Wall Panel System Wall panel systems can be installed
using different methods, including
A wall panel system refers to a direct attachment to the wall surface,
construction or design solution that through a framing system, or as part of
involves the use of panels to cover, a modular system that interlocks or
protect, or enhance walls in a building. overlaps.
These panels can be made from various
materials such as wood, metal, plastic, Functionality:
or composite materials. Wall panel
Wall panel systems can serve various
systems serve both functional and
functions, such as providing insulation,
aesthetic purposes in architectural and
improving acoustics, adding structural
interior design.
support, enhancing fire resistance, or
A wall panel is single piece of acting as a decorative element.
material, usually flat and cut into a
Interior and Exterior Applications:
rectangular shape, that serves as the
visible and exposed covering for a wall. Wall panel systems are used both
Wall panels are functional as well as internally and externally in buildings.
decorative, providing insulation and Internal applications can include interior
soundproofing, combined with walls, ceilings, and decorative features,
uniformity of appearance, along with while external applications might involve
some measure of durability or ease of cladding or siding for the building's
replacement. facade.
Here are some key points about wall Design Flexibility:
panel systems:
Wall panel systems offer a high degree
Material Variety: of design flexibility. They can be
customized in terms of size, shape,
Wall panel systems can be constructed
color, texture, and finish to meet the
from a wide range of materials, each
specific design requirements of a
with its own set of properties and
project.
characteristics. Common materials
include wood, metal, glass, stone, Energy Efficiency:
concrete, PVC, and composite materials.
Some wall panel systems incorporate
Installation Methods: insulation materials, contributing to the
energy efficiency of a building by Overall, wall panel systems are versatile
reducing heat loss or gain through the elements in building design, offering a
walls. range of options for architects and
designers to achieve both functional and
Cost and Maintenance: aesthetic goals. They are used in various
architectural styles and can
The cost of wall panel systems can vary
significantly influence the overall look
widely depending on factors such as
and feel of a space.
material, size, complexity of
installation, and customization.
Additionally, the maintenance
requirements will also vary based on the FEATURES
material used.
• Comprehensive panelized wall
Sustainable Options:
construction system
There are eco-friendly options
• Factory material application
available, such as panels made from
recycled or renewable materials. • Indoor wall panel manufacturing
Additionally, some wall panel systems • Pre-assembled panelized walls
are designed to be easily recyclable or
• Lightweight panelized walls
have a long lifespan, contributing to
• Air barrier and secondary water
sustainability efforts.
barrier standard in all wall panel styles
Technology Integration:
• Continuous EIFS insulation
Some modern wall panel systems may • Wide variety of panelized wall
incorporate technology features, such finishing options
as integrated lighting, sound systems, or
• Components work in flexible panelized
smart home capabilities.
wall combinations
Fire and Safety Regulations:
• Wall panels are tested and code
Depending on the type of material and recognized
its use, wall panel systems may need to • Walls contain dual seal panelized
meet specific fire safety standards and
construction technology
building codes.
possibilities. They can enhance the
PRECEDENTS OF WALL PANEL overall visual appeal of a space.
SYSTEMS
2. Quick Installation:
Compared to traditional construction
Masonry Walls
methods, wall panel systems are often
Hollow Blocks quicker to install. This can lead to
faster project completion times and
reduced labor costs.
Concrete
3. Cost-Effectiveness:
Reinforced
Wall panel systems can be more cost-
concrete
effective than traditional construction,
as they may require fewer materials and
less labor for installation.
Dry Wall
4. Insulation and Energy Efficiency:
Some wall panel systems incorporate
Wood insulation materials, helping to improve
Construction the energy efficiency of a building by
reducing heat loss or gain through the
walls.
BENEFITS OF WALL PANEL SYSTEM
5. Sound Insulation:
1. Aesthetic Appeal:
Certain wall panel systems are designed
Wall panel systems come in various
to improve acoustic performance,
materials, textures, colors, and finishes,
reducing the transmission of sound
allowing for a wide range of design
between spaces. This is particularly structural support and stability to a
important in environments where noise building.
control is crucial.
10. Customization and Design Flexibility:
6. Versatility:
Wall panel systems can be customized in
Wall panel systems can be used in a terms of size, shape, color, texture, and
variety of applications, including interior finish to meet the specific design
and exterior walls, ceilings, and requirements of a project.
partitions. They can also be used in
11. Environmentally Friendly Options:
residential, commercial, and industrial
settings. There are eco-friendly options
available, such as panels made from
7. Reduced Maintenance:
recycled or renewable materials.
Many wall panel systems are designed to Additionally, some wall panel systems
be low-maintenance, requiring less are designed to be easily recyclable or
upkeep over time compared to have a long lifespan, contributing to
traditional wall finishes. sustainability efforts.
8. Fire Resistance: 12. Integrated Technology:
Some wall panel materials have fire- Some modern wall panel systems may
resistant properties, contributing to incorporate technology features, such
the overall fire safety of a building. as integrated lighting, sound systems, or
smart home capabilities.
9. Structural Integrity:
13. Durable and Long-Lasting:
Depending on the material used, wall
panel systems can provide additional Depending on the material chosen, wall
panel systems can be highly durable and
have a long lifespan, reducing the need application. These criteria ensure that
for frequent replacements. the wall panel system meets the
functional, structural, safety, and
aesthetic requirements of a project.
PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS: Here are some key performance criteria
for wall panel systems:
• Functional consideration
• Erection considerations 1. Structural Integrity:
• Aesthetic considerations
The wall panel system should provide
• Weight
adequate structural support and
stability to withstand the loads and
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
forces it will be subjected to in its
• Wind loading
intended application.
• Seismic design criteria
• Deflection criteria 2. Thermal Insulation:
• Air infiltration criteria
The system should have sufficient
• Water test performance criteria
insulation properties to help regulate
• Panel flatness criteria
temperature within the building,
• Panel tolerance criteria
reducing energy consumption for
• Thermal movement criteria
heating and cooling.
• Performance testing criteria
• Fire resistance ratings, if required 3. Fire Resistance:
• Sound transmission criteria
The wall panel system should meet fire
Performance criteria for wall panel safety standards and provide a
systems are essential benchmarks used specified level of fire resistance to
to evaluate the effectiveness and protect occupants and property.
suitability of the system for a specific
4. Sound Insulation:
Depending on the application, the 9. Sustainability and Environmental
system should effectively reduce sound Impact:
transmission between spaces to maintain
The materials used in the wall panel
privacy and comfort.
system should be environmentally
5. Weather Resistance: friendly, and the system as a whole
should contribute to sustainable building
Exterior wall panels should be capable
practices.
of withstanding exposure to the
elements, including rain, wind, UV 10. Compatibility with Other Building
radiation, and temperature fluctuations. Systems:
6. Water Tightness: The wall panel system should integrate
seamlessly with other building systems,
Exterior wall panels should be designed
such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing,
to prevent water infiltration, helping to
without causing conflicts or hindering
protect the building's structural
functionality.
integrity and preventing moisture-
related issues. 11. Design Flexibility and Customization:
7. Durability and Longevity: The system should allow for
customization in terms of size, shape,
The wall panel system should have a long
color, texture, and finish to meet
lifespan and be resistant to wear,
specific design requirements and
corrosion, and degradation over time.
aesthetic preferences.
8. Maintenance Requirements:
12. Safety and Code Compliance:
The system should have minimal
The wall panel system should comply
maintenance needs and be easy to clean
with building codes, standards, and
or repair if necessary.
regulations to ensure the safety of patterns, flat panels provide a clean and
occupants and meet legal requirements. uniform appearance.
13. Cost-Effectiveness:
The system should provide value for
investment, considering factors like
initial cost, installation expenses, and
long-term operational savings.
14. Energy Efficiency:
The wall panel system should contribute
to the overall energy efficiency of the
building, potentially leading to reduced
energy consumption and operational FEATURES AND BENEFITS
costs.
• Special interlocking joint design allows
TYPES OF WALL PANEL SYSTEMS panels to easily lock into for faster
There are various types of wall installation.
panels available, each designed for
• Can be combined with other Butler wall
specific applications and purposes. Here
systems, or bricks, glass and other
are some common types of wall panels:
conventional materials.
FLAT TYPE
• 16’’ panel width, combined with the
A flat type wall panel system is a side “return leg”, enables application of
construction and architectural system almost any conventional finish on the
that employs panels with a flat, smooth interior of the wall system.
surface. Unlike ribbed or textured
panels, which have raised ridges or
• Factory- installed rigid insulation
ProCLAD, Inc.’s Headquarter
board for enhanced energy efficiency.
Indianapolis, Indiana
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
• Available in several visually appealing
• Retail buildings
colors.
• Hangars
APPLICATION • Prison Facilities
• Equipment Maintenance Buildings
ARCHITECTURAL
• Manufacturing Facilities
• Low and Mid-Rid Offices • Warehouses
• Convention Centers • Distribution Centers
• Performing Arts Centers • Self storage complexes
• Arenas • Utility Buildings
• Airport Terminal Buildings
RIBBED TYPE
• Schools and Universities
• Hospitals Ribbed type wall panels, also
known as corrugated wall panels, are a
specific type of construction and
architectural system characterized by
the presence of ribs, grooves, or
corrugations in the surface of the
panels. These ribs provide structural
strength, rigidity, and aesthetic appeal
Pacific Plaza Building
to the wall system.
Tacoma, Washington
Ribbed wall panels are typically made of
materials like metal (such as steel or
aluminum) or composite materials. They
feature a series of raised ridges or
corrugations that run along the length warehouse buildings due to their
of the panel. durability and ability to withstand harsh
environments.
FEATURES
Roofing: In addition to walls, ribbed
• Available in 26,24 or 22 gauge
panels can be used for roofing
• 36” wide panel with 1 – ¼” high ribs 12”
applications, providing a durable and
on center
weather-resistant surface.
• Available up to 41’ in length
• Installed with self-drilling color-
Architectural Features: They can also
matched fasteners
be used for decorative purposes,
• Optional crimped base feature
creating visual interest on interior walls
Applications:
Exterior Cladding: Ribbed wall panels
are commonly used as exterior cladding
for buildings. They provide both
protection from the elements and
contribute to the architectural design
of the structure.
Industrial Buildings: Ribbed panels are
frequently used in industrial and
or as design elements in architectural • Utility Buildings
projects. • Low and Mid-Rise Offices
• Mid-Rise Office Spandrel Panels
B E N E F I T S:
• Variety of gauge thickness to meet
most codes and specifications
• Engineered for durability and
aesthetic pleasing
• Long panel lengths minimize end laps
for optimum wall integrity
• Superior paint finishes reduce Appaloosa Library
maintenance costs
• Eliminates the need for base trim and
accelerates installation
WALL TYPE
• Economical panel for most building
applications A curtain wall system consisting
of performed metal cut stone, precast
APPLICATIONS:
concrete or panelized brick wall units,
Building Types which may be reglazed or glazed after
• Retail Buildings installation. The framing is attached to
• Hangars the building structure and does not
• Prison Facilities carry the floor or roof loads of the
• Equipment Maintenance Buildings building. The wind and gravity load of
• Manufacturing Facilities the curtain wall are transferred to the
• Warehouses building structure, typically at the floor
• Distribution Centers line.
• Self-Storage Complexes
Wall type panel systems are composed texture, and finish. This allows for
of panels specifically engineered for use architectural creativity and flexibility.
in constructing walls. These panels can
be made from a variety of materials, Structural Integrity: Wall panels
including wood, metal, concrete, are engineered for structural integrity,
composite materials, and more. ensuring they meet safety standards
and building codes. They are designed to
B E N E F I T S:
withstand various environmental
V Rapid Construction: Wall panels
conditions.
are manufactured off-site and can be
quickly assembled on-site, reducing
Sound Insulation: Depending on
construction time compared to
the materials used, wall panels can
traditional brick-and-mortar methods.
provide effective sound insulation,
contributing to a quieter and more
Cost-Efficiency: It can lead to
comfortable indoor environment.
cost savings due to reduced labor and
construction time. Additionally, material
Fire Resistance: Some panel
waste is minimized, as panels are
systems offer high fire resistance
fabricated to precise measurements.
properties, contributing to the safety
of the building and its occupants.
Energy Efficiency: Wall panels
can incorporate insulation, enhancing KEY FEATURES
energy efficiency and reducing heating
Factory assembled
and cooling costs in buildings.
Typical units are five to six feet wide.
Fast and easy installation process
Design Flexibility: Panels can be
customized to meet specific design Comprehensive construction system
requirements, including size, shape, Components work in flexible
combination
WINDOW TYPE WALL PANEL
A "Window Type Wall Panel
System" refers to a specialized
construction method that integrates
pre-fabricated wall panels with windows.
This system is designed to streamline
the construction process, enhance
energy efficiency, and optimize the use
of natural light within a building.
FEATURES & B E N E F I T S:
• provide the designer with an unlimited
architectural vocabulary of expression
• provide a significant design feature
for any building type
• offers quality and cost-effective
construction
• Heavily sculptured panels may require
expensive molds
TILT-UP WALL PANEL SYSTEM
It is a technique of site casting
concrete walls or elements, typically
done on a horizontal surface and once
cured, it is tilted vertically into place
ADVANTAGES using a mobile crane. It is temporarily
• Cost and time efficient braced into its final standing position
and is tied into the building’s roof and
• Allows the fast fabrication of window
frames and glass flooring system.
• Has flexible design options
AD VANTA G E S
• Addresses vulnerabilities
• Fast, simple, and economical technique
of construction.
D I S A DVA N TAG E S • It eliminates the need for expensive
transportation of materials.
• Heavy equipment for installation
• No expensive vertical formwork is
• Changes are difficult because panels
required to finish the job.
are made beforehand
• Low maintenance, it is not affected by
moisture and weathering.
• Flexible, it can be easily removed and
relocated if future expansion became
necessary.
• The fire safety rating of a concrete
building will provide a fire endurance of
two hours or more.
DISADVANTAGES
• Panels are engineered before work
begins making changes difficult.
• Complicated reinforcing patterns and
layout of openings.
• Lifting panels requires specialized
equipment and third-party engineering
to calculate the lifting loads.
CONNECTIONS CONSIDERATIONS IN USING TILT-
UP CONSTRUCTION
• The designer must design the building
with the intention of having it
constructed using tilt up method.
• Since tilt-up panels typically
experience stresses from three to four
times higher during lifting than they do
once they are placed into position, it is
extremely important for the designer
to consider the critical lifting loads
during the design process.
APPLICATION/USAGE
• Tilt up wall panel system can be used
for any type of low- to mid-rise
building. It is most commonly used in
warehouses, which has a rectangular
shape and large floor area.