Aluminum Composite Panels are modern materials that are very practical for external cladding applications for different types of buildings. To ensure that the panels have a proper fixture and efficient structure, contractors utilize various practical installation methods. There are prior considerations and action that builders need to take before starting the installation process: thermal conditions and taking care of the protective film.
Thermal Conditions of Aluminum Composite Panels
ACM panels fasteners are common to have unacceptable overstressing and bowing due to thermal changes. Thus, before installing them, it is essential to apply ambient air and heating to avoid such issues. Aluminum composite panels will receive damage if the temperature exceeds 100 centigrade. Thus, manufacturers always fabricate thermal resistance.
Removing Protective Film from the Aluminum Composite Panels
ACP manufacturers create the panels while putting a non-transparent protective film onto them. It is essential to remove the protective film as soon as the product comes to the construction site. Humid and hot weather conditions can stick the residual glue on to the coated surface of the panels. After removing the protective film, the installer should not use a marker pen, vinyl tape on the painted surface since particles such as robber epoxy and solvents in the material can harm the covering integrity.
ACP Installation Direction
The installation direction of ACP materials is an essential factor for the process. Manufacturers define the process directly with a paint that follows a consistent track. For maintaining the finish material and color consistency across the ACPs, all panels should have the same directional course. Most of the boards come with an arrow on the protective film and show the finishing direction.
Installation Methods
After completing the prior consideration, the most challenging part is installing the aluminum composite panels. The procedure includes three main types, which are the hanging method, wet sealant joint, and dry gasket joint.
Hanging Method for Aluminum Composite Panels
One of the most common methods that ACP installers utilize is the hanging system. This method can simplify the process and allow experts to work at a higher pace. The panels are not fastened firmly to the mainframe and are just suspended.
Installers carry out the product to the civil work’s elevation point, which is the center line. The design of the cladding depends on the axis of the building. The panels have vertical and horizontal composition, and it is best to install the vertical rod with the anchor points determination. Experts utilize electric welding for fixing the connecting piece and prevent the rust paint from double welding procedure. The connection piece sets the embedding part of the main structure. In case of iron piece connection absence, the expansion bolt can fix the primary system with a connecting metal. The frame is the material to install the skeleton on it. The installing process involves checking the centerline position and elevation and treating the cross-section with an anti-rust finish. The last stage of this method is installing the panel on the profile’s inner frame with screws and fixing the ACP to the frame with a rivet. For sealing the gap between the products, installers inject silicon materials into the area.
Wet Sealant Joint System
Another method for installing aluminum composite panels is a wet sealant joint system that is very practical for new and renovation projects. The wet sealant is very necessary for ensuring water-tightness.
In the wet sealant joint method, builders fold the panel to a tray-type board. It is common to create a continuous V-shape groove and the panel parameter at a specific distance from the ACP edge. Installers leave face skin and core material with a minimum thickness of 0.51 millimeters. Then, experts fold the edges to create 25 millimeters depth cassette. Stiffing the units is essential by using rivets in the corner with panels angles. One of the stages of installing ACP with a wet sealant method is to attach pre-punch clips on the center to the pan edges for transferring the wind load to the structural supports. To allow sequential installation, experts stagger the pins from one panel to another. Smooth thermal movements should enable the route and return jointly to have a minimum of 16 millimeters of width. The final step is applying caulk sealing to provide better moisture and air resistance characteristic.
Dry Gasket Joint Method
The dry gasket joint method is almost similar to the wet sealant system. The difference between the two ways is that one utilizes sealants, and the other uses dry gaskets. The gasket method’s superiority can reduce the amount of dirt and strain on the aluminum composite panels.
It is essential to check if the gasket is free of defects before installing it. Experts insert the gasket between ACPs with precision while placing it in the center part and they avoid applying release joint compounds on the surface of the gasket. It is good to use 2 to 3 bolts through both panels and gasket to fix the sealing material. While considering temperature and other factors, experts lubricate load-bearing with particular substances. Then, installers apply the suitable torque to the nuts to secure the aluminum composite materials.