Common Challenges in Sandwich Panel Installation and How to Avoid Them

Sandwich panels with their excellent thermal insulation performance, light weight, and quick and efficient assembly, are widely used in large cold storage facilities, electronics workshops, factories, poultry houses, clean rooms, and other similar applications. However, many minor errors can occur during installation. Specific errors and how to avoid are as follows:

1. Inadequate sealing of sandwich panel seams leading to leaks or condensation: If the tongue and groove joints of the sandwich panels are not properly sealed, moisture can seep into the core, causing mold growth and even insulation failure.

How to avoid: Ensure proper tongue and groove joints. Longitudinal overlaps in the roof should be ≥200mm. Fill the joints with foam rods first, then apply double-layer weather-resistant sealant to eliminate any breaks.

2. Improper installation of fasteners leading to arching or air leakage: Tilted or unevenly spaced self-tapping screws can cause unevenness on the panel surface and water seepage around the screw holes.

How to avoid: Drive self-tapping screws perpendicular to the base surface, at least 50mm from the edge of the panel; maintain a uniform spacing of 300-500mm, and adjust the torque to avoid excessive pressure and deformation.

3. Misalignment during panel installation leads to unevenness. Insufficient leveling of the substrate or lack of a positioning benchmark during installation can result in uneven gaps due to accumulated deviations.

How to avoid: Use laser leveling to calibrate the substrate before construction; use stainless steel shims for minor adjustments to any deviations; check the flatness after every three panels installed.

4. Damage caused by panel transportation or storage. Moisture buildup during stacking and impacts during installation can cause scratches on the panel surface and moisture absorption in the core material, leading to rust and reduced insulation performance.

How to avoid: Use pallets or pads to elevate and cover composite panels with a rainproof film; use soft slings for hoisting, and prevent steel wire ropes from directly contacting the panel surface.

In short, 30% of the quality of sandwich panel installation depends on the installer's skill. Properly sealing, securing, leveling, and protecting the joints of composite panels during installation can avoid 90% of common problems and reduce later maintenance costs.