Mineral wool panels
What to check before specifying a 100 mm mineral wool wall panel
The 100 mm panel is one variant of mineral wool wall cladding, but thickness alone does not describe its parameters. A new building requires checking the function of the partition, wind, moisture and openings. It is worth comparing several precisely described configurations before this dimension is ordered as a seemingly universal choice. One hundred millimetres refers to the nominal thickness of the panel or core stated in the documentation. It does not define the cover width, the thickness of the steel sheets or the method of fixing. Add these details to your enquiry, along with the coating and colour of both sides. Without this, quotes may relate to different solutions.
Identify the joint and both facings
With concealed fixing, the panel edge has a different role than in a system with a visible fastener. This affects the accessories and the permissible load of the connection. The type of interlock should not be chosen only after the substructure has been built, because its requirements may force changes.
Match the coating to the location within the same hall
At the same thickness of 100 mm, different finishes may be needed on the two sides. A sun-exposed façade and an interior that is regularly washed down operate under different conditions. Colour does not determine resistance to moisture, cleaning agents or contamination, so the specification should state the specific type of coating.
If the enquiry omits this information, a price comparison may relate to variants with a different scope of application. It is also worth establishing how the edge is finished at the outlet and at the equipment. Even a correctly selected core and U-value will not protect against a problem arising from an unsuitable cladding surface. The choice of panel therefore combines the dimension with the actual working environment.
Compare the figures for two configurations
An example panel of 100 mm with mineral wool of density 100 kg/m³, visible fixing and 0.5/0.5 mm facings has Uc 0.39 W/(m²·K) and a mass of 18.1 kg/m². A variant of this thickness with concealed fixing from a separate family has Uc 0.41 W/(m²·K) and a mass of 18.4 kg/m².
The figures are examples of the configurations described, not a range guaranteed for the entire market. They show why one U-value should not be copied to every 100 mm panel. The other properties must also be read from the correct documentation, not matched by similarity of dimension.
Assess the thermal suitability of the wall
For the heated part of the building, the designer assesses the overall solution including openings and thermal bridges. The parameter of the panel alone is not sufficient to confirm compliance with the requirements. In the unheated storage part, the criteria may be different, but moisture and temperature fluctuation issues remain.
If the zone is to be heated periodically, determine how it will be ventilated and how moisture will be removed. Rapid heating of the air does not immediately warm all details. Sensitive areas at the plinth and gate should be assessed separately, particularly after wet construction work.
Check fire performance and load-bearing capacity independently
Fire reaction class and fire resistance of the wall refer to different characteristics. Two 100 mm panels may have a different EI classification range, even though both contain mineral wool. The installation direction, span length and method of support also matter.
The same approach should be taken with load-bearing capacity. A table is needed for the relevant facings, colour and static scheme. A variant at the hall corner may require different fixing than the central field of the wall. A single purlin spacing cannot be selected solely on the basis of the nominal 100 mm.
Accept a price only once the scope has been defined
At an illustrative €40.74/m² of panel, a 92 m² order costs €3748.08 excluding VAT. If it covers 88 m² of finished wall, the panel alone costs about €42.59/m² before flashings, fixings and labour.
This is a deliberately assumed rate, not a current selling price. For a real comparison, a list of lengths and openings is needed. A surcharge for the coating or a different sheet arrangement may change the material price, and the dimensions affect the installation equipment and the number of operations on site.
Check whether the variant suits the subsequent works
Once the panel has been selected, determine the position of window frames, reveals and plinth. Provide independent supports for services and heavy equipment. It is also worth recording the requirements for wall penetrations so that the crews do not make openings in arbitrary locations.
If the comparison shows that 100 mm is not sufficient, change the thickness before ordering flashings and fasteners. Resolving this earlier is usually simpler than adapting finished components. The final choice should result from the requirements and the cost of the entire wall, not from the popularity of one dimension.
Questions and answers
Does every panel with 100 mm mineral wool have the same U-value?
No. The value depends on the core, the joint and how the parameter is determined. You need to use data for the selected configuration, not a table for any panel.
Is 100 mm a good compromise for every building?
There is no such universal thickness. Thermal, fire and structural requirements may lead to a thinner or thicker solution in different parts of the building.
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