What is a Sandwich Panel?

Made of strong, durable materials, sandwich panel is a type of composite material widely used in construction. As the term “sandwich” indicates, these panels are made up of three layers. Two outer layers are usually made with metal or fibreglass, and the core layer in between is made of a lightweight insulating material. The outer layers of the sandwich panels protect from weather, impact, and stress, while the core layer helps to reduce weight, improve thermal insulation, and increase energy efficiency. This combination makes sandwich panels strong, durable, and lightweight. Sandwich panels now appear in buildings of all types, from warehouses and shopping malls to sports facilities and cold stores. They are mostly used for roofing purposes. This blog helps you to know more about sandwich panels, their types, and their uses.

Types of Sandwich Panels

Sandwich panels vary based on their core materials and outer layers. Each panel serves a specific purpose. The core material plays a vital role in determining the panel's insulation properties and overall performance.

As mentioned above, core materials are the foundations of sandwich panels. The materials included in sandwich panels are as follows:

Polyurethane (PUR) - Polyol and isocyanate with catalysts are mixed under high pressure to create PUR cores that deliver excellent thermal insulation. These panels come in thicknesses from 40mm to 200mm.

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) - This improved version of polyurethane has better fire resistance. PIR works great for roofing and walls because of its superior thermal insulation.

Mineral Wool - Made from inorganic rocks and oxides melted at high temperatures, mineral wool cores give exceptional fire resistance and acoustic insulation. Panel thickness ranges from 50mm to 150mm.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) - While EPS has lower fire resistance than other materials, it costs less and still provides good insulation properties.

Panel thickness changes based on how you plan to use them. PUF sandwich panels are accessible to more people for roofing applications. They insulate well against heat and cold, which helps cut down energy costs.

On top of that, aircraft construction often uses honeycomb structures. These provide the best strength-to-weight ratio among core materials. High-temperature applications usually need titanium and steel cores.

The right insulation core boosts the panel's performance. It should also meet your building's specific needs for thermal, acoustic, humidity, and fire resistance.

Benefits of Sandwich Roofing Panels 

High Performance

Modern construction chooses sandwich roofing panels because they perform remarkably well. The composite structure of these panels is much better than traditional roofing materials in several ways.

Durability & Longevity

The engineering behind these panels helps them withstand harsh weather conditions like heavy rainfall, strong winds, and extreme temperatures. The corrosion-resistant properties of sandwich panels prevent rust and deterioration. This is one reason why they are perfect for buildings in challenging climates. When installed correctly, these panels can last decades with minimal upkeep.

Sound Insulation

When it comes to sandwich panels, the core material absorbs sound waves before they enter your building.

Energy Efficiency

The most impressive feature of sandwich roofing panels is their thermal insulation capability. A special insulation layer sits between metal sheets to maintain building temperatures effectively. Your building stays warm in winter and cool in summer. 

Practical Installation & Maintenance

Sandwich panels weigh much less than conventional roofing materials, which makes installation easier. The core team can handle these panels quickly, which cuts down on labour costs and setup time. Their tough construction means you rarely need repairs or replacements, saving money over time.

Prevents Leaks

The panels' watertight interlocking system prevents leaks and water damage effectively. 

Conclusion

Sandwich panels have revolutionised modern construction with benefits that leave traditional building materials far behind. These panels come in several varieties and are perfect for construction projects of all types. 

Best Roofing Panels

As a leading roofing materials manufacturer, Roofmate offers high-quality sandwich roofing panels in Kerala. Our fully automated production lines create panels that match your project's exact specifications. Our tranquillo sandwich roof panels come in PPGI, PPGL, and coated aluminium options. They are great at thermal and acoustic insulation while staying strong across extended roof spans. And, as the requirements for different roofs vary, we offer customizable panels that fit customers' needs. Customers have the option to choose panel sizes, which helps to get a perfect fit, avoid wastage, and save costs. For further information about the sandwich roofing panels, get in touch with Roofmate.