Selecting an appropriate thickness for a sandwich panel is important for performance in construction projects throughout the UAE. With energy efficiency and overheating becoming a greater concern, knowing the specifications of the panels can help save money and increase comfort. This guide details the suggestions of the foremost sandwich panel suppliers in the UAE for different uses.
Understanding Sandwich Panel Basics
These building materials are made up of three layers: two outer metal sheets with an insulating core in between. Because of their strong thermal insulation, quick installation, and ability to withstand the UAE’s harsh desert climate, they are widely used across the country’s construction sector.
And with over 25 years of experience, Van Group has become a trusted sandwich panel supplier in the UAE, offering PU, PIR, and rockwool core options to suit different project requirements.
Standard Thickness Options Available In The UAE
While consulting with sandwich panel suppliers in the UAE, you will likely come across standard thickness options:
For Wall Applications:
- 30mm to 50mm: Light insulation requirements
- 50mm to 75mm: Standard insulation needs
- 100mm to 150mm: Exceeds heavy insulation requirements
For Roof Applications:
- 40mm to 50mm: Basic insulation requirements
- 75mm: Under moderate insulation needs
- 100mm and above: Heavy insulation demands
Van Group offers options of custom insulation thicknesses from 30mm to 150mm, with a standard of 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm being the most popular for roof and wall installations.
Selecting The Right Thickness Based On Your Climate Zone
The UAE’s extreme climate requires special attention when deciding panel thickness. Industry statistics suggest that buildings in the UAE face external temperatures beyond 50 degrees Celsius during summers, enforcing the need for optimal insulation.
For coastal regions like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, sandwich panel suppliers in the UAE suggest:
- Minimum 50mm thickness for general use
- 75mm-100mm for buildings needing better temperature regulation
For inland regions with relatively more extreme temperature changes, Van Group recommends using 75mm-thick panels or higher for sufficient insulation against heat and cold.
Application-Specific Recommendations
Every building type has specific requirements regarding the optimal panel thickness for each use case:
Cold Storage Facilities:
- Panels of 100 mm-150 mm are suitable for temperature maintenance of 4 degrees Celsius and chilling of 0 deg celsius.
- 150mm and above panels are suited for freezer application between -25 and -18 degrees celsius
Warehouses and Industrial Buildings:
- For most of these building types , 50mm-75mm panels tend to provide optimal insulation.
- If the building is specifically designed to store temperature-sensitive goods, then 75 to 100mm panels are favored.
Commercial Buildings:
- 50 mm panels provide satisfactory insulation for an office or commercial retail unit.
- For commercial buildings with elevated cooling needs, 75mm is more effective for energy efficiency.
Van Group does not only suggest optimum panel thickness after measuring client specifications but also works alongside them to understand their needs.
Consideration Of Technical Performance Factors
Each quote from UAE sandwich panel suppliers considers several factors that impact thickness choice, and these factors must be carefully evaluated because they affect performance.
As requirements vary by project, factors such as insulation needs, structural strength, and fire resistance all come into play, but the final decision often depends on the specific application and budget.
Thermal performance
Thermal performance is the concurrent heat transfer within a material. Such a function gets better with increased panel thickness. For example, if using a PU panel, a 50mm will yield a U-value of 0.45 W/m²K, and a 100mm will improve that rating to 0.22 W/m²K.
Load-bearing ability:
Structural strength generally refers to a material’s ability to support loads without failure, and in most cases, thicker panels perform better than thinner ones. As Van Group explains, using a 100mm panel made from a specific material offers significantly greater load-bearing capacity than a 50mm panel made from the same material because the added thickness enhances durability and strength.
Fire Resistance:
PIR and rockwool cores outperform standard PU in fire resistance, and they are ideal for projects where enhanced fire safety is a key concern. As fire risks increase, Van Group recommends using PIR panels with a minimum thickness of 75mm because they provide better protection, but rockwool panels can also be effective even at lower thicknesses due to their natural fire-resistant properties.
Cost versus Performance Value Analysis
The initial price is lower with thinner panels, but increasing thickness often yields greater long-term value through energy savings.
Many UAE sandwich panel suppliers, like Van Group, assist clients in determining the best thickness based on budget and performance.
For instance, upgrading from 50mm to 75mm panels can raise material costs by 15-25% but reduce cooling energy needs by 20-30%.
Installation Issues
Different thicknesses of panels require distinct installation methods and have different requisites:
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- Specialized handling equipment might be needed for thicker panels (100mm+)
- Some details of fastening systems and connection detailing depend on the thickness
- Joint design and edge treatment vary between thickness options
Regardless of the selected panel thickness, Van Group’s comprehensive installation guidance ensures proper handling and installation.
Sustainability Factors
Sustainability compliance is a priority in the UAE, and while regulations can be challenging, Van Group helps clients meet them by recommending the optimal panel thickness. As a result, businesses stay compliant and efficient.
Van Group also advises clients on improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact through the ideal panel thickness.
Conclusion
Experts choose the right sandwich panel thickness because it ensures top performance, boosts energy efficiency, and reduces operational costs.
Project managers can confidently rely on experienced sandwich panel suppliers like Van Group to meet project requirements.
With over 25 years of experience, Van Group helps clients select the ideal panels and guides them through the material specification process. When developing cold storage, warehouses, or commercial buildings, paying attention to the supplier’s recommendations is essential.Van Group’s UAE-based consultants offer personalized guidance, ensuring their recommendations align with the unique demands of the UAE climate.