Features of HPL panels for facades, advantages and disadvantages of the material + installation instructions

Architects and builders are increasingly choosing HPL (High Pressure Laminate) panels to improve the durability and aesthetic appeal of building facades. Layers of kraft paper that have been impregnated with resins and fused together at high pressure and temperature make up these panels. The outer layer, which comes in a variety of hues, textures, and patterns, is a decorative paper that gives HPL panels their distinctive look.

The extraordinary weather resistance and durability of HPL panels is one of their most notable qualities. They can be used in a variety of climatic conditions due to their high resistance to UV radiation, moisture, and impact. Because of their longevity, HPL panels are a great option for facade applications because they don’t fade or degrade over many years and can retain their color and finish.

The adaptability of HPL panels’ designs is another important benefit. Architects value HPL’s ability to create a variety of visual effects, from smooth, contemporary finishes to the textures of natural stone or wood. This adaptability permits artistic expression while guaranteeing the facade harmonizes with the building’s overall architectural concept.

HPL panels do have certain drawbacks despite their many benefits. Their propensity to scratch, particularly during handling and installation, is one noteworthy feature. In order to keep the panels looking perfect after installation, care must be taken to protect them during these stages.

For HPL panel installation to guarantee optimal performance and longevity, meticulous attention to detail is necessary. Mechanical fasteners or adhesives are usually used to attach panels to a substructure, depending on the particular application and structural requirements. In order to get the best results and make sure the panels are firmly fastened and aligned, installation instructions provided by the manufacturer must be followed.

What are hpl panels for the facade

Although HPL panels have been successfully used in the West for a considerable amount of time, they are a relatively new product on the Russian finishing materials market. The term "high pressure laminate," which is represented by the acronym "hpl" (high pressure laminate), accurately describes the process used to create the material.

Among the contents are:

• Kraft paper.
• Cellulose.
• Thermosetting resins.

Thermosetting resins’ high temperatures and pressures trigger curing processes that unite the constituent parts into a single, dense composite.

The cured thermoset resin is reinforced by cellulose fibers, which improves the components’ elasticity and bond strength. The end product is a new generation of material that is simple to process, decorate, and work with thanks to its effective combination of qualities.

The final panel is composed of multiple layers, such as a decorative layer, a base layer, and a transparent layer for protection (lamination). One or both sides may have the decorative layer applied, and practically any pattern may be used.

These days, a vast array of surface texture (embossing) and pattern options, as well as matte or glossy surfaces, are available for the samples that are produced. The panels can also be perforated for higher steam output.

Customers haven’t had a chance to use the material long enough to form a firm, definitive opinion. HPL plastic has a wide range of potential applications that have not yet been fully explored, and its practical application appears to have excellent prospects.

Advantages and disadvantages

The material has a long list of benefits, including:

• Strength.
• Light weight.
• UV resistance.
• Moisture resistance.
• Wear resistance.
• Tolerates high temperatures.
• Resistance to mechanical stress.
• Doesn"t get dirty.

Graffiti cannot easily be removed from the material by using a moist or solvent-soaked cloth. This property is extremely valuable for the lower levels of public buildings.

• Resistant to chemicals.
• Easy to install and maintain (periodic cleaning of dust).
• It is possible to print any designs on the surface of the panels, wide range of decorative possibilities.
• Can be finished both externally and internally.

But there are drawbacks as well:

• Flammability of the material. It is relatively low, but the ability to burn is present.
• The large area of ​​the sheets creates a high wind load, which requires strong fastening to the supporting subsystem.
• High cost of panels.

The primary hindrance to the material’s increased popularity is its exorbitant price. In general, large businesses or organizations with the resources to complete buildings use HPL panels.

Nonetheless, there is cause for optimism that the material’s cost will somewhat decrease as production and promotion grow.

Technical characteristics of HPL panels for facades

Listing the technical features of HPL panels is difficult because the material is still in its early stages of development and lacks more or less accepted standards.

However, for a few examples, we can list the most fundamental attributes:

• Sheet length – 2.8-4.1 m.
• Sheet width – 1.3-1.85 m.
• Thickness – from 2 to 26 mm.
• Operating temperature range – from -60° to +80°.
• Water absorption at exposure 48 hours -1%.
• Tensile strength – 80 Pa (at design 65 Pa).
• Weight 1 sq.m. panels – 8.7 kg (with a thickness of 6 mm), up to 14 kg (with a thickness of 12 mm).
• Panels can withstand local heating up to 180°.
• Density – 1-1.2 g/cube.cm.
• Relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Proximate indicative data representing the sheet’s linear dimensions. The capacity to create sheets in any size upon request is guaranteed by the manufacturers.

Where are facade panels used

Acid rain, UV rays, low or high temperatures, and other harsh atmospheric conditions can all be effectively withstood by the material.

These characteristics justify the classification of HPL plastic as a general-purpose, universal cladding type, such as:

• External cladding of facades.
• Cladding of balcony railings.
• Design of structural elements, billboards, etc.d.
• Manufacturing of furniture elements.
• Design of vehicles – carriage building, shipbuilding, mechanical engineering.

Moreover, HPL plastic is effectively utilized for interior design, creating distinct cabins, segmenting the space into zones and sectors, etc.

The material’s properties enable it to be applied in a multitude of contexts, extending beyond simple exterior or interior design.

Main manufacturers

Since the material is relatively new, there aren’t enough manufacturers on the list at this time.

As of right now, we know:

• Austrian company FunderMax (the most famous manufacturer of hpl panels).
• Dutch company Trespa.
• Russian manufacturer Sloplast.

We can anticipate the emergence of numerous new manufacturers in the near future due to the high potential of HPL plastic. They will probably restock their ranks with some of the most prosperous exterior cladding manufacturers.

We examine High Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels for facades in this article, outlining their salient characteristics, benefits, and limitations. Because of their reputation for strength and beauty, HPL panels are a common option for remodeling and building projects. We examine the advantages—such as resistance to weather, minimal upkeep, and a wide range of design possibilities—against factors like expense and installation difficulty. Furthermore, we offer do-it-yourselfers and experts alike helpful installation guidelines that guarantee the safe and efficient application of HPL panels for beautiful and durable facade solutions.

Types of decorative hpl panels

Decorative HPL panels should first be separated into two primary categories:

• External (for facades). Features greater density and thickness for increased strength and resistance to external loads.
• Internal (for interiors). They have less thickness and density, which makes them cheaper.

Furthermore, different variations of HPL plastic are utilized as sheet materials to create fences, billboards, light trade pavilions, and other internal or external structures for different uses.

Outside ornamental HPL panels accessible in a range of thicknesses: 2 to 26 mm (some sources report a maximum thickness of 30 mm). The skin is lighter and the supporting structures are under less stress when the thickness is smaller.

Every manufacturer has a line, or lines, of facade panels designed specifically for adorning a building’s exterior walls. Large panels, ones with double-sided decoration, perforated panels, etc., are among the options.

Utilizing every option for material manufacturing, the most promising areas are found and developed. In essence, techniques for applying the decorative layer and its composition are being developed, though samples devoid of any decoration are entirely natural.

Installation instructions

HPL panel installation is done on a lathing, or as it is more commonly known, a subsystem, supporting structure.

You can construct it with a variety of materials, ranging from standard wooden bars to specially made structures. The least dependable option is wooden blocks, which will begin to rot in any case of moisture.

The most popular method of finishing low-rise buildings is the use of metal guides for gypsum boards because of their affordable price, smooth geometry, and adequate strength.

However, the power of the system prevents it from withstanding strong wind loads, so it is not appropriate for large building facades. A specific subsystem made to withstand high wind loads and heavy cladding weight will be needed for large buildings.

These subsystems come in a variety of forms, with each manufacturer having a unique variation of the supporting framework.

The subsystem is installed on a wall that has been prepped and free of any hanging components or structures. Brackets are mounted at the designated spots on the marked wall. They are fixed to anchor bolts made of zinc. Transverse load-bearing strips are fixed on the brackets, and vertical strips are fixed on them.

There are multiple methods for installing panels. The easiest of them all is installing blind rivets through drilled holes.

Furthermore, a covert installation technique is available for unique metal components fastened to the panel’s rear.

When the panel is fixed motionless or has the potential to move within the hole, there is a method of fastening with a floating and fixed point. It is advised to use a floating point option to account for heat expansions.

Installing double-sided adhesive tape and glue (like Sika Tack®-Panel) is another way to achieve hidden fastening. Due to the elasticity of the adhesive layer and adhesive tape, this option works well when it’s necessary to account for the material’s thermal expansion.

Selecting the appropriate material for the facade of your building is essential for both longevity and visual appeal. High Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels are becoming a popular option because of their usefulness and adaptability. These panels are made of several layers of kraft paper that has been saturated with phenolic resin, covered in a decorative layer, and sealed with an impermeable layer. Because of their design, HPL panels are extremely resilient to impact, UV rays, and weathering, making them appropriate for a wide range of climates.

The aesthetic versatility of HPL panels is one of their main benefits. They resemble natural materials like stone or wood and are available in an extensive array of hues, patterns, and textures. This diversity preserves the useful advantages of a sturdy, low-maintenance material while enabling architects and designers to create a variety of visual effects. Long-term maintenance costs are also decreased by HPL panels’ ease of cleaning and lack of need for painting or sealing.

For HPL panel installation to guarantee maximum performance and longevity, meticulous attention to detail is necessary. It is recommended to install panels on a stable substructure with mechanical fixing systems that can adapt to changes in temperature. In order to stop water infiltration, which over time could jeopardize the panels as well as the building structure, joints and edges must be sealed properly.

HPL panels have many benefits, but there are a few things to keep in mind as well. Despite their extreme durability, problems like delamination or color fading can arise from incorrect installation or maintenance. Furthermore, even though HPL panels are lighter than concrete or natural stone, their installation might still call for specialized tools and knowledgeable labor.

In summary, HPL panels present a desirable option for facade construction, fusing practical durability with visual appeal. Their resistance to environmental influences and adaptability as designers make them a popular option for contemporary architecture. The aesthetic appeal and long-term viability of buildings can be extended for many years with HPL panels if installation procedures are followed and routine maintenance is carried out.

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