Aluminium composite panels have gained immense popularity in the construction industry due to their flexibility, lightweight appearance, and durability. As these materials are gaining popularity, the space shapers of modern construction are choosing it over wood, stone, and even wall paints too! But to have success in its durability it is important that the sheets are installed properly.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step guide to installing Aluminium Composite Panels.

Begin With the Right Tools

Before you begin the process of installing, it is important to collect and gather all the required tools, so you can install them without making a run for the equipment every now and then.

  • Aluminium Composite Panels
  • Measuring Tape
  • Level
  • Electric saw or CNC Router
  • Twist Drill
  • Screws and Adhesive Tape
  • Brackets and clamps
  • Sheet metal punching machines
  • A three-roll press machine and press brake machine that can readily shape or bend the Aluminium Composite Panel easily.
  • Safety Equipment (Gloves, Goggles, etc)

Preparing The Panels

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

The space where ACP Sheet will be installed is dry, clean, and free from dust, dirt, and debris. If required, make necessary adjustments, and repairs to the surface to ensure smooth and even installation.

Step 2: Take Right Measurement

Prior to installation, take vertical and horizontal measurements to ensure a precise fit. For this use measuring tapes and measure the space on which it has to be installed, and then mark it on the panel for accurate measurement. This process needs precision, as even a minor error can lead to derailing the rest of the process.

Step 3: Fabricate The Panels

The fabrication process entails a number of steps that help in shaping the ACP sheet perfectly for the fit. By applying the correct ACP Sheet fabrication method, fabricators can ensure proper installation of the sheets. This process needs to be precisely performed, which is why safety goggles, gloves, and utilisation of the right tools are important.

ACP Sheets can be easily cut with the help of electric saws. These saws have a carbide tip that makes it convenient to go-through aluminium sheets. Once the right cuts are done, grooving is done, in this with the help of the CNC Routing Panel is used for mass grooving production. These are utilised for U-grooving, and bending the panels 90 degrees.

The grooved panels are then folded with a brake machine or three-roll press machine. For this, the panels should be laid on a flat surface to ensure the folding lines are straight.

Pre-Installation Process

Step 4: Waterproofing

To prevent damage from water, it is important that the sheets are waterproofed before installation. In this, an Air Vapour Barrier (AVB) is created by installing a rainscreen system. Watertight properties are not innate in construction materials such as concrete, plywood, and CMU. These substrates need an Air Vapour Barrier to waterproof the panels.

The rainscreen system, or AVB, comes in adhesive sheets which can be easily installed on top of the walls by measuring and cutting out the AVB in the right dimension. It is just like sticking a bumper sticker on your car. Installer should begin with the bottom, adhering the individual AVB sheets to the substrate, followed by overlapping of the sheets for 2 inches.

If there are wrinkles after installing the AVB, one can smooth it out with the hand, or J Roller. On all surfaces, AVB cannot be installed, which is why the surface must be prepared well, it should be smoothed out before with primer.

You May Read: How Façade Consultants Play A Crucial Role In ACP Cladding

Step 5: Flashing

To complete the process of waterproofing, the team runs flashing down the substrate. This is to account for the water that will pass through the rain-screen system after installation. In this process, flashing from the gutter will facilitate the flow of water away from the building.

Step 6: Grid

The purpose of the grid is to achieve a visually appealing and uniform installation of the ACP Sheet. The layout of the grid ensures that the sheets are aligned properly, have consistent spacing, and are positioned at the intended angle or orientation. This includes designing a complete blueprint of how the installation will be carried out, including the dimensions of each panel, underlying extrusions, and the location of backplates for fastening.

The Installation

Step 7: Mounting of panels

After the creation of a grid consisting of male and female MS Profiles, the fabricated sheets are mounted over the grid. The cladding boards are installed in a predetermined order once the mounting system is applied. According to the design layout, the panels are fabricated and the grid is created for installation with nuts and rivets.

When two parallel panels are installed, a top cap is applied to the panels. The top cap is popped in to bridge the gap between the panels. For bridging the gaps between the panels, the horizontal cap goes first followed by the vertical cap, forming a grid-like structure. This then creates a dry seal and later on, this pressurises the air cavity behind the panels.

Post Install

Step 8: Peeling off the protective layer

After installation is done, the protective layer on the sheet is removed. There is no better feeling than peeling off the layer to reveal the beautiful shade of the ACP sheet. The ACP Sheet manufacturer mentions in the form of an arrow to let the installer know which side to peel off.

Turn Vision Into Reality With Alumaze ACP Sheets

While the installation process is intricate and does require craftsmanship, it is the sheet that makes the process easier. Alumaze ACP Sheets are highly flexible and easy to bend. It is important to ensure the safety of the workers while installing the sheets. Using a safety helmet, harnesses, gloves, goggles, and other safety equipment during installation is always recommended.

We recommend you application of Alumaze’s ACP sheet for comparable projects in order to avoid colour shade differences. Alumaze offers a vivid ACP Sheets Design Series that helps to turn vision into reality.