1.10 Insulated core panels
Many buildings have insulated core panels as
exterior cladding or for internal structures and
partitions. The food industry, in particular, uses
insulated core panels because they are easy to
clean and facilitate consistent temperature control
within the premises. The simple construction of
these panels enables alterations and for
additional internal partitions to be erected with
minimum disruption to business.
They normally consist of a central insulated
core, sandwiched between an inner and outer
metal skin (see Figure 17). There is no air gap.
The external surface is then normally coated
with a PVC covering to improve weather
resistance or the aesthetic appeal of the panel.
The central core can be made of various
insulating materials, ranging from virtually noncombustible
through to highly combustible.
Differing fire hazards are associated with
common types of insulation, when the panels are
subjected to certain temperatures.
Typical examples are: