Extending a hall with insulated wall panels
The starting point for extending a hall with insulated wall panels is joining the old envelope to the new one. Before ordering the panels, establish the direction of installation, the cover width, the position of the supports and the geometry of the interlock at the edge. Also check whether the core and facing designations have been retained in the documentation. The colour and thickness visible on the façade are not sufficient to select a matching element. If the old panel cannot be identified, the designer can allow for a separate termination of the existing wall and design the junction with the extension. This makes it possible to price the connection before the corner is dismantled.
How should a wall be surveyed before ordering panels?
Mark the column axes, the position of the openings and the actual panel terminations at the corner on the sketch. If as-built documentation is available, compare it with the measurement. Note whether there is any deformation of the sheet metal, any signs of moisture or any previous repairs at the planned junction. If necessary, instruct the team to expose a short section of the flashing so that the panel edge can be inspected. It is worth attaching a photograph of the cross-section with a dimension to the sketch. A photograph of the outer surface alone shows the profiling but not how the interlock is sealed.
Does the new core have to be the same as the old one?
Identifying the old core helps to understand the existing arrangement. The requirements for the extension must, however, be checked separately. The choice between EPS, PIR and mineral wool depends, among other things, on the thermal and fire requirements and on the application of the specific panel. If the wall thicknesses differ, mark on the detail which face is to remain continuous and where the offset will occur. The additional load from the new envelope requires the structure to be checked. Matching the edge alone or drilling through the old element does not confirm the load-bearing capacity of the connection.
What should the extension quote include?
Separate the area of the new cladding from the length of the flashings at the existing building. Indicate the sections requiring dismantling, temporary protection and re-closing. This makes it easier for the contractor to distinguish the supply of new panels from restoring the tightness of the old façade. Agree the method of acceptance for the locations that the flashing will cover. A photograph of the sealing before it is fitted and a description of the elements used will also be useful during the next conversion.
