External Wall Cladding – What’s important to consider before making any choices?

When you are looking for external wall cladding systems, it is important that your choice complies with all of the relevant building regulations and that it ensures the maintenance of an efficient level of insulation in a building.

Wall CladdingIn the past, wall cladding often did not really have to consider the insulation effects that were seen due to loose regulations, but in recent times this has become a massive issue as people are conferenced about having structures that are energy efficient. If a building is energy efficient, heat can be maximised while energy costs minimised. It’s a win-win situation.

You may want to simply refurbish an existing structure or starting from scratch with the external wall cladding. Whatever the case may be, our ventilated rainscreen system of wall cladding at Danpal can help you achieve all of these goals and then more.

It has been shown that about 40% of energy consumption in most developed countries comes from buildings. This highlights the large scope for savings when it come sot energy costs. Our ventilated rainscreen system at Danpal has been designed specifically with this statistic key in the front of the minds of our designers and engineers.

Our system involves the well-respected Danpalon panel that helps to insure that the insulation is protected at all times no matter the weather or extent of impact.

One of the keys to having effective external wall cladding is having an optimal level of natural ventilation. Thanks to the convective motion seen behind our panels, the insulation will be kept dry and will not lose any of its performance benefits over time. This replaces the costs of having to replace damaged or suboptimal panels in the long run.

The system is light and solid at the same time. It is made up of connector bound microcell polycarbonate panels which are 3 times more lightweight than the usual rain screen cladding that is found on the market.

As it is so easy to install, you will be able to meet your project deadlines and even come in before deadlines as a result than if you were using more traditional options.

If you are building in an environment that receives a lot of rainfall and strong winds during the year, water tightness going to be something you are very concerned with when making your selection. Our system has perfect water tightness so this is not an issue you will have to worry about again.

The power of rainscreen cladding

Our ventilated rainscreen cladding system allows you to achieve an appealing looking exterior to your structure while still achieving some great performance benefits.

In this day and age, there are a lot of regulations that need to be met for new and existing structures. This could be related to the environmental aspects to a building or just your standard building requirements.

rainscreen claddingThis is why it is much easier utilizing an integrated system that combines all of your needs into one thing, rather than trying to piece different aspects of regulations together from multiple sources.

These days it has been shown that approximately 40% of the energy consumption that is primarily consumed in developed countries is from buildings. This means that there is a requirement for buildings to do everything they can to minimize the negative outputs they have on the environment.

The key way in which this can be achieved through rainscreen cladding is by utilizing a system that has a high level of thermal insulation, like our VRS system.

Our rainscreen cladding is based on a process of natural ventilation thanks to an air gap that is designed into our VRS system. This allows there to be a constant connective motion permeating behind the panels. This allows the insulation to stay dry and keep its performance benefits at an optimal level long into the future.

This is thanks to the Danpalon panel that is being used. This system is also nice and lightweight, so you will have no trouble having it installed. Having said this, it is still extremely solid and has a high impact on resistance as it is made up of polycarbonate panels which are bound by connector made out of microcell technology.

This is why we can prove our system is three times lighter than rainscreen cladding without compromising on any of the performance aspects of the system.

As the system does not need any form of additional framing structures when installing it, you can save a lot of time, energy and costs by making the connections directly on the support.

If you are concerned about adverse weather conditions negatively affecting your structure’s integrity, thanks to the double notching found in our VRS panels, there is going to be a perfect level of water tightness in the structure.

Finally, the icing on the cake is all of the different creative features you can add into the system to make it as visually appealing as you like, depending on your tastes and preferences.

How are polycarbonate panels so much stronger than other alternatives?

The market for polycarbonate and polycarbonate panels has developed in recent years. Largely down to the fact that people are looking for more environmentally friendly and energy efficient materials to be used on their structures.

If people solely wanted to protect the environment, but the panels were expensive and not energy efficient, these polycarbonate panels would be nowhere near as popular as they are today.

polycarbonate panels All across the world polycarbonate has been replacing the traditional building materials like toughened glass and polyethylene membrane across a wide variety of industries. This is largely down to the fact that they strike the best balance between high impact strength, being lightweight, frame resistance, anti-drop, light transmission and UV protection, all while still looking great from an aesthetic perspective.

Clear polycarbonate is just as translucent as glass, but it is only half the weight which makes it a whole lot easier to transport and to install. Test studies have shown that polycarbonate sheeting and panelling strength is approximately 200 times that of your usual glass and up to 20 times of tempering glass. This is why they are such a great solution for structures that are exposed to a lot of tough weather conditions like storm rain and strong winds.

At Danpal, we have created a top of the line translucent façade system utilising polycarbonate panels to great effect. We have a specially designed rain screen system that is completely waterproof, which helps to preserve the integrity of a surface long into the future.

As polycarbonate is so easy to cut and you have the flexibility to utilise it in many different forms, more and more architects are using it to come up with innovative and highly functional designs for the structures they are working on.

The main area of benefit for many people is that they are top quality insulators. In this day and age, buildings make up about 40% of the primary energy consumption for most developed nations. This is why insulation is so important in terms of managing energy costs.

Our system protects the insulation from external forces thanks largely to the natural ventilation in the facade as a result of the air gap. This means that there is a constant convective motion occurring behind these panels, which keeps the insulation nice and dry, as well as efficient in the long run.

What does the future hold for polycarbonate panels?

In the past few years, polycarbonate panels have transformed the construction industry. This is thanks to the wide range of features that they brought to the table including ease of installation, energy efficiency and increased design options.

This has made the lives of developers and architects a whole lot easier, as there are more choices to choose from and the overall finish of the structure is closer to what was idealized. While polycarbonate panels may initially be a bit more than the traditional materials that were used when constructing the facade of a building, in the long term they are going to save you money.

polycarbonate panelsThis is why the use of these panels is going to grow and grow into the future. We are moving into a time where energy efficient materials are going to trump everything. Energy costs are set to rise into the future, so having a structure that is as energy efficient as possible is going to be a top priority of all developers and hence designers. This will save you money in the form of energy costs into the future.

With climate change becoming more of an issue, more extreme weather conditions will very likely be experienced across the globe. This means that structures may not be ready to withstand the effects that these conditions will have on them.

Excess rain and wind can cause damage to the facade if subpar materials are used, leading to leaks, structural damage as well as a whole host of other issues. Polycarbonate panels can be easily installed onto a structure, so they are a quick yet effective solution to changing climates. They are resistant to extreme weather conditions and you will not have to be spending heaps of money repairing them.

Currently China is the biggest market when it comes to polycarbonate and this looks set to grow even further into the future. As the Chinese economy develops, more complex designs will be implemented on structures as there will be more money to throw at the construction of buildings, rather than only worrying about the cost of them. This is a trend that will exist throughout the Asia-Pacific region, especially as the wealth of the population increases.

Our range of polycarbonate panels at Danpal have been carefully designed and are constantly being tweaked in order to stay up to date with the latest trends and research. You can’t go wrong with using our products to ensure energy efficiency in your structure.

Why Danpal’s Polycarbonate Panels Are the Premier Choice for So Many Architects

There are so many different suppliers of polycarbonate panels around, which makes it hard to narrow down your selection, especially if you are not sure what you to look for.

You want to ensure that the polycarbonate panels been melted at the correct temperature. Depending on the manufacturer, different additives will be use to give it specific properties.

The first thing you should do is list all of your requirements for what you want to achieve with the panels. This includes your budget, functional features – you need and the right aesthetic look for your structure. This is a quick way to narrow down your options.

You will then need to do your research and look both online and in local stores, as well as getting recommendations of trusted peers.

It’s really important to choose a supplier that has put the product through a rigorous quality assurance tests, and holds International standards certificates, such as ISO 9001.

Polycarbonate PanelsDanpal range of polycarbonate panels

As the leading provider of polycarbonate panels our product range ticks all of the boxes that you could ever wish for. You know you are getting the upmost of quality when you are dealing with a firm that has provided the polycarbonate panels for magnificent structures like the Batiment Air France or the Blackburn Youth Zone Centre.

Look at the unique features of Danpal VRS system- It is 100% waterproof, lightweight, easy and cost effective to install, has a wide range of designs and colours to choose from, and more importantly, it is environmentally friendly.

Learn more about Danpal VRS system here.

The shift towards translucent facade for energy efficiency

In this day and age, architects and developers are becoming more and more concerned with the sort of green footprint they are leaving on the earth. Climate change has become a real issue to think about and factor into the decision making process when it comes to new structures.

By enacting certain energy efficient protocols, buildings will also be able to save on energy costs in the long run thanks to more efficient insulation materials like the usage of translucent facade, as well as there being more mindfulness to the issues that affect every person.

Over the past decade opaque solar facades have become hugely popular. These are translucent facades that reflect ad absorb incident solar radiation but will not directly transfer solar heat gain inside of the building.

This means that the translucent facade will help to ensure that the building temperature is kept at optimal levels thanks to its superior insulation effect, while not baking alive those people inside of the building.

Danpal’s translucent facade system

translucent facadeIt can be quiet a complex issue to think about, depending especially on what sort of climate you are living in. This is why there are many forms of research currently being carried out on the matter. The translucent facade system that was developed by Danpal addresses a lot of the concerns that people have at the moment.

This system has superior light diffusion thanks to the glazing panels which ensure an even diffusion of light which is perfect for daytime applications. This is achieved by the tightly space ribs which doubles up as a great design feature aesthetically.

The high level of thermal insulation is achieved thanks to the unique cell structure found in the translucent facade, with great U and R values to prove this.

Learn More on Translucent Facade Here.

Interior panels bring your interior design together

When it comes to designing the interior of a space, it is important that all of your goals and aims are achieved in a balanced way. You don’t want to focus on each area individually, as when everything is put together; it may appear disjointed and too busy.

Instead, it is a good idea to always think of the design on a macro level, where everything pulls together to achieve one collective goal.

There are so many factors that go into designing a quality interior, that it takes a lot of careful planning and a lot of tough choices will need to be made.

Aligning the walls and ceilings

interior panelsWhen it comes to the walls, interior panels need to be properly used in order to give off an illusion of space and cleanliness. Danpal achieve this thanks to the interior panels which come in a variety of colours, have clean lines and maximize lighting effects to give a feeling of illuminance to any space that you step foot in.

Many people forget about the importance of ceilings when it comes to interior design, but they are one of the most important pieces of the puzzle.

You can use the ceiling to add colour and life to the space. Danpal offers unique solutions which can cover large areas of concrete or celling surfaces, all in a manner that is quick and easy to implement. The ceiling surfaces are smooth and clean, allowing light to be optimally integrated.

Composition of the panelling

When it comes to interior panels, you are spoilt for choice with Danpal’s range of offerings. No matter what textures, finishing or colours you decide to go with, you are guaranteed a structure that is exceptionally durable, has superior light diffusion and is high impact. This will leave your interior space looking great, as well as lasting long into the future.

The reason Danpal can achieve all of these great features is thanks to the Microcell panels which vary in thickness and widths depending on your needs. They have been purposely built with tight spacing in between the ribs in order to ensure superior lighting diffusion.
The beauty of the Danpal interior panels
If you want to create a blended look to your interior, or you want to go for a more bold design, Danpal has the consistency in quality and aesthetics to achieve any goals.

There are now so many different aesthetic possibilities opened up to you. This means that you can transform previously mundane and uninspiring spaces into a revolutionary structure which has been transformed by sleek design and quality light.

Everything from the walls to the partitions and ceilings can be transformed into radiant sculptural elements that will help to contribute to an amazingly unique ambience in the space.

Your creativity will know no bounds when it come sot using the Danpal interior system, as you can maximise the visual potential of both artificial and natural light. Best of all, it is quick and easy to install thanks to its lightweight nature.

Choosing the right facade material for housing design projects

If you are designing housing units, there is usually a certain amount of restriction placed upon you when it comes to expressing yourself creatively. Usually, cost will play a significant role in what sort of design work you can do and features that you can add.

By carefully choosing the facade material, you are able to transform even the most boring and normal looking house into something that has style and substance to it. It is all about finding that right balance when it comes to the key features.

The choice of style

Perhaps the most important part of choosing the facade is deciding what style you are going to use. There are so many different variations and styles catered for in the market today that it can be hard to nail down one choice.

You want to give the housing some personality and a unique style that will make it appealing to the home owner. Is your preference more towards minimalist, traditional, contemporary or modern styles? The list goes on.

You need to factor in what sort of look will suit the surroundings and general location of where the homes are going to be.

facade materialWhat are your preferred materials?

Every designer will have certain materials that they like to use over others. You want to use materials that are going to stand out. You can find inspiration by driving around other housing estates in the area and seeing what works well, as well as what doesn’t.

This allows you to learn from other people’s mistakes and failures, as well as seeing the image in your head somewhat brought to life.

Which colours are representative of your design?

You want to choose colours for the facade that are easy to manage (i.e. easy to clean), as well as tying in with the design of the rest of the house and developing an aesthetically stylish finish.

You can even use different shades of the same colour to give off a layering effect that has some depth to it or you could go for a bold look that contrasts different darks and light colours along with varying textures.

Don’t forget about landscape and lighting

In order to complete the look of a house, it has to fit in with its surroundings. You can have the most beautifully designed house in the world, but if it doesn’t fit in, then it will not look right. You can utilise things like columns, feature lighting and brick stacks to make the houses stand out.

Danpal and their wide range of facade materials

Danpal has a variety of different facades that have different facade materials being used. Whatever you are looking for, the team at Danpal can cater for your needs.

There are so many different textures, colours, and iterations to choose from, you will be sure to find something that fits your eye and the project at hand. What is great about their facade options is that they are lightweight, while still being very resistant to outside forces, meaning that they will last a lifetime.

Advice to keep in mind when working with polycarbonate panels

When it comes to choosing the right plastic material for your task at hand, look no further than polycarbonate panels. This material is pretty much unbreakable and usually come in two different iterations; as a

  • multiwall polycarbonate which is a structured sheet that has air chambers which are hollow

Or

  •  solid polycarbonate which is clear, flat sheeting that has the appearance of glass

Both of these polycarbonate panels have their own distinct advantages and it often comes down to which is more aesthetically pleasing for the project at hand rather than the functionality of the panels coming into play.

Does this type of panelling scratch?

While plastic and glass panelling is liable to scratching, the polycarbonate surface is a material that has been hardened to withstand high levels of resistant.

If a piece of glass is scratched, the glass breaks away in tiny shards and the scratch is not very visible to the human eye. Alternatively, when plastic panelling is scratched, the fragments don’t break away, they move to another location which leaves a visible indentation that is raised on the surface.

This sort of effect needs to be taken into consideration when you are deciding to use plastic sheeting.

On the other hand, it is a lot harder to cause cracks or breaks in the polycarbonate panels as even though it is half the weight of glass, it is actually more than 200 times stronger than glass.

It is also flexible while maintaining strength levels and rigidity. This is why polycarbonate panels are often used as a guard in moving machinery parts, farming machinery wind shields and in security screens.

Does polycarbonate panelling bend?

This type of panelling does bend, which gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to the design of the project at hand. Larger sheets will have a bend with a greater radius and are well fitted for arching rooves. The greater the thickness and the smaller in size a panel are, the harder it will be to bend.

The advantages of Danpal polycarbonate panels

polycarbonate-panel2At Danpal, there are a number of different systems that utilise polycarbonate panels.

One such example is the ventilated rain system which gives a structure an aesthetically pleasing exterior while also efficiently insulating the structure from any damage that may be caused by adverse weather conditions.

Thanks to the air gap, there is a lot of natural ventilation which will allow the insulation to stay dry and perform effectively long into the future.

It is said that approximately 40% of the primary energy consumption comes from the building itself, which is why the Danpal system is so effective when it comes to saving on energy costs.

This extra form of protection is the perfect type of insulation for the task at hand. Best of all, it is quick and easy to install, as well as there being so much choice when it comes to design and the colour of the panelling.

Danpal – The pros and cons of installing skylights

When you are designing a building, there are so many different variables that you have to consider. Even the tiniest of features needs to be thoroughly thought out, exploring the different options in terms of the materials to use, the design of the materials, the colour, the price and how this feature will fit in with the rest of the structure.

This is why the top design professionals can charge the big bucks, they know how to manage all of these variables and come out with an end product that is pleasing in all aspects.

One decision that is difficult to make a lot of the time is whether or not you should install skylights into the building you are designing.

They are such an aesthetically pleasing way in which you can allow a lot more natural light enter into a building, but they also come with some drawbacks that you need to account for. At Danpal, the team is experienced in which situations are suited to skylights and at which times it is best to avoid using them.

Pros

The space will look larger

If the space you are designing is small or there is going to be a lot of activity in it, skylights are a great way of giving the illusion of there being more space. It makes the ceiling look as if it is wider and the sunlight and moonlight will be able to fill up the room. This will relax the mind and make the room a lot more visually appealing, as it won’t appear to be as cramped.

Potential for solar heating

When the sun is shining through the skylights, there will be a natural heat coming through that will help somewhat to warm up a room. By using quality skylights, such as the Danpavault system provided by Danpal, you can achieve great thermal insulation and extended UV protection, which will keep the inhabitants and contents of the space in great condition.

Cons

Potential problems if you don’t use a trusted system

When it comes to skylights, you have to ensure that you are going for quality rather than trying to save costs. By utilising subpar skylights, you may experience leaks over time, which will cause damage to the space and all of its contents.

The Danpal Danpavault system

danpalThe Danpavault system is one of the best types of skylight that is on the market today.

No matter what your need is, this skylight will be able to solve it. They are of an unlimited length, so they can be easily integrated with all different roof types.

When it comes to installation, this system is very flexible. You can have them self-supporting or alternatively you may decide to have them installed over a metal structure. There are also additional options that you can decide to implement through aluminium framing, such as bars, connectors or spacers.

The special nature of the Danpavault’s structure means that light is evenly diffused, which leads to long term durability, as well as effective thermal insulation and UV protection.

Finally, the structure is extremely resistant to high impacts and damage from hail, so you don’t have to worry about these factors if the structure is located in a particularly turbulent climate.