What sandwich panels are
A sandwich panel has two galvanised, painted metal sheets with an insulating core between them. The core is either PIR (polyisocyanurate) foam or mineral wool. Panels are fixed to the steel frame and form the walls and roof of the hall, with fast installation.
PIR panels: good insulation at low thickness
PIR foam has very low thermal conductivity, so it gives the same insulation as other materials at a smaller thickness. The panels are light and airtight, which suits heated buildings and cold rooms.
- Superior thermal insulation at low thickness
- Low weight, so the frame and foundation are more economical
- The usual choice for cold rooms and temperature-controlled stores
- Quick installation and a sealed surface
Mineral wool panels: fire resistance
Mineral wool is non-combustible, so these panels are chosen where fire-safety rules or the nature of the activity require a high reaction-to-fire class. They are heavier and insulate less than PIR at the same thickness, but they also give good sound insulation.
- Non-combustible material for strict fire-safety requirements
- Good sound insulation for noisy workshops
- Higher weight, which affects the structure
How to choose in practice
For warehouses and heated halls, production areas and commercial spaces, PIR is usually the efficient choice. For activities with higher fire risk or strict requirements from the authorities, check the reaction-to-fire class required and choose the matching core. In mixed cases, both types can be used in different zones of the same hall.
What the design decides
The final choice depends on what the hall is for, the thickness needed and fire-protection requirements, so we settle the panel type at the design stage. Tell us what you will do in the hall and we will recommend the right solution with a personalised quote.