In a world the place the development market gives so many several types of façade selections, one panel continues to face out as an age-old panel system. The flatlock panel is over a century outdated and was created by true steel artisans again within the day. Since then, the panel has advanced considerably, however it’s an modern and aesthetically pleasing cladding answer. The panel continues to achieve in reputation with its glossy and seamless look as a typical rainscreen answer.
Flatlock panels are characterised by their easy, flat floor with interlocking seams. The panels are usually put in with a hid chrome steel clip to permit for growth and contraction of the steel panel. On the similar time, some producers additionally supply an integral clip with slotted holes to equally enable for growth and contraction. Both fastening design methodology offers the identical look; nonetheless, the clip could be the higher choice if the wall has a variety of geometry. The actual fantastic thing about this product is that it may be fabricated with a number of totally different substrates, giving quite a few selections. Whether or not it’s anodized or pre-painted aluminum, painted metal, galvanized metal, copper, titanium, or zinc, all might be manufactured rapidly to satisfy the design standards, and all substrates supply sustainable options. The painted merchandise have gotten extra prevalent with all kinds of coloration choices, together with wooden grain and different finishes. The supplies are usually light-gauge merchandise, and the panel could have distortion within the wall meeting, which gives a contemporary architectural magnificence to the façade.
The set up usually requires some plywood wall with underlayment or waterproof membrane behind the panel system. Flashing particulars should be correctly put in round penetrations and transitions, and it’s extremely beneficial to comply with the producer’s suggestions to make sure a correct set up.
The panels’ orientation is usually rectangular, and sizes might be custom-made to satisfy the design intent. They’re usually put in horizontally however can simply be put in vertically or diagonally. Though the oblong form is most generally used, it will also be fabricated in a diamond-shaped sample. This gives one further methodology that may completely change the looks of the design course of.
The panel might be manufactured with hand instruments and lightweight gauge tools in a sheet steel store. Nevertheless, in a world pushing in the direction of automation, producers make the most of automated notching and forming tools to make sure excessive tolerance and precision fabrication of the product.
To sum up, flatlock panels really mix artisanry and fashionable expertise to satisfy any conventional or up to date design idea. Their glossy look, longevity, and sustainable options make them fascinating for the design group.
Mike Wallace is the president of AmeriClad.
