When there is a drastic change in climate, HPL cladding is done for various reasons. Here we are going to share our experience with HPL (High-Pressure Laminates) Cladding.

Blog Name: Facade Maintenance

Installation of HPL Sheets

Completed Project

Why HPL?

To withstand the extremities where there are extreme conditions and drastic changes in climate throughout the year
For the long-lasting solution of cladding
To add style to the building
For Toughness with beauty
For easy installation
(Unlike ACP) Both surfaces have the same finish and pattern design.

Typical Specification of HPL?

Recommended Thicknesses for Facade: 6mm, 8mm, 10mm

Available Sheet Sizes: 10 ' x 4 ' and 8' x 4'

Where it is installed?

Ventilated Facade

HPL at Spandrel

HPL Ceiling

HPL Envelope to RCC Beams

HPL Railing

How we Fabricated and Installed it?

A ] Fixing With Rivets

For smaller-sized panels, we used a 38mm x 38 mm Aluminium Section (Chromotized).
Then prepare framing for each edge of the HPL sheet.
Aluminum Framing was supported with MS brackets wherever required else with Alum L brackets made with L angle section ( 38 x 38).
Aluminium Framing for HPL Ceiling
HPL sheets were cut with a Cutter machine considering the thickness of the blade. (It is recommended to clamp the sheets properly while cutting and the direction of cutting in case of sheet has a pattern parallel to the edges.)
Then we hold a plank to the required position. Marked the location of rivets and made a hole with a 5 mm drill.
The distance of the hole from the edge was kept 50mm away from the longer edge and 25mm away from the shorter edge.
Wherever required that means along with 4 corners of plank we put intermediate rivets.
Generally, a maximum of 450mm along a shorter edge and a maximum of 600mm at a long edge are the criteria for the center-to-center distance between 2 rivets.
Considering the above point and since rivets are visible from outside we calculated the distance between two rivets to fall between 450mm - 600mm. So aesthetically it looked nice.
Rivets matching the shade of the sheet were provided by the supplier. With the help of the Rivet machine, we installed the first plank.
The next plank was placed by keeping a minimum of 6mm gap/ groove to the earlier plank. A 6mm or 8mm gap is to be provided to provide space for the expansion of the HPL sheet.
No weather silicone is to be placed between the grooves of HPL sheets.
In this gap, the expansion will take place when there is an increase in temperature. Natural ventilation i.e. Air Cavity gets created between the HPL sheet and wall. Hot air passes from the gap at the top allowing breathing of Facade.

B] Fixing With Sealants

Prepare frame with Aluminium Section (Chromotized) with Aluminium Cleats with SS Countersunk screws.
Use Glazing Tape and Structure Sealant.
Put Masking tape to keep the HPL sheets in a better-sticking position. Removing Masking tape after 1 day is enough.
However mechanical fixing is also required wherever necessary.

Precautions to be taken while using HPL sheets

Store the HPL sheets always on their flat surface. It should not be rested on the edges as it may cause bowing.
While removing HPL sheets from its stock it should be lifted and removed.
It should not be dragged over the surface of other sheets while lifting.
First holes to be drilled over the surface then screws should be fixed. Screws should not get fixed directly.
Plastic should be removed after the installation of HPL sheets/planks.
It is recommended to cut the sheets near to storage and shift the required position/destination Since shifting the HPL sheets was found heavier.

ACP Cladding by us

Broken Glass Replacement on scaffolding

Let us know if you want such an installation for your project.

We will be happy to serve you.

-Pankaj Ghare.
Director,
Landscape Wall Systems
9819 663 630

www.lwsfacade.com