Choosing sandwich panels for new cattle, pig and poultry housing

Also record the cleaning method, cleaning agents and the periods during which the interior remains empty. Temperature and humidity changes during these stages affect the building envelope. It is worth determining which surfaces will be exposed to contact with animals, equipment or water. Such a map of conditions helps to select the claddings and details for the actual zones.

In an agricultural environment, the resistance of the cladding to the anticipated chemical factors and moisture is important. A standard coating should not be regarded as suitable without verification. Metal surfaces with appropriate protection or composite variants may be considered if they match the conditions of the specific facility.

The term “ammonia-resistant” alone does not explain the scope of resistance. The conditions of use and the limitations related to cleaning are needed. Edges, fasteners and flashings also come into contact with the environment. A strong surface in the middle of the panel will not protect a fastening element selected for different conditions.

The roof receives energy from the sun and separates the interior from the cool air. The choice of insulation should therefore take into account both winter and summer conditions. The colour of the cladding, solar exposure and ventilation have an influence. The thickness of the PIR alone does not determine the temperature that will prevail among the animals.

Supply openings, exhausts and skylights must be arranged before the panels are laid out. Each of them changes the geometry and requires a tight connection. Further large penetrations must not be cut into the finished roof without assessing the structure. Early coordination allows the number of conflicts to be reduced and the designed method of water drainage to be maintained.

The lower parts of the enclosure may be more exposed to impacts, cleaning and soiling. Depending on the function, additional protection or a different detail at the floor may be needed. A sandwich panel should not automatically be treated as a barrier carrying every load from equipment or animals.

The connection to the plinth should be planned together with the floor slab and internal drainage. It should not create a pocket that retains water at the exposed core. Pipes, guide rails and feeding elements require their own fixings to the appropriate structure. This allows the enclosure to retain its insulating and protective function instead of taking on incidental forces.

In a controlled microclimate, accidental leaks disrupt the air flow path. Joints at columns, windows, doors and the roof should correspond to the ventilation assumptions. At the same time, designed openings should not be sealed merely because air movement is felt at them. The function of each location must be clear.

Similarly, vapour transmission and the risk of condensation must be considered. Metal cladding is not sufficient if the joint remains open. With an additional ceiling, the conditions in the space above it must be determined. It may require a different solution than the usable interior. No further insulation is added there without checking the entire cross-section.

The schedule should list the roof, walls, flashings, seals and fasteners separately. Assign thermal, environmental and fire requirements to each area. Classifications apply to specific solutions, not to the name of the core alone. The support spacing must result from the loads and the documentation of the selected panel.

In the schedule, coordinate the execution of the floor, structure and suspended installations with the closing of the enclosure. Before use begins, check the washing areas and access to equipment. Such a design can reduce later piercing of panels and provisional sealing. The choice of material becomes part of the building technology, not a separate purchasing decision.