Due to the wide range of options provided by metal panel systems, no other product has seen a steady increase in popularity as far as wall systems for steel buildings is concerned. The previous two posts talked the different classifications of metal panels such as lap-seam metal panels, flat plate metal wall panels, and composite metal wall panels.
This post talks about another type, metal-faced composite panels. These metal panels are ideally suited for the construction of non-load bearing walls of steel buildings. They offer a dry installation on any type of climate, using proprietary installation systems.
Metal-faced composite panels used as walls of steel buildings are products that consist of metal facings adhered to a thin thermoplastic core. With metal sheets typically less than 0.05 inches (1.10 mm) thin, the overall panel size is commonly up to 0.25 inches (6 mm) thick.
The resulting composite panel can then be used in applications requiring them to be bent to the desired profile. This is very appealing to owners and designers of steel buildings who want to make a design statement by creating metal structures that have loads of curb appeal.
Though metal-faced composite panels provide reliable building envelopes for steel buildings, metal-faced composite panels are not as impact-resistant when compared with flat plate metal panels. However, depending on the size of the panels, reinforcing them with stiffeners, which are welded or adhered to the hidden surface of the panels, can make them more resistant to dents.
The structural support for the panels, add to the overall thickness of the system, which increases as the size and span of the panels increase. Ranging from 2 inches to over 6 inches deep, the panels can be either directly fastened to a secondary structural system of metal studs, hat tracks, and supporting channels.
When properly designed and installed, metal-faced composite panels provide reliable resistance to the elements and protect steel buildings against air and water infiltration.
(to be continued)
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