In recent years, wall cladding has become a new trend in the construction industry. The purpose of wall cladding is to protect the wall while giving it a decorative appearance. Due to its weathering properties, interiors are protected from sunlight, rain, wind, snow, and fire.
You can get laminate, stone cladding, tiles, brick cladding, glass, aluminum composite panels, fiber cement boards, etc., on the market. Cladding is often done with wooden aluminum composite panels.
This product is lightweight and flexible, which makes installation easy.
Before choosing the cladding material for your home, every homeowner should know a few details about ACP sheets, their applications, benefits, installation, and much more.
The article covers all of them, though.
Let’s see what we have.
ACP Sheet: What Is It?
Aluminum composite panels are called ACP sheets. Aluminum composite material (ACM) comprises two thin sheets of aluminum coated with aluminum. Considering its advantages and disadvantages, aluminum is a metal, and polyethylene plastic is non-metal, so it performs better than the old material.
Panels made from aluminum composite materials are used on the exterior and interior of buildings and for signage. You can get aluminum panels in colors and treatments like wood, stone, sparkle, gloss, pebbles, etc.
The versatile nature of ACP Sheets makes them stand out. Unlike other materials, this can be twisted, folded, and molded into shapes you’ve never seen before. ACP sheets go through tons of quality checks in the manufacturing process.
Various Types Of Aluminum Composite Sheets
In terms of their fire rating regulations and usage, ACP sheets can be divided into two types.
- Non-fire rated grade
- Fire-rated grade
- Non-fire-rated ACP Sheet
Aluminum composite panels are made of two thin aluminum sheets sandwiched between two polymers. Polyurethane or Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) forms the polymer core of ACP sheets.
They’re non-fire-rated ACP sheets because of their flammability and potential to catch fire. Using these sheets is unsafe because they don’t have a fire rating.
- Fire-rated ACP Sheets
The core composition of fire-rated ACP can withstand fire for up to two hours. Regular ACP sheets and fire-rated ACP sheets differ because of their core components.
Standard ACPs are made from LDPE/HDPE, whereas fire-rated ones are made of fire-resistant material.
The magnesium hydroxide core gives it enhanced fire retardant properties. It’s because they can withstand extreme temperatures that they’re called Fire Grade Aluminum Composite Panels.
The Benefits Of Wooden ACP Sheets
Wooden Aluminum composite panels are versatile and easy to use, so they’re a great choice compared to other materials. There are a lot of benefits, like:
- High durability
As ACP cladding sheets are weather-resistant and stain-resistant, they’re incredibly durable. Even after sun exposure and weather changes, the panels’ color, form, and size stay the same throughout all seasons. Also, these enclosures keep sound from getting into the surrounding area.
- Safeguarding you
These fire-resistant ACP panels are made of aluminum, which is good at insulating heat. Since the material doesn’t emit fumes or gases, it’s fine inside.
- A cost-effective solution
One of the things that make wooden ACP so great is its cost-effectiveness. It makes sense for businesses to use them because they’re convenient and last a long time.
Experts say the wooden ACP sheets reduce energy consumption and electricity bills while providing exceptional thermal comfort. These can be used in various formats and sizes, so they waste less.
- Effortless installation
Simple installation and minimal effort are required when using ACP cladding sheets. It’s impossible or hard to replicate these designs with other materials because they use them.
- Maintenance-free
There is little to no maintenance required for ACP cladding sheets, and they remain in shape and texture for quite a while. It can be cleaned with a towel by wiping off dirt or dust particles.
- Ability to adapt
If you require different sizes for the ACP sheets, you can cut them according to your needs.
The Drawbacks Of ACP Sheets
When severe weather conditions like hurricanes and storms occur, aluminum composite panels are susceptible to denting. Therefore, ACP manufacturers design panels with threads capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
It is not a disadvantage, but something producers should be aware of. The interior panels of a building must be thoroughly sealed and waterproofed.
The Application Of Wooden ACP Sheets
ACP sheets serve the following purposes:
- Cladding
Cladding is when you cover a building’s exterior with something. Before ACP was introduced, paint was the primary material used to enhance a building’s facade.
There’s less reliance on paint on building facades now that wooden ACP sheets are available.
As cladding materials, wooden ACP sheets are popular because they are lightweight, easy to install, weather-resistant, pollution- and corrosion-resistant, fireproof, and easy to maintain.
- Designing home interiors
Interior designers often choose wooden ACP sheets for their homes. These materials are used to make cabinets and trolleys in households.
Many homeowners have used the sheets to make false ceilings in their bathrooms. Several passionate homeowners have aluminum panels on their wardrobes.
- A commercial space
Business areas are much more likely to use wooden ACP sheets, which are used on signage, display panels, and the outside. These sheets also cut out logos and initials, adding a beautiful touch to the nameplate.
- Signage
You can make a lot of outdoor signs from ACP sheeting. This is why ACP is the best material for signs and hoardings because they’re used outdoors and must withstand temperature changes.
- Partitions
In today’s office complexes, maximizing available space is key. Separate spaces can be created this way with private dividers.
Panels made of ACP are usually used to make these partitions. Because of its ease of handling and support, it’s one of the best materials for creating obstructions.
If you want more space, move the rivets or screws and remove the partitions. You can move them wherever you want by removing the rivets or screws.
Properties Of Wooden Aluminum Composite Panels
- Lightweight: One of the most significant properties of aluminum composite panels. Due to its lower density, it is easy to work with and can be easily installed.
- Resistant to earthquakes: A composite panel of aluminum has a lower weight than a solid panel, making it less likely to fall during an earthquake.
- Thermal Insulation: Thanks to their low thermal conductivity, aluminum composite panels provide excellent thermal insulation..
- Water-Resistant: For panels to be waterproof, they must be properly waterproofed; otherwise, they will not be able to withstand rain and humidity.
- Resistance Against Ultraviolet Rays: The color of aluminum composite panels fades over time because they are not resistant to UV rays. Thus, after a few years, it begins to lose its luster.
- Fire-Resistant: In extreme cases of fire, they may burn due to their lack of fire resistance. However, chemically treated fire-rated panels are available these days.
Wooden ACP Installation Guide
ACP sheets made from wood are widely used as building cladding materials and as surface coatings. The best way to enjoy its benefits for as long as possible is to use advanced installation methods. Below is the ACP Installation Guide you need to follow for professional fitting and installation of ACP sheets.
- Wet Sealant Joint
The installation of ACP sheets commonly follows this method. There are tray-type panels and sealing joints, and sealing materials seal the joints between the sheets and the substructure.
- Hanging Methods
Another method of installation that is suitable is the hanging method. As the panels are hung on the subframe, they are secured firmly. The installation process is simple.
- Dry Gasket Joint
This method uses gaskets instead of sealants for installation. With sealants, ACP surfaces are susceptible to dirt and staining. For instance, a gasket can be used to install ACP sheets efficiently as it is pretty durable.
- Narrow Open Joint
Using the narrow open joint technique, the timber or stone pattern sheets are installed onto the pattern sheets. In this method, a narrow joint between each panel enhances the aesthetics of the panel because it is quite effective.
Cleaning And Maintenance Of ACP Sheet
- This was achieved by using a mild, regular detergent.
- Follow all washing operations with clean water must be followed to prevent stains.
- The panel is made of a sponge or another absorbent material.
