When building construction, the last thing you want is the challenges of materials installation. The correct material choice is essential in this step since you need to be comfortable in installing them. Even if you are not the one who is installing them, you wouldn’t want the installation process to last for a couple of weeks to slow you down. Therefore, the installation process is a vital step in every construction project. Aluminum composite materials (ACM) can be ideal since their ease of installation is known among the constructors, architects, and custom house builders. ACM panel installation is pretty straightforward, and your provider can install the panels in a short period.
However, you need to know some installation steps and tips before actually contacting your provider. It’s always good to have that extra information when purchasing a product. Before getting to learn more about ACM panel installation, we’ll need to know about aluminum composite materials.
What are aluminum composite materials?
A composite material consists of more than two distinctive elements. The same situation applies to aluminum composite materials. ACM panels have two aluminum layers and a core that includes polystyrene or fire-retardant materials. The core is sandwiched between the aluminum layers. That’s why they are also called sandwich panels.
The variety of ACM applications have resulted in various usages among clients. Whether they will be used indoor or outdoor, there should be some structural properties applied to them. For instance, the materials used for indoor application can vary according to the clients’ needs. This process results in a change in the ACM panel installation. In other words, ACM panel installation for indoor usages or outdoor applications is slightly different.
What are the differences between the ACM panel installation process?
As mentioned earlier, whether you want aluminum composite materials for external cladding or interior decoration, the properties of aluminum composite panel changes. The change of the attributes can also affect the ACM panel installation and its method. Visit Aluminum Cladding Panels for more info.
Thickness:
First and foremost, When using ACM panels indoor, you need ACM panels that are not very thick. Aluminum composite panels are available in various sizes, and their thickness varies from 3mm up to 6mm. For interior decoration, internal cladding, wall partitions, and false ceilings, it is advisable to use 3mm panels.
However, suppose you want to install ACM panels outdoor for external cladding, signage, and advertisement panels. In that case, you need to consider using more than 4mm panels. The outdoor materials must be rigid and have outstanding durability. Aluminum composite panels have these characteristics and can withstand the most challenging situation.
Structural features:
Besides the two aluminum layers and the core, some other structural features get applied to ACM panels. The structural features for indoor usages also vary from the outdoor ones. For instance, indoor uses require a less rigid coating, such as polyethylene. The outdoor application, however, needs a more durable coating material. That’s why PDVF coating is applied for outdoor usages. Moreover, some clients prefer to install ACM panels with more durability. In that case, Nano PDVF is used. One of the advantages of Nano PDVF is that they don’t get dirty for a short time. Although more advanced layer coatings are available, most manufacturers don’t use them since they increase ACM panel price. For more details, visit ACM Panel Price.
Are there any ACM panel installation steps?
Whether aluminum composite panels are used inside or outside of a structure, there are some general ACM panel installation steps. You are not the person who should follow these steps; however, knowing them before contacting your provider can be beneficial.
Measurement:
Before installing the panels, the most crucial step is to measure the size of your walls, ceiling, board, or anything you want the panels to install. After measuring the dimensions, you will have a better idea about the installation process and the ACM panel cost. For more information, visit the ACM Panel Cost.
Fabrication:
The structural properties we discussed earlier come to play in this step. Whether you want to install the panels inside or outside of your construction, some external layers are fabricated. Therefore, your constructor will contact you in this crucial stage of the ACM panel installation.
Waterproofing:
This stage is the most crucial one if you plan to use aluminum composite materials for external cladding. Although aluminum composite panels are hugely water-resistant, their installation process plays an essential role in protecting them against water. A tiny mistake in sealing the panels from your provider can quickly leak water in rainy conditions.
For providing more resistance during severe weather situations, manufacturers use weather barriers on aluminum composite panels. Premium primer can also be applied in rainy climates. For more information about aluminum composite panel manufacturers visit ACM Panel Manufacturers.
Applying the mounting system:
Another step in installing ACM panels is to provide the mounting system. As the name suggests, this system is used for a better and more comfortable ACM panel installation. The panels are installed in a specific order using the mounting system, putting corners and special-shaped patterns in priority before other areas.
Installing the panels:
After installing the mounting system, it is time to install the panels. If the mounting system is applied correctly, and the measuring stage was precise, it should not be a problem. After the installation is complete, you might observe some gaps between the panels. To make these gaps disappear, your contractor uses a matching strip. Moreover, shims and clips can also be used by your installer to complete the installation process.
The five steps we explained thus far was the most general steps of the ACM panel installation. Even though aluminum composite panels are known for their easy installation process, it’s always recommended to leave the contractor to complete it. Don’t forget that ACP sheets have various applications and usages, and for each application, the installation method can be different.
Final thoughts; ACM Panel Installation
Not necessarily each construction material can be useful for your project. It would be best if you had some perspectives before choosing the correct construction material. One of the features that most clients are looking for is the ease of installation. And mostly, they aluminum composite materials are recommended to them.
The wide variety of indoor and outdoor applications for aluminum composite panels have made them a trendy choice among custom house builders, architects, and constructors. However, each application requires a different installation method. As we mentioned earlier, experts are available to help you with this enjoyable process. All you have to do is to contact us, and we make sure the rest is done.
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