Comparison of the lightness of the hidden method of fastening HPL – panels and visible

Enhancing the visual appeal and longevity of building facades can be achieved through the HPL (High-Pres hidden and visible fastening) method of fastening. Every technique has an impact on installation and maintenance expenses in addition to the final appearance.

By securing HPL panels from behind, hidden fastening eliminates any visible screws or clips from the panel’s surface. This technique emphasizes straight lines and uninterrupted surfaces while providing a smooth, seamless look. It is preferred because of its sleek, modern appearance, which is frequently observed in modern architecture when a smooth facade is desired.

Conversely, visible fastening entails using screws or clips to secure HPL panels that are readily apparent from the outside. With this technique, the fasteners themselves blend into the design, creating a unique aesthetic. The fasteners selected can create a traditional or industrial aesthetic, based on their style and color.

The decision between visible and hidden fastening techniques is frequently influenced by financial constraints, architectural style, and aesthetic preferences. Because hidden fastening requires specialized hardware and additional labor for installation, it is typically more expensive. On the other hand, since individual panels can be changed out without affecting nearby panels, visible fastening may result in financial savings and simpler maintenance.

The choice between visible and hidden fastening techniques for HPL panels ultimately comes down to striking a balance between the goals of design and pragmatic factors like cost, upkeep, and architectural intent. Knowing the effects of each approach enables architects and homeowners to make well-informed decisions that best meet their project objectives.

Hidden Fastening	Visible Fastening
The hidden method of fastening HPL panels provides a sleek and modern appearance by concealing screws and attachments.	Visible fastening involves screws or nails that are visible on the surface of the HPL panels, which can affect the aesthetic appeal.

Features of installation

You don’t need to use an initial crate when installing them if the wall that has been processed has a level surface. Recall that installation ought to be done exclusively in a dry room. It is worthwhile to use a metal or plastic profile in high humidity conditions, and special clips are used to secure the finishing material. The actual installation procedure is carried out in multiple phases:

• A frame is created from wooden bars. At this moment, a building level will be required to avoid skewing panels.
• The finishing material is cut into parts in accordance with the size of the processed surface.
• Fastening with clips that are screwed to the frame.

The panels are fastened using an adhesive composition, such as construction PVA or "liquid nails," if they are mounted directly on the wall without the need for a crate. It is preferable to begin installation from below and use a thin, zigzag-shaped line to apply glue.

Councils and recommendations of experts

• If it is planned to hide the wiring under the sheathing, the wires are laid at the stage of installation of the crate and fix them so that they do not go beyond the plane of the frame.
• Between the elements of the crate, you can lay a roll or slab material for heat and sound insulation.
• If the PVC panels are selected for finishing wet rooms in a recently built house of logs or timber, it is recommended to mount a continuous base of OSB plates. The “floating” base is mounted on the crate using special moving mounts and is not subjected to loads when shrinking the log house. The panels are fastened with adhesive.
• To obtain several planks of the same length, it is recommended to use the first ready as a template. The strips are placed in a stack at least two supports so that they do not sag, and rest the end of the stack against the wall – this will prevent displacement.
• PVC panels brought from the cold are left to lay down at room temperature before processing to avoid chips when cutting.
• Cut panels into size from the front side so that microcracks do not form on it due to deformation during processing.

The first method. Installation using a crate

• It is recommended in cases where the basic surface is characterized by strong irregularities that cannot be corrected manually;
• For rooms with high humidity, it is best to use not wooden rails as a base for a frame, but metal profiles;
• The method using a crate is indispensable in cases where additional wall insulation is planned.

The primary drawback of this option is that it requires installing the frame, which adds a little extra time to the project. Furthermore, the frame requires a specific amount of free space in centimeters. Will you tolerate this level of "arbitrariness"? Because you don’t always need to achieve an ideal surface, you frequently have no other options.

The device of the crate

Understanding whether to attach MDF panels to the wall horizontally or vertically is a crucial detail. This directly determines the type of auxiliary frame device.

• horizontal arrangement of MDF panels – a vertical scheme of the crate;
• The vertical arrangement of MDF panels is a horizontal scheme of the crate.

As you can see, it’s all very straightforward and unlikely to be confusing!

• Before installation, the slats should be treated with an antiseptic – so you protect the wood from the appearance of microorganisms;
• The length of the rail should be at least several millimeters less than the actual distance from the upper to the lower point of the structure.

Subsequence

1. Regardless of what type of frame you are going to construct – metal or wooden, in any case, first of all, it is necessary to fix the corner racks, and then transverse and those that will be located in the openings;
2. A step of 50 centimeters is optimal for all types of crate;
3. To fix narrow and wide metal profiles, it is best to use screws, since the so-called dowels-grooves represent less reliable for this kind of fasteners.

The following video shows the entire frame mounting procedure.

Fixation of panels

1. Cut the comb at the first panel and clamp the adjacent wall to the crate;
2. We fix it to horizontal strips using self -tapping screws, do not forget to retreat 1 centimeter from the bottom itself;
3. Each subsequent panel is inserted in the same way into the previous groove and fixed with nails or bastards;
4. The most complex element is the last: it is cut to the desired size, inserted and fixed on the vertical stance of the frame with self -tapping screws.

A detailed video explaining the main features of the operation below.

Details and landmarks of HPL products

Novel decorative paper-layer plastic panels are a type of material that shares similarities with laminates. It is made by pressing cellulose, which is processed chopped wood, under high pressure while several lanes of craft paper are impregnated with thermoreactive resins. Under these circumstances, the polymer mass solidifies and forms a robust multilayer monolith with a very low likelihood of longitudinal destruction due to external influences. Paper ribbons serve as decorations in addition to being reinforcing (drawing). The front side of laminated products is coated with acrylic, which provides additional protection against external influences.

The following indicators represent the characteristics of the HPL panels as reported by the manufacturer for the full service life (30–50 years) of the building’s external cladding:

• high resistance to mechanical abrasion, scratches and wind erosion;
• hydrophobis;
• non -exposure to burnout from direct sunlight of the facial coating;
• chemical neutrality to most aggressive reagents and detergents;
• A slight coefficient of thermal expansion at permissible temperatures from +80 to -60 ° C;
• resistance to open fire, self -adjusting (the plate corresponds to group G 1);
• relatively low density (1350-1550 kg/m3), which gives a low increase in the load of the cladding to the existing foundation.

The panels have a specific indicator starting at 1,450 kg/m3, which raises their cost by 20–25% in contrast to products intended for internal use. Groove lock installation is limited to interior options. The exterior is fastened with rivets (screws) hidden in or overlapping each other, or with glue.

Its dimensions determine its weight. The thickness can range from 6 to 30 mm, with standard dimensions of 1.3 m in length and 2.8 to 3.05 m in width. 8.7 kg is the mass of 1 m2 of a continuous panel with a 6 mm diameter; an increase of up to 12 mm in the parameter results in a mass increase of up to 14 kg. You can purchase individual perforated elements to achieve a decorative effect on demand; the size of the cut figures will determine how much less load the mount can support.

The ventilated facade’s end edges are painted black (to the Rust), while the front portion repeats or has a specific shade of stone, wood, or metal surfaces. The manufacturer offers a service for applying any pattern, picture, or 3D graphic, depending on the specific application (affects the price).

PVC panels use areas

The methods for attaching these products are listed so you can select the one that best suits the situation and consistently secures the panels to the surface. Since bathrooms and similar spaces already have limited space, frameless options are typically chosen for repairs. The panels attempt to press close to the walls in order to save space. Products that are attached without a crate combine to form a single whole with the wall’s surface; they do not bend or distort even under pressure. In the figure below, a bracket similar to Klyammer’s is shown.

As for the panel, Klyammer

Plastic panels are occasionally used as partitions, such as in the shower industry. However, in this instance, the rigidity of the product itself is insufficient, so the crate’s construction is necessary. Depending on the problem being solved, you can choose any thickness for the partition when fixing the panel itself and the frame with the starting profile fixed on it.

Therefore, if you correctly assemble PVC panels on a wall or crate, you can attain a great outcome. Furthermore, you can do all of the work yourself, and there are numerous options for hanging the products on the wall that are appropriate for any situation.

Stages of work

Professional builders never start a job without first making preparations. Which occasions are listed here?

Careful examination of the space

Keep an eye out for things like wall condition, building purpose, microclimate parameters, and building operating conditions. Select the mounting technique and get instruments and equipment ready while considering fixation technology.

Number of panels and extra components calculated

You also need to know the footage of skirting boards, internal and external angles, and starting, connecting, and end profiles in addition to surfaces. Although some plastic panel manufacturers produce universal profiles, experts do not advise using them because in reality they did not meet consumer expectations.

Surfaces and locations are ready for installation. Furniture, construction debris, and other objects that prevent the master from having unrestricted access to the object must be removed.

Panel installation. It also involves a number of steps, each of which has a discernible impact on the caliber of the finished product.

How to figure out how many PVC panels there are

If you have finally decided to install plastic panels, we advise you to review the guidelines and advice provided by qualified builders.

Fixing wall panels to the wall

There are two methods for attaching wall panels: using glue or a crate. The crate can be constructed from aluminum profile or wood. The adhesive used for installation can be polyurethane glue, liquid nails, glue, or adhesive compositions applied over a plaster foundation. Everything is dependent on the individual panels.

It is possible to install wall panels without aligning the walls thanks to crate installation technology. This saves you a great deal of money, and since it’s easy to arrange the frame, you can do the finishing yourself. Additionally based on the fasteners chosen and the manufacturing material. It can be either klaimers or construction stapler brackets.

If wall panels are to be adhered to without a crate using glue, the wall’s surface must be relatively level. The surface is primed in addition to being cleaned of dust before work is begun. After that, the product is covered in glue and attached to the wall. This method presents no challenges. Leveling the first panel is the most important step. It is possible to glue in any of the parties and from below as well as above. Everything is dependent on the individual panels. Installing wall fiberboard panels and installing ornamental MDF wall panels are identical processes.

Wall panels can be adhered to using glue or a crate.

Varieties of panels

There are various indicators you can use to categorize products. The division based on the three primary criteria is the most widely used. This is the production material in terms of size and shape, as well as purpose and configuration. Think about these parameters in greater depth.

MDF panels for stones

Criterion	Designation	Characteristic
Production material	MDF	The material is based on small woody particles that are firmly connected to a monolithic sheet by hot pressing, finished products have additional properties of fire resistance and noise absorption.
DVP or chipboard	For production, use wood chips and sawdust, the finished product is characterized by high performance characteristics, however, the material does not tolerate the conditions of high humidity, and therefore an additional protective layer is required.
Fiberglass	The most popular material in modern conditions, since this product is non -toxic, is completely safe from an environmental position, moisture -resistant, and also has an increased service life, due to which it is often used in the decoration of the facade.
The scope of application	Interior decoration	The peculiarity of the products is that the products have a smaller mass and size, but wider design capabilities.
External finish	The panels have increased resistance to aggressive environmental factors, and can also have additional heat and sound insulation layer.
Configuration (shape and size)	Sheet	These are rectangular products, the length of which is 2 or more meters, and the width of 1 m, are used to quickly mount rooms with large dimensions.
Plate	Products of a square or rectangular shape, most often, has small sizes, for example, products with parameters of 300×300 mm are considered popular, it is convenient to linen a bathroom or kitchen with such plates.
Rail	Similar fragments are called “stone Sidnig”, the rails can have a variety of sizes, while the length is significantly exceeding the width, and also be made to order non -standard parameters.

The decision about which product to use for surface decoration should be made in light of the design tasks and the necessary material properties.

Stone facade panels

Leading manufacturers of linager panels

Any kind of facade, including one with a complicated architectural form, can have linear panels facing it. In the facing market, a large number of domestic and international manufacturers’ products are available.

The linear panels made in the country that are on par with those made abroad merit special consideration. A list of top domestic companies that produce metal cladding is provided below.

Russian metal profile

The company manufactures thin-leaf building materials, roofing, and other related works, in addition to fine-leaf building materials used for ventilated facade installation. Products from the company are in great demand in Russia and the other CIS nations.

Geometric accuracy and the ability to install in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal direction are features common to products made under the Primepanel brand. The company makes linear panels that are wave-like and smooth. The panels can range in length from 0.9 to 6 meters. The used metal’s thickness ranges from 0.7 to 1 mm. Panels can be manufactured with or without a 20 millimeter rustle, based on the client’s preferences.

"Steel Construction Company" Group of Companies (Russia)

The business is equipped with everything needed to implement a closed production cycle. The company makes steeline panels that are intended to line commercial and industrial structures. A major benefit of products is their wide range of colors and tones, which let you make a distinctive and original image. The company offers liner panels in a range of models with lengths between 0.5 and 6 meters. Sheets of galvanized steel with a thickness of 0.5 to 1 mm are used to produce cladding. Particularly well-liked are the profiles "smooth," "wave," "zig," and "trapezoid."

OLMA in Russia

The company produces horizontal and vertical facing materials, the thickness of which can be 0.55 mm, 0.7 mm and 1 mm. Powder paints are used as a protective-decorative coating. You can choose the required color of the panels in the RAL catalog. Products are used to facing shopping and entertainment complexes, livestock farms, warehouse and industrial buildings. The length of the strips can be from 0.5 to 4.5 m. The fastening of OLMA linear panels can be carried out as a visible and hidden way. In addition to the manufacture of facing panels, the company offers the installation services of ventilated facades. On average, the deadline for the execution of the order for the manufacture of linear facing panels is from 3 to 5 days. On a custom order, the duration of the panels takes from 3 to 5 days.

Russia’s first roofing plant

The company makes stripes of galvanized steel that range in thickness from 0.45 to 1.5 mm. The required material thickness is selected by the customer directly. There are two variations of linear panels: one with an open end and the other with a closed end. Furthermore, it is possible to execute both with and without a 20 millimeter rust. The company’s products fall into two categories: wide panels are used to install ventilated facades and clad partitions, and narrow panels are used to clad ceilings and sophists.

"Special rental" enterprise (Russia)

Ritterline Facing Safety, a high level of fire safety, is produced by the company. The metal that is used can range in thickness from 0.5 to 1 mm. The powder coating serves as both a decorative and protective layer. There is a large variety of products available.

Because of their excellent technical and aesthetic qualities, simplicity of installation, and extended service life, linear panels are widely used. The material’s primary focus is on the facades of administrative buildings, commercial and industrial complexes, warehouse spaces, sports facilities, and shopping and entertainment centers. It was not a commonly used material in private construction.

Where facade panels are used

The material can withstand even the harshest atmospheric conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, acid rain, UV radiation, etc.

These characteristics make HPL plastic a viable option for universal casing types that are appropriate for broad usage, such as:

• External facade lining.
• Facing the balcony fences.
• Design of structural elements, advertising shields, etc.D.
• Making furniture elements.
• Making vehicles – car construction, shipbuilding, mechanical engineering.

Moreover, HPL plastic is effectively utilized for the interior design of the building, the construction of separate cabins, the division of the space into sectors and zones, etc. D.

The material’s properties enable you to use it in a variety of ways, not just as an external or interior decoration.

Facade panels under the HPL tree

Under a tree, HPL facade panels are created by impregnating long-fiber cellulose with synthetic resins to create high-strength paper. The panels are subjected to 150 °C of heat and high pressure.

The end result is a very lightweight, strong face cladding for facades that is resistant to mechanical forces. Siding is covered in a pattern that mimics priceless trees imitating valuables. A unique layer of protection is applied to the panels’ exterior. HPL panels come in a variety of textures and have a glossy or matte surface. Their range of thickness is 2 to 30 mm.

Advantages and disadvantages of PVC panels

Because there is such a wide range of materials available for purchase, some individuals who view them as decorations occasionally find it difficult to make a decision. Because of this, becoming acquainted with their innate qualities enables you to confirm that the necessary indicators are present and that any unwanted ones are absent. The material is generally in great demand on the market because of several of the following characteristics:

• High moisture resistance, due to which under the influence of increased dampness and even with direct contact with water, plastic panels do not lose their positive characteristics and initial appearance.
• The material does not need special care. To eliminate dust and that arose on its surface of pollution is enough simple washing.
• A long period of operation, in view of which for a long time you do not have to worry about their replacement.
• Resistance to fungus, mold and insects.
• Convenience of installation. If you need to fix the plastic panels, you can easily yourself quite easily with your own hands even in the absence of experience, if you first find out the sequence of actions and related nuances before conducting work, the knowledge and observance of which allows not only to avoid a number of errors, but also to simplify the process as a whole, which will take a relatively small amount of time.
• An extensive assortment. On sale there are both monophonic and with many different shades of plastic panels, on the surface of which a variety of patterns and drawings are also often applied. The assortment also contains products that simulate various natural materials.
• Affordable cost. Thanks to this, many wish can give preference. In general, repairs using plastic panels are much cheaper than when choosing most other options as a finish, for example, if you put the tile. Even despite their often cheapness, products have an attractive appearance.
• An extensive area of ​​application. Due to universality, plastic panels can be mounted not only in the bathroom, but also in a number of other cases, for example, when you need to sheathe the balcony. They are a suitable option for both walls and ceilings.
• High -quality material does not absorb and does not distinguish smells.
• During the skin of walls with plastic panels, it is possible to mask the wiring, as well as protruding sewer and water pipes.
• Repayable. In case of damage to an individual product, it is easily possible to dismantle it from the wall and replace it. Given this, it is recommended to purchase plastic panels with some margin so that when such a need arises, you do not have to look for similar elements in sale.

The following are some of the material’s drawbacks, which are also available:

Low strength level. Many times, a tiny blow or the impact of an acute object can cause damage to the plastic panel, and dents are easily formed when you press your finger on its surface.

Furthermore, cautious handling of the material is required both during installation and transit to prevent damage to its integrity. When using in the bathroom, condensation on its surface cannot be prevented if the space is not fully ventilated, which leads to the creation of a "steam room" atmosphere and even raises the risk of mold growth. Because the material is a food source for rodents, they may damage it. Sheathing bathrooms in private homes is not advised as a result. RESTORATION OF OCCUPANT SPACE

This disadvantage is particularly apparent in small-space settings where the material is fastened to a pre-assembled frame. Their melting and isolation of substances harmful to human health takes place during the fire. They have indicators for thermal insulation and low soundproofing.

Plastic panels are a great option for decoration because they generally have a lot more benefits than drawbacks, especially since some of them can be eliminated, such as if the room is ventilated.

Finishing in the bathroom using glue

The base must be ready prior to installing the plastic panels. You must completely clean the walls before applying it, letting it dry, and letting it lean. Prior to that, all previous wall coverings, including wallpaper, tiles, and peeling paint, are completely removed.

Any and all wall cracks and irregularities will be effectively concealed by putty. There is a five millimeter limit on the size of the differences. If the plastic is adhered to protrusions or deep holes, it will eventually become deformed or peel off. Why should the wall’s old coating be removed? It’s full of fat, dust, and dirt. All of this will stop the adhesive coating from adhering normally. When a wall is whitewashed, fat is removed completely and cleaned with detergents. After that, the wall is aligned and a primer is applied.

The rear of the panel is adhered to with glue.

Step guidelines:

1. Preparation of the wall: remove the old coating, clean, putty, polish;
2. Clean the back of the panel with a damp cloth, dry;
3. Apply glue on the back of the building material by the method of points with a step of 20 mm;
4. Gently attach the PVC panel to the wall.

The panel is then tapped and separates from the surface for five to seven minutes when liquid nails are used as the adhesive composition. To weathe, the composition is required. A brief pause is followed by PVC returning to the wall.

Angles are not formed when using the frameless method. Cladding can be finished off with regular plastic corners. Since they lack grooves, use clear silicone to install them.

Installing skirting boards comes last. Self-tapping screws are used for this; holes are drilled before the material joins the wall with their assistance. Common mounting foam or silicone sealant is used to fill the joints between the lamella segments. This needs to be done to prevent moisture from getting beneath the updated wall’s plastic surface.

The main use of panels

The facades of both public and private buildings are the most common applications for HPL plastic. Initially, for workplaces, lodging facilities, cafes, and restaurants.

The material’s properties enable you to obtain a surface that is both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting. All HPL facades are simultaneously ventilated, meaning that air can be circulated inside the open area thanks to their attachment to a metal frame. This lets you keep the building’s humidity at its ideal level and remove condensation.

HPL plastic on a private home’s exterior

Garden furniture, loggias, terraces, and balconies can all be faced with HPL facade panels.

Interior SML panels, the second category of materials, are typically utilized for:

• partitions for plumbing cabins in offices and entertainment centers;
• cabinets in locker rooms in pools, water parks and sports clubs;
• internal wall sheathing in medical institutions and laboratories.

Utilization within

Panels with a 10 mm thickness are regarded as self-supporting and can be utilized in the production of cabinetry and doors meant for public areas.

Additionally, for furnishing homes and other residential spaces. Its ability to withstand moisture lets you install panels in even the most humid rooms.

On our resource, you can read about additional sheet fastening techniques.

This article examines the practical distinctions between visible and hidden fastening techniques for HPL panels used on home facades. We examine the effects of each technique on the facade’s overall durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Homeowners and builders can choose the approach that best fits their practical needs and aesthetic preferences by evaluating the installation procedures and long-term performance of each.

What are the HPL panels for the facade

HPL panels are a recent addition to the finishing materials market in Russia, despite their long history of successful use in the West. The term "high pressure laminate," which encapsulates the process of producing the material, is represented by the acronym HPL, or high pressure laminate.

Among the contents are:

• Crafts.
• Cellulose.
• Thermoreactive resins.

Curing processes uniting all elements into a single dense composite are activated in thermoreactive resins under the influence of high temperature and pressure.

The cured thermoreactive resin is strengthened by cellulose fibers, which also improves the component connection’s elasticity and strength. Consequently, the material of the new generation is obtained, possessing an effective combination of properties and being easily processed, decorated, and subjected to other procedures.

The main layer, decorative layer, transparent protection (lamination), etc. are all part of the panel’s multilayer structure once it is finished. One or both sides may have the decorative layer applied, and practically any pattern can be used.

Produced samples now come in an enormous array of patterns, matte or glossy surfaces, and surface textures (embossing). Moreover, the panels can be perforated to produce steam more intensely.

Since the content was just used, customers haven’t formed a firm, definitive opinion about him yet. HPL capabilities have already been extensively researched, and there are a lot of promising applications for the material.

The device of the ventilated facade

The ventilated facade is a method of lining a house where a minimum of 3 centimeters of space is left between the outer layer, or lining, and the inner layers, or wall, insulation, and waterproofing.

One crucial feature of such a sheathing device is that water vapor extracted from wall materials’ thickness can potentially escape the insulation freely. To put it simply, there is always a chance to dry the wall and insulation.

By using this option, you can extend the lifespan of every component that goes into building a wall, ensuring that the insulation functions well. Although it is not necessary, installation of facade panels directly on wooden walls is feasible even without a ventilated facade.

The decision between visible and hidden fastening techniques for HPL (High Pressure Laminate) panels on home facades is primarily based on practical and aesthetic preferences.

The method of hidden fastening provides a smooth and uniform appearance. It produces a sleek and contemporary facade by hiding screws and fasteners behind the panels. By providing a smooth surface free of visible imperfections, this technique improves the building’s overall architectural appeal and gives the panels more room to display their texture and design.

On the other hand, the visible fastening technique gives the facade a clear visual rhythm despite being more conventional. Depending on the design and color of the screws used, the exposed fasteners can add a hint of rustic or industrial appeal. This method may be appealing to people who value a more prominent depth and texture in their facade because the fasteners blend in with the design instead of standing out.

Practically speaking, the hidden fastening technique has benefits in terms of longevity and upkeep. The risk of corrosion and possible damage over time is decreased by shielding screws and fasteners from the elements and the weather. This can help the facade last longer by requiring less maintenance and guaranteeing a cleaner appearance over time.

Conversely, the visible fastening approach might make installation simpler and make repairs or replacements more accessible. It makes it possible to easily access individual panels without having to take apart nearby ones, which can make maintenance tasks easier and save associated costs.

In conclusion, the decision between visible and hidden fastening techniques for HPL panels on home facades depends on how well aesthetic preferences are balanced with functional factors like ease of installation, durability, and maintenance. Aiming for a smooth modern appearance or going for a more textured traditional appeal, each approach has unique benefits that suit various architectural tastes and homeowner preferences.

Video on the topic

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