Sandwich panels are a versatile building material that have a variety of different uses and applications in commercial construction. They’re used in a lot a different places and have a lot of advantages over other more traditional building materials.

So let’s explore the different ways sandwich panels are used in construction.

But first, what exactly is a sandwich panel? A sandwich panel is made up of an internal layer sandwiched between two rigid outer layers. Although sandwich panels are usually quite rigid and strong, they’re typically not strong enough to be load bearing. Sandwich panels are made out of a lot of different materials, depending on what they’re being used for, but typically the internal material is expanded polystyrene, mineral wool fibre, or similar.

Sandwich panels have excellent insulation properties and are often fire rated, so their uses often fall into applications where this is important.

Cold Storage

Because of their insulating qualities, sandwich panels are often used in cold storage facilities.

These facilities are usually very large and contain pallet racking, storing goods on pallets. This is why sandwich panels are used instead of other building materials when creating cool rooms and other cold storage facilities. Sandwich panels are relatively light weight, fast and easy to install, and provide the level of insulation required to keep the facility cold.

Processing Facilities

Since sandwich panels provide excellent insulation, they’re also good for use in facilities where a relatively steady temperature is needed (even if temperature control isn’t needed). So, in the same way that sandwich panels work well in cold storage facilities, they also work well in general processing facilities.

The other benefit of using sandwich panels when building processing facilities is that they’re easy to clean when needed. They’re also easy to install and also take down when it’s time to do an end of lease make good.

Fire Resistant Areas

Many sandwich panels are also fire resistant, which means that they can be used in areas that require a fire rating. This can be in processing areas or areas that have a high risk of fire. If a fire does occur in these areas, a fire rated sandwich panels can slow or even prevent the spread of a fire in an industrial facility.

Like other uses of sandwich panels, using sandwich panels in places that need fire resistance has the added benefit that the panels are often quick and easy to install, often saving time and money in the construction process.

Roofing And Facades

Sandwich panels are also very useful in the use of roofing and facades. As mentioned, these panels are fast and easy to install, and they’re also water tight, making them ideal to used in outdoor areas. Then, of course, since sandwich panels have excellent thermal insulation, they’re ideal for facades and roofing in order to help keep building warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

However, as mentioned, sandwich panels often aren’t good for structural use, which is why they’re often only used for facades rather than for load bearing walls.

Talk To Us About Your Next Project

Sandwich panels are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. If you have a project coming up that may have use for sandwich panels, get in touch with us. We’d be happy to provide advice.