Panels
Aluminium composite panels
Aluminium composite panels are flat sheets made of two thin aluminium skins bonded to a core. They give a flat, light, rigid surface for fascias, stall risers, signs and cladding. Fire performance depends on the core, so the core type matters as much as the colour.
Where does it work well?
Fascias, sign trays, stall riser facings and low-level cladding on small frontages, where the fire classification has been checked for that particular building and location.
Pros
- Flat, light and rigid
- Clean modern look
- Wide range of colours
- Can be routed and folded
Cons
- Fire performance varies by core
- Dents on impact
- Edges and joints need careful detailing
How long does it last?
Typically many years, with colour fade and edge sealing the things to watch.
What should you check when buying?
Ask for the fire classification under BS EN 13501-1 and the core type in writing. In England, panels with an unmodified polyethylene core are banned on new buildings at any height, and rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Common questions
Are aluminium composite panels safe on a shop?
That depends on the core and the building. Panels with unmodified polyethylene cores are banned on new buildings in England, while mineral-filled types are available. Building control can confirm what the building needs, and rules vary elsewhere in the UK.
Can dented composite panels be repaired?
Usually the panel is replaced, because filling a dent on a thin skin tends to show. Panels can be changed one at a time if the colour and fixing system match, though faded neighbours may look different.