WALL TO CEILINGS SOLUTIONS
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EXPANSION & CONTRACTION FACTORS OF F.R.P. PANELS
- Thickness: Panels of different thicknesses from .045 to .125 are the most commonly used. The thickness of a panel will determine how strong the movement of the panel will be.
- Sizes: The size of the panel will determine how much a panel will move. The amount a panel will move (expand and contract) is directly proportional to its size. The larger the panel, the more it will move.
- Fire Ratings: In order to satisfy building codes in many areas of the country, certain limitations on the burning characteristics of panels have resulted in the use of different resins in the manufacturing of FRP panels, to satisfy building codes.
The resins used all have have different properties. Their expansion and contraction characteristics differ.
We have found that panels with different fire ratings will absorb moisture at considerably different rates. The differences are not enough to affect the performance of the panel itself, however they will reflect on the installation.
All of the above factors contribute to how a panel will perform after installation.
Taking these factors into consideration we have developed systems to provide consistent results in out installations.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BASIC F.R.P. INSTALLATIONS
For basic FRP panel installations where the FRP sheet is being installed over a sound substrate. eg: concrete block, drywall, plywood, plaster walls, we have found the following recommendations.
- Season the panel before installation: Allow panels to reach room temperature before attempting installation.
- For best results have the installation temperature higher than the operating temperature of the room. The panels will contract as the temperature goes down.
- Allow for the movement of the panel. The larger the panel, the more the movement.
- DO NOT use mechanical fastener unless absolutely necessary.
- Use only adhesive recommended by the manufacturer. (We have had to remove and replace with great difficulty and cost, too many installations where our recommendation was not used).
- Follow the installation instructions exactly. Too many contractors do not understand how severe the food plant environment may be. Dramatic failures will occur if instructions are not followed properly.
- Use an upgraded joining system that will match the life expectancy of the panel. Using an inexpensive PVC joining system to save money on the initial installation, will come back to haunt you if the usage is heavy.
- Use the proper caulking and sealing system. Most contractors will use products available through hardware stores, building product suppliers, etc. The caulking available through these outlets are more than adequate for residential, commercial and most industrial applications. The food industry is a very extreme service. Remember the caulking may be subject to continual high pressure washing, wet surfaces, and have to bond to very different materials. The use of the proper caulking will greatly enhance the life span of the panels.
We have done extensive research into joining systems for FRP panels, and have designed an extrusion system that addresses the problems found with the traditional PVC joining system. Water migration into a panel system will create problems in an installation faster than anything else. It will create a situation where mould, and bacteria growth cannot be controlled. Proper attention to these details will provide you with a long standing investment.
If you have a situation where you have a stud wall to cover, require insulation or going over an uneven substrate a laminated panel is recommended. Laminated panels come with different backers and thicknesses of insulation. It is important that the panel be engineered to your specific needs, and that the proper finishing details be used.
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