Insulated Sandwich Panels for Roofs and Walls

An insulated sandwich panel is a composite cladding element made of two steel faces bonded to an insulating core. The faces provide weather protection and finish, while the core provides insulation and makes the panel stiff enough to span between purlins or girts. Roof panels have a profiled outer face for drainage, and wall panels may have flat, lightly profiled or architectural faces.

Panels are installed in one operation, replacing separate sheeting, insulation and liner layers. This shortens erection and gives a clean interior finish. Interlocking side joints with seals create a continuous envelope with good airtightness, which makes sandwich panels the usual choice for cold stores and temperature-controlled buildings.

Core materials include rigid foams and mineral wool. The core type and thickness are chosen for the required thermal performance, fire performance and acoustic properties. Where the building code or insurer sets fire requirements, the panel system must have the relevant test classification for the intended use.

Fastening, joint details and support spacing are selected by design for the wind loads and the panel span. Thermal movement and color selection are considered together, since dark colors on long panels can lead to higher surface temperatures.

World Steel supplies insulated sandwich panels with matching trims and flashings, integrated into the building design so that frame, secondary members and openings suit the panel modules. Panels are specified for each project to the code and performance requirements stated by the owner or designer.

When requesting panels, state the building use, interior and exterior design temperatures, required thermal and fire performance, face profiles and colors, and the panel spans. These details allow the correct core type and thickness to be confirmed for review.