Vertical or horizontal sandwich panels for steel building walls?

A single panel can reach from plinth to roof and still need intermediate rails. Its delivery length tells you how many pieces will arrive. The permissible span between supports depends on wind loading, panel properties, deflection limits and fixings. Check that span separately.

Horizontal panels run between columns or other vertical supports, producing horizontal lines along the wall. Where panel ends meet, the resulting vertical joint needs sufficient bearing and a suitable joint finish. Coordinate the steel grid with the cladding layout.

Divide a long elevation into bays on the drawing. Align vertical joint flashings with doors, corners or the office wing where practicable. Moving one column can throw several joints out of alignment. Compare the steelwork fabrication drawings with the panel schedule before manufacture.

Doors and windows interrupt the panel span. The framing and flashings around an opening depend on which direction the panels run. In a warehouse, position loading doors to suit the movement of goods first, then set out the panel joints around them.

A narrow strip between two openings or beside a corner may have less load-bearing capacity than a full panel. Check the remaining width, how the strip meets the steelwork and where its fasteners can be placed.

Use the interlocks, seals and flashings specified for the panel system. Two panels with the same core can have different joint profiles and sealing instructions. Trace the air seal through the corners, plinth, openings and wall-to-roof junction.

Where horizontal panels meet end to end, the vertical joint must accommodate thermal movement and allow water to drain. Check what lies beneath the cover flashing. The insulation must continue through the joint if the detail is to retain its thermal performance.

Dark facings heat up more in sunlight than pale ones. A temperature difference across a panel can cause bowing, so allowable panel lengths and conditions of use can depend on colour. Check the manufacturer’s limits before changing to a different shade.

Long, straight joints make installation errors easy to see. Survey the support line before the first panel goes up and correct misaligned steelwork. Varying the joint widths to conceal it can leave a visibly uneven façade. Plan the installation sequence around the interlocks and safe lifting positions.

Use the effective cover width shown in the current product data to set out joints and count panels. Once the edges interlock, the cover width differs from the overall sheet width. Show windows on a dimensioned elevation to spot awkward slivers at wall ends. When adding an extension, compare the old and new panel modules and support positions. Even a close colour match will leave the joints visibly offset if these dimensions differ.

Vertical panels can suit a simple farm building or a store with few windows. Horizontal courses can work well around continuous glazing. Check both layouts against the geometry, panel requirements and intended use before selecting one.

Consider how a damaged panel could later be removed. Where forklifts pass close to walls, protect the base and corners with barriers positioned to take the impact before a vehicle reaches the cladding. Allow for this protection and for repair access when setting out the façade.