner element. Next we splice all the panels together along the long side.
2. We blow foam into the groove of the panel and insert the beam. Press the products tightly for a few seconds. We perform additional fixation using galvanized self-tapping screws (installation step 15 cm) or wood screws.
3. After this, we attach the second panel from the side of the beam. Before this, the panel groove should also be foamed. We put the element on the beam and press it tightly.
4. Having assembled the entire floor in this way, we cover the grooves along the perimeter of the floor with boards 2.5 cm thick. In this case, we also use mounting foam to pre-fill the groove.
5. Then, using construction equipment or a lever mechanism, we lay the assembled structure on the strapping beam and base. In this case, the logs must accurately fall into the cutting areas, which are made for them in the strapping beam. The logs where they rest on the foundation are attached to it using anchors and steel angles.

Wall installation

It is very important to install the two corner panels correctly and strictly vertically, since the remaining elements will align with them

First you need to lay the guide board (bedding). The width of the board depends on the thickness of the panel. We lay the board on the strapping beam and fasten it with self-tapping screws in increments of 35-40 cm. We begin installing the panels from the corner

It is very important to install the two corner panels correctly and strictly vertically, since the remaining elements will be aligned with them. To do this, fill the bottom groove of the element with foam and place it on a bench, fix it with self-tapping screws in 15 cm increments. We tightly connect two adjacent panels to each other. You can use timber or do without it by foaming the groove and twisting the elements with self-tapping screws

The fastener installation step is 50 cm. All subsequent elements are installed in the same way. After this, the upper groove of the products is filled with foam and the upper strapping beam with a cross-section of 15x20 cm is placed in it. We fix the beam with self-tapping screws to the panels. Openings for window and door blocks can be cut in already installed elements. The floor beams are fixed in the top frame beam using one of the traditional methods: notching, on brackets or using steel angles.

You can use timber or do without it by foaming the groove and twisting the elements with self-tapping screws. The fastener installation step is 50 cm. All subsequent elements are installed in the same way. After this, the upper groove of the products is filled with foam and the upper strapping beam with a cross-section of 15x20 cm is placed in it. We fix the beam with self-tapping screws to the panels. Openings for window and door blocks can be cut in already installed elements. The floor beams are fixed in the top frame beam using one of the traditional methods: notching, on brackets or using steel angles.

A standard rafter roof can be made from sandwich panels in a house.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=fpb34x1duAs

Load-bearing capacity of MetalProm sandwich panels

When installed correctly and subject to proper operating conditions, MetalProm sandwich panels can withstand the following loads indicated in the tables.

Load-bearing capacity of roofing sandwich panels

Panel thickness, mm	Load-bearing capacity of roofing sandwich panels under uniform load, kgf/m2						Support width, mm
	Span length, m						extreme	average
	1.0	1.5	2.0	2.5	3.0	3.5
Filler – basalt mineral wool “ROCKWOOL”
50	421	274	201	142	87	55	60	80
60	507	331	243	161	102	67
80	681	446	328	200	133	92
100	854	560	378	239	164	119
120	1027	675	426	279	194	143		90
150	1287	840	503	336	243	184		100
200	1719	968	570	436	324	252		110
250	2152	1141	698	476	382	320		120
300	2586	1314	826	589	398	337		130
Filler – self-extinguishing polystyrene foam with fire retardants
50	403	244	156	118	87	75	60	80
60	504	310	213	155	117	106
80	812	530	372	277	215	181
100	911	618	469	357	280	225
120	1071	728	553	437	346	335		90
150	1231	903	671	528	433	364		100
200	1462	984	731	576	471	397		110
250	1579	1063	791	623	510	429		120
300	1694	1140	849	669	548	461		130

Load-bearing capacity of wall sandwich panels

Panel thickness, mm	Load-bearing capacity of roofing sandwich panels under uniform load, kgf/m2										Support width, mm
	Span length, m										extreme	average
	1.5	2.0	2.5	3.0	3.5	4.0	4.5	5.0	5.5	6.0
Filler – basalt mineral wool “ROCKWOOL”
50	405	291	228	123	84	53	33	—	—	—	60	60
60	417	301	231	146	127	91	62	40	—	—
80	443	325	260	159	138	112	100	87	71	50
100	464	346	275	176	157	136	127	106	91	78
120	505	370	292	207	168	150	143	123	110	95		70
150	569	413	322	263	183	160	152	136	125	95		80
200	663	488	386	303	216	185	178	164	151	127		100
250	701	519	408	367	259	220	208	190	185	163		110
300	748	544	428	413	312	284	261	223	208	189		120
Filler – self-extinguishing polystyrene foam with fire retardants
50	431	314	246	130	103	86	66	53	43	36	60	60
60	435	317	248	148	110	96	81	64	52	43
80	442	321	251	166	125	109	96	86	72	59
100	448	325	254	167	141	122	107	96	87	76
120	497	362	282	185	156	135	119	106	96	88		70
150	548	399	312	212	179	155	136	122	110	100		80
200	647	473	370	259	218	188	165	148	133	121		100
250	699	512	401	306	258	222	195	174	157	143		110
300	750	551	432	353	297	256	225	200	181	164		120

*The thickness of the sandwich panel is assumed to be equal to the thickness of the insulation

*The thickness of the metal sheet of the panel is taken as 0.5 mm

*The permissible deflection for wall sandwich panels is L/150, for roofing panels – L/200

*Loads correspond to a two-span (multi-span) loading scheme

Maintaining characteristics over a long period of time and the durability of finished buildings made from MetalProm sandwich panels are ensured by the use of high-quality materials, advanced production technology and the use of sustainable polymer coatings. Competent installation, proper operation and proper control over the enclosing structures allow prefabricated buildings made from sandwich panels to serve for decades. Thanks to these properties, our products will satisfy even the most demanding needs of customers who want to work with us in the field of advanced construction.

Construction Features

Before you start building a house, you should seek help from specialists. They may advise that it is not recommended to use only SIP panels during the work process. For example, the floor can be made of wood, because in this case it will be easier to repair.

As for the roof, it should be made of rafters, which will be easier than if you build a roof from panels. During the construction of walls, it is important to maintain verticality. If the first two panels are installed at an angle, the house will follow the slope.

Average prices

The price of sandwich panels directly depends on several parameters:

1. Region of production.
2. Qualitative characteristics.
3. Application area.
4. Material used for manufacturing.
5. Single-layer or multi-layer.
6. Protective coating.

The cost of a building product is also affected by the thickness of the structure. The larger it is, the correspondingly it is able to withstand maximum loads. At the same time, other quality indicators improve several times. Such as hygroscopicity, sound insulation, etc.

Material	Thickness: 60 mm	Thickness: 80 mm	Thickness: 100 mm	Thickness: 120 mm	Thickness: 150 mm	Thickness: 200 mm
Pol/Pol + protective film	1160 rub. sq. m	1300 rub. sq. m	1430 rub. sq. m	1600 rub. sq. m	1720 rub. sq. m	1780 rub. sq. m
Pol/Zn + protective film	1130 rub. sq. m	1270 rub. sq. m	1400 rub. sq. m	1570 rub. sq. m	1680 rub. sq. m	1750 rub. sq. m
Znl/Zn + protective film	1100 rub. sq. m	1240 rub. sq. m	1330 rub. sq. m	1540 rub. sq. m	1650 rub. sq. m	1720 rub. sq. m
Pol/Paper	950 rub. sq. m	1100 rub. sq. m	1230 rub. sq. m	1400 rub. sq. m	1500 rub. sq. m	1570 rub. sq. m
Zn/Paper	920 rub. sq. m	1080 rub. sq. m	1200 rub. sq. m	1360 rub. sq. m	1480 rub. sq. m	1540 rub. sq. m
Paper/Paper	750 rub. sq. m	890 rub. sq. m	1000 rub. sq. m	1190 rub. sq. m	1300 rub. sq. m	1370 rub. sq. m

It should be noted that today, the potential production volume of sandwich panels in Russia fully corresponds to consumer demand. Many people appreciated this product, including the convenient dimensions of wall sandwich panels and their cost. Therefore, an annual increase in production by 20 - 25% is envisaged.

Modular buildings

Modular buildings are one of the fastest and most efficient options for constructing prefabricated buildings. The building is erected from ready-made modules - block containers, ready-made parts of a residential building with ready-made factory exterior and interior finishing .

Such projects are effective and very convenient for rotational camps, construction sites of large objects, geological exploration points, meteorological or other scientific stations, etc. Modular buildings have gained particular popularity in the Far North, in the development of oil or gas fields.

Buildings can be dismantled, transported and reassembled elsewhere without any damage . The configuration and dimensions of the house can be changed. You can add on any part of the house, or, conversely, reduce its size. This mobility, combined with the ability to transform, is highly appreciated by builders and workers.

Advantages and disadvantages of sandwich panels

To understand whether to buy products for finishing or creating a room, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of sandwich panels. Let's start with the positive aspects:

1. Speed ​​of construction work. The construction project can be completed in the shortest possible time.
2. Affordable price, thanks to which everyone can afford the panels.
3. Providing reliable mechanical protection along with high thermal insulation properties. Thus, the installation of wall sandwich panels will solve two problems.
4. There is no need to additionally insulate the building, spend money, time and effort on work.
5. The plates are small in size and weight. The load on the foundation of the house is not great, so there is no point in strengthening it and spending a lot of money. Buildings made from sandwich panels are quite simple to make.
6. The installation technology does not require the presence of special construction equipment. The work is done manually.
7. These are not only products for creating structures, but also materials for external decorative finishing of the facade, which allows you to save money without performing additional finishing.
8. Products are protected from moisture, sunlight, rodents and other negative influences.

However, the products are not without drawbacks, like any other materials. They are as follows:

• low mechanical strength of finished structures made from sandwich panels. Although the metal protects the insulation, the building as a whole is poorly protected from mechanical loads;
• if you save on the quality of insulation, then its thermal insulation function is reduced to nothing;
• When finishing the interior of a room, you need to take into account the load on the wall panels. If it exceeds the norm, the wall will easily collapse.

Installation time

The approximate time frame for the construction of walls made of sandwich panels, for example, by a professional construction company, with the availability of the necessary tools, equipment and transport, will be the following period :

• Drafting and approval of the project – up to 1 month.
• Construction of the foundation (depending on the option chosen and agreed upon with the engineer):
  tape – 5-7 days;
• Reinforced concrete pile – 1-2.
• Manufacturing and transportation of panels of the required size takes 5-6 days.
• Construction of the walls of a house, for example, with an area of ​​120 m2, takes up to 3-4 weeks.

Total : the overall result of the work was approximately 2.5 months. If the future owners of the building want to build a reliable building that should last more than 30 years, then, according to building codes, the foundation must be given time to shrink.

For a strip foundation, this time is up to 6 months. Make the foundation in the fall, build the walls in the spring. But, if the customer is in a hurry, and this is not important to him, then you can do without waiting for shrinkage.

Sandwich panel installation work

In order for the work to be done efficiently, you need to approach it responsibly. This requires professional construction knowledge and skills. Ideally, resort to hiring workers who will do everything right. But if you wish, you can do the work yourself.

To work, you need to stock up on the following tools and materials:

• wall sandwich panel 100 mm or other thickness as desired;
• electric drill and screwdriver;
• building level;
• profile or metal corner;
• fine-tooth saw;
• plumb line;
• self-tapping screws for panels;
• grips;
• anchor bolts with gasket;
• self-adhesive tape;
• winch or similar mechanism;
• clamping devices;
• silicone sealant.

There are two types of installation of sandwich panels:

1. Horizontally.
2. Vertically.

As experience shows, it is better to resort to the second method if the house has a height of 3-6 m. The installation process is simple: you need to fasten the sandwich panels with self-tapping screws close to the roof and base. The panels are connected to each other using locks.

The horizontal type of installation is easier in terms of fixing the locks. You need to start the installation process from the base of the building. The products are attached to the frame along the edges.

Construction technology

Before starting the installation of walls, the products are cleared of packaging, the ends of the slabs and the presence of lock connectors are checked.

If the insulation protrudes beyond the slab, this defect is removed with large construction scissors and coated with universal construction glue. Also, when preparing for installation, it is necessary to check the presence of waterproofing for the base and floor.

Then the technology for installing the slab is carried out as follows :

1. Cleaning the supporting base from dust and dirt.
2. Installation of a metal frame, the surface of which is treated with an anti-corrosion substance.
3. Installation of butyl and strong sealing tape (2 products) along the top of the base, along the guides that are connected to the frame with a special dense element (polypropylene or mineral wool tapes), along the outside of the plank, with a slight overlap (10 cm).
4. Establishing the level and installing the first panel strictly along the marked line, from the top, at a pitch of 400 (mm).
5. If installation is carried out horizontally, then the panels are fixed with the grooves down.
6. Here you need to treat the locking mechanism with sealant, while simultaneously filling the seam, which will be sealed with a cord (butyl rubber, with a diameter of up to 8 mm).
7. After connecting the panels, lay the transverse joints with an additional layer of insulation, 2 (cm) thick.
8. Then the connected part of the panels is sealed with sealant tape and covered with a building element (shaped), which must be laid with an overlap (5-8 cm).

After installing the panels and connecting them to each other, they must be screwed to the metal structure with self-tapping screws and secured with airtight seals .

During work, it is best to cut metal panels with a circular saw, according to the place marked with a pencil and a construction tape, while OSB or plastic panels are cut with a hand saw, chainsaw or jigsaw.

Full article on the ins and outs of building their sandwich walls here.

Construction stages

At the first stage, a technical specification is drawn up - the design, number of windows, location of doors, interior finishing options, and other details are specified. On-site measurements are taken and markings are made (a house with an area of ​​80 sq. m can be placed on a plot of about 5 acres).

Based on the technical specifications, a project for the future house is being developed. The designer thinks through all the details, including the wiring for connecting utilities. As a rule, the project can be previewed in 3D format. If necessary, adjustments are made. Then the parts of the prefabricated house are made from sandwich panels at the factory. The foundation is being prepared for its installation. A lightweight one-story building can be installed on a concrete base - solid section foundation blocks (FBS) are used. Strip/block foundations and screw piles are also suitable.

The foundation must be buried at least 300 mm into the ground, the height above the ground is 150 mm.

Brought transport packages are unloaded, plugs, film, and other protective elements are removed. Installation is in progress. HVAC and plumbing equipment is unpacked and installed. Cold bridges are eliminated, the joints are closed with false strips (plates). The internal networks of the building are connected to pre-connected external communications.

Connecting to external networks requires contacting the relevant organizations, where, in addition to the request, the following are provided: an act confirming the right of ownership of the land, a site plan, a passport, and other documents (on request). If the connection is possible, then projects are developed and approved for each of the utility networks (you can limit yourself to just electrics, organizing a septic tank on the street, using water from a well). An agreement is concluded with each service organization.

History of technology

CLT panels are a multilayer material consisting of wooden lamellas stacked in rows. The products are glued together and pressed. The rows are arranged crosswise relative to each other. Vertical lamellas provide high load-bearing capacity, and horizontal lamellas provide rigidity in the longitudinal plane.

This technology was first used in Switzerland in the 90s of the last century. Having refined it a little, some companies began their own production. The first modern CLT panels were developed in 1996 in Australia. Thanks to the increased public interest in green construction, the technology has become in demand.

Not only one-story, but also multi-story buildings and apartment buildings began to be built from such panels. In Western Europe, this technology is occupying an increasingly large share of the construction industry. In our country, the production of CLT panels is actively developing.

Panels depending on location

The choice of slabs for walls is influenced by several main factors:

• labor costs;
• issue price;
• thermal insulation properties.

Depending on the location of the wall, several more important functions are added to them - strength, moisture resistance, and the ability to resist atmospheric phenomena. The construction of structures using panel technologies is not very popular in Russia , unlike in European and American countries.

Buildings made from traditional materials inspire greater confidence among citizens. And this is despite the fact that innovative technologies endow the panels with all the same properties that brick, concrete and wood are famous for. They can be used to create internal and external walls in private construction.

For outdoor

There are special requirements for external walls :

• 
  excellent thermal insulation properties, maintaining optimal climate and temperature in the house;

• waterproofing properties;
• good vapor permeability, air circulation, no stagnation;
• high strength, ability to withstand the weight of multi-ton structures (ceilings, second and subsequent floors, roofing, etc.);
• immunity to chemical processes that accompany atmospheric phenomena;
• high resistance to microorganisms, antiseptic properties;
• immunity from rodent attacks;
• sound-absorbing properties.

What panels are suitable for the construction of external walls, popular types:

• Sandwich panels . The material has excellent thermal insulation and lightweight construction. Construction does not require a strong foundation; a frame base can be used. Of the minuses: high vapor permeability, the need to organize proper ventilation and waterproofing. In case of fire, releases toxic substances.
• Ready-made wood (clt) panels. Options are made with and without insulation, and are used depending on the region. The advantages include the ability to withstand heavy loads, complete thermal insulation, absence of cold bridges, and soundproofness. The disadvantages are the cost of the material, the need to find trusted manufacturers and qualified installers.
• Reinforced concrete panels . A durable material whose properties are similar to those used for the construction of multi-storey buildings. A monolithic slab or strip foundation is used as the base. Special equipment is required to transport and install the slabs, since they themselves have significant weight.

The advantages include the simplicity and speed of construction from panels of any type. External walls, with a small qualified team and appropriate equipment, are built within 2-3 days.

Read more about panels for external walls here.

For internal

Tasks of interior partitions:

• 
  leave the maximum amount of free space;

• create an atmosphere of privacy and comfort for residents;
• maintain sound insulation;
• look attractive, even without additional finishing;
• separate functional areas indoors.

The panels meet all these criteria, in fact they are one of the thinnest materials available. In addition to the listed options for external walls, they also use:

• SIP panels, a type of sandwich panels. New materials, unlike previous versions, are absolutely safe for health, not susceptible to rodent attacks, and have good sound insulation and vapor permeability.
• Arbolit . The material is a type of concrete, lightweight, easy to install. It is considered one of the best for building walls in bathhouses and steam rooms, as it allows steam to pass through perfectly.
• Reinforced fiber concrete . Helps to save the budget for strengthening partitions in the house, durable, can withstand heavy weights. The only negative is the high cost of the material.

Partitions and external walls are most often made of the same materials. They differ in structure, presence of insulation, and waterproofing.

Types of panels for prefabricated houses

The sandwich panel consists of three main parts: two facing parts and between them a dense layer of thermal insulation. In construction, they are used either for the rapid construction of houses, or for commercial purposes, for the construction of large retail, entertainment and warehouse premises. The panels can also be used in two directions: roofing and wall.

Roofing panels – used for covering the roofs of buildings. Often has a metal, wavy, double-sided lining. A distinctive feature is reliability and wear resistance.

Wall panels - used for the construction of walls and partitions between floors. They are also used to decorate the front part of the building. The panels are also used for insulation and reconstruction of buildings. They may have a smooth surface or a more textured one.

REFERENCE ! Panels can be produced with various types of insulation and cladding.

Varieties based on material of manufacture

Let's take a closer look at the most popular panel options that are used for wall construction. Their properties, composition, advantages and disadvantages.

Reinforced concrete

For the construction of walls they produce :

1. monolithic;
2. reinforced structures.

They can be:

• hollow;
• solid;
• have window/door openings.

The structure depends on the specific part of the building for which the element is intended:

1. For external and load-bearing walls, two and three-layer panels are used.
2. For partitions, two or single layers are sufficient.

GOST 31310-2005 and GOST 13015-2003 regulate the composition and quantity of reinforcing elements in the material. The height of the slabs depends on the structure and can be up to 6 meters. The length is also up to 6 m, thickness from 20 to 50 cm, this indicator is influenced by the number of layers.

Three-layer elements may contain insulation, the reinforced side is installed towards the outside of the house. The panels are connected with special metal fasteners called mortgages. The type of fastening depends on the type of panel and the house.

Precast concrete panels have the following advantages :

• high strength;
• fire resistance 100%;
• durability;
• compliance with thermal insulation standards;
• maintain indoor temperature.

Flaws:

• do not like interference in their structure, they can collapse;
• low sound insulation rates;
• heavy weight.

More information about the types of reinforced concrete panels at the link.

Sandwich

They were first used in Canada. There are several types of sandwich panels, which consist of different fillers:

• OSB and polyurethane foam . OSB is a board made of sawdust and shavings, pressed from several layers and coated with an adhesive composition. The panel has OSB on the outer and inner sides, and polyurethane foam insulation in the center. The material is warm, environmentally friendly and very light in weight.
• OSB and polystyrene foam . A fireproof, warm layer that, when burned, releases toxic substances and a melting process occurs.
• Fiberboard and expanded polystyrene . The construction of houses from such walls takes a little longer, the material is more expensive than others, and is difficult to find on sale.
• Glass magnesite and polystyrene foam l. An environmentally friendly material, the combined version of the “filling” makes the panel warm, moisture-proof and vapor-permeable.

Galvanized steel is often used for the outer layer of sandwich panels; PVC and wood can also be used.

The parameters can be within 13 m in length, 1,185 m in width, and in thickness from 4 to 20 cm.

Advantages:

• ease of assembly;
• affordable price;
• a light weight;
• the insulation is already there;
• simple installation;
• protection from moisture, sun and heat.

The disadvantages include the low mechanical strength of the structures. The load on them should be within the limits of what is possible.

You can get acquainted in detail with the features of sandwich panels by following the link.

SIP

SIP panels are a type of sandwich panels based on OSB and expanded polystyrene. To ensure that the shape of the panel is even and held tightly, wooden beams can be added to the structure. The width of such panels is 1.2-1.25 m, the standard length is 2.5-2.8 m, it can reach 3-6 m, the thickness depends on the amount of insulation (10, 15, 20 cm).

Advantages:

• the ability to use a lightweight foundation;
• environmentally friendly material, fireproof;
• strength and rigidity, a property manifested due to special production technology;
• there are no restrictions on facing materials;
• no need for additional insulation.

Flaws:

• despite fire resistance, the material is susceptible to damage when burned, it melts and releases toxic substances;
• the wall can be destroyed from the outside using tools;
• tightness, high-quality ventilation is necessary;
• The joints must be closed, otherwise rodents may get inside the structure.

You can read more about SIP panels here.

CLT

Wood panels are made from compressed lumber . The wood is formed into logs, trimmed and joined under a press perpendicular to each other. Thanks to the cross structure and high quality polymer adhesive connecting materials, dense panels are obtained.

The composition is based on coniferous species, which create strength comparable to concrete structures. The width of such elements is from 60 cm to 4 m, the length can reach 24 m, the thickness depends on the number of layers 6-35 cm.

Advantages:

• one panel is a whole wall, there are no connecting seams, no cold bridges;
• extreme strength, possibility of multi-story construction;
• fire resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• no shrinkage;
• the thickness of the panels is small, usable space in the rooms is preserved;
• excellent sound absorption.

Flaws:

• high price;
• the need to use finishing materials;
• in the northern regions, insulation will be required.

Read more about wooden wall panels here.

Arbolite

To create this type of panel, mineralized wood chips and Portland cement are used , which create a mixture and undergo a hydration and pressing procedure.

The dimensions of the slabs are not standardized; they can be made to order. The standard options are 2.6-2.8 m long, 60, 80 and 100 cm wide. For load-bearing walls, the panel thickness is 20-50 cm, for non-load-bearing walls - 10-20 cm.

Advantages:

• high energy efficiency, create a comfortable climate inside the building;
• not susceptible to mold or rotting;
• frost resistance;
• bending strength, ability to withstand heavy weights;
• almost complete absence of shrinkage.

There is one drawback, but a significant one - susceptibility to moisture, the need for careful waterproofing. In regions with high humidity, the use of wood concrete panels is not recommended.

More complete information about wood concrete panels can be found here.

Expanded clay concrete

It consists of expanded clay and concrete, which significantly increases the thermal conductivity of the material. The panels are much lighter than reinforced concrete and warmer. They are characterized by high strength and frost resistance.

There are several varieties of this material; you can build an entire house from it, if you choose the right panels for their intended purpose. conventionally divided into :

• structural - the most durable, suitable for load-bearing walls and first floors;
• thermal insulation - with less strength, used for the construction of partitions or as a finishing material;
• structural and thermal insulation - the most popular, used for the construction of external walls, above-ground floors, attics, etc.

Walls from them are erected monolithic and prefabricated, held together with a special adhesive composition or metal fasteners.

pros:

• strength;
• possibility of use for different parts of the building;
• heat preservation inside the building;
• reduce the load on the foundation;
• environmental friendliness of the composition;
• the ability to “breathe” and create a favorable microclimate.

The downside is the gloomy appearance, which can be disguised with finishing materials.

Additional material about expanded clay concrete panels here.

Polystyrene concrete

A variety of panels, similar in appearance to blocks, have a tongue-and-groove connection method. The main advantages of the material are excellent thermal insulation properties . It contains expanded polystyrene foam in the form of particles, plasticizers, foaming agents and cement mortar. Compared to crossbow and expanded clay concrete, these panels are more economical.

By purpose, they differ according to the same principle as expanded clay concrete into structural, thermal insulation and combined. In terms of properties, polystyrene concrete panels are often compared to wood.

Advantages:

• moisture resistance;
• fire resistance;
• the material is not attractive to rodents;
• excellent energy efficiency, help reduce heating costs;
• environmental friendliness.

Flaws:

• the material suffers from direct exposure to sunlight, mandatory cladding is required, preferably as soon as possible;
• Cracks and chips appear due to humidity, high-quality waterproofing is needed;
• not the most frost-resistant, can withstand 20-100 freezing/thawing cycles, not recommended by experts for northern regions.

Not everyone knows, but after construction, polystyrene concrete panels must be cured for a month. After this, they are covered with plaster on both sides.

The material is not the most durable, it is difficult to build windows and doors into it, and metal fasteners do not hold well . It is recommended to use panels for the construction of utility buildings and non-residential structures.

Read more about polystyrene concrete panels in the article at the link.

Reinforced fiber concrete

To create it, a concrete building mixture and reinforcement material are used, which is:

• metal shavings;
• fiberglass;
• basalt;
• carbon;
• polypropylene;
• cellulose.

The material is most often used as a finishing material, but can be an option for building partitions in the house.

The correct production technology is important; the fibers must be distributed evenly inside the concrete, then it will fully perform its functions.

Advantages:

• reduction in construction costs;
• not afraid of shrinkage;
• high adhesive qualities;
• non-flammability;
• ease;
• extending the service life of concrete.

The disadvantage is the high cost , which is offset by durability and performance characteristics.

Caliary load-bearing plate

The second name of the material is KA-panel, it is rarely used, the elements are made by Russian manufacturers, the base is pressed wood. They are a wooden panel reinforced with metal, from which a structure is assembled, like a construction set. Often used as a material for self-assembly.

Advantages:

• ease of installation;
• moisture resistance;
• frost resistance.

Disadvantages include the presence of cold bridges that need to be insulated, and high demands are placed on finishing materials.

Price for sandwich panels made of metal frame

Compared to an apartment in a new building, a panel house is much less expensive. Along with this you get the absence of neighbors. The construction of such a house will not take two or three seasons, and if necessary, it can be expanded to the desired number of rooms.

Average cost:

• 100 square meters – 600,000 thousand rubles;
• 200 square meters – 900,000 thousand rubles;
• 300 square meters – 1,400,000 thousand rubles;
• 500 square meters – 3,200,000 thousand rubles.