Polycarbonate Sheets for Superior Performance

People aren’t always aware of how much the construction industry has changed in the last 50 years but at Danpal, we’ve had the opportunity to be part of an exciting and innovative trend that has transformed the buildings in which we work and live. No innovation has been more dynamic than the arrival of polycarbonate, a material that offers superior strength and resistance to weather, yet is flexible and easy to work with. In order for a building to perform  an optimum level, it needs to be weather resistant, well-insulated, and esthetically pleasing. If you haven’t considered polycarbonate sheets for your next building project, we’re happy to make the introduction!

Meet Polycarbonate Sheets
Polycarbonate sheets are available in two different forms. There’s multiwall polycarbonate, a structured sheet with hollow air chambers; and solid polycarbonate, a clear, flat sheeting that looks like glass.  There’s no difference in the quality of either version. Each has its own distinct advantage, so the final decision on which one to choose depends on your project and its esthetics. We should alert you, however, that if you’re a fan of glass, you need to know that polycarbonate has advantages that traditional glass can’t duplicate. But more on that later!

What Can Polycarbonate Sheets Do That Other Building Materials Can’t Do?
It’s not just what polycarbonate can do, it’s how well it can do it. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, yet that phenomenal strength doesn’t get in the way of flexibility which makes it so easy to work with and customize for personal tastes.

Polycarbonate, which is 200 times stronger than glass, is a material that has been hardened to withstand high levels of resistance. Glass doesn’t have the same nimble ability to adapt to conditions and protect a structure in the same way that polycarbonate sheets can. Both glass and plastic paneling are susceptible to scratching. It’s true that if a piece of glass is scratched, the scratch isn’t readily visible to the human eye. But polycarbonate strength makes it much harder to crack or break.

If you’re wondering what difference flexibility makes, consider this: Polycarbonate sheets are used in security screens, moving machinery parts, farming machinery, and windshields, all items that need to be sturdy, but also need to be flexible.

The Polycarbonate Sheet Advantage Shows in the Danpal Ventilated Rainscreen System
We’re not going to say that weather has met its match in polycarbonate sheets, because Mother Nature likes to run the show. But what we can say is that the polycarbonate sheets in our ventilated rainscreen system do a spectacular job of insulating the interior of a building from the damage that harmful weather can cause. A weather –resistant exterior combined with an air gap that allows for natural ventilation keeps insulation dry and effective. When you’re paying your heating bills, you’ll be glad to know that Danpal is looking out for you. Did you know that 40{5b578bc8adcb4430178b10faf0e9aa5adf0d58c8ca73fed93934f78c0e900111} of primary energy consumption is from buildings? Now you understand why Danpal pays so much attention to protecting a building’s insulation. You can trust your next project to polycarbonate sheets.

The importance of effective wall cladding

Wall cladding is a great way to protect a building from adverse weather elements, as well as other types of irritants that could have a negative effect on the building.

Wall cladding is the process of layering one material on top of another material which will create a skin layer over the walls. Cladding is almost exclusively used as a control feature, preventing the walls and the internal workings of a room or building being damaged by water or allowing the leakage of water that could potentially become a hazard for people who are walking around inside of the structure.

Depending on the task at hand, different types of materials can be used for wall cladding, such as wood, brick, metal plastic or imitation stone. Metal cladding is usually in the form of galvanized steel or aluminium.

The main advantage of using wall cladding is to protect a building form external damage while needing little to no maintenance. Once the wall cladding is in place, it will not need to be regularly checked or serviced like other weather protection measures have to be, costing time and money.

If you have external cladding, if you care about aesthetic, it can be quickly washed down with water and it will look as good as new. One of the most common materials used for wall cladding is aluminium, as it is very durable and versatile, as well as lasting long into the future.

One of the key purposes of wall cladding is for the protection and safety of the building and its occupants. It will make sure that the mechanical structure of the building remains sound, as it will be able to adapt to changing weather conditions. This is especially helpful in regions that go from one extreme temperature at one time of the year, to an extreme temperature during the other time of the year.  It will also help to reduce the amount of water that is absorbed and will provide protection against chemical or air pollution.

Danpal and their wall cladding system

wall claddingWhen it comes to Danpal and wall cladding, they are one of the leading providers in the industry. We have already talked about the important protective features that wall cladding provides, but with Danpal’s special system, it will also save you money in the long run, as the Danpal VRS is a system that provides great insulation for the room and building that it is protecting.

Proper insulation in a building is vital, as it will ensure that temperatures internally are at an optimum level without having to change settings on specialised units, such as air conditioning and central heating.

The Danpal VRS also allows for a natural ventilation of the building thanks to a special air gap, while still ensuring that the insulation remains dry and efficient over time.

It is even more lightweight than your traditional wall cladding thanks to the connector-bound Microcell polycarbonate panels, meaning that it is simple and easy to install.

The benefits of using a translucent facade

When it comes to the facade of a building, there are a few different options that you have to choose from. Each will have their own pros and cons, depending on the situation at hand.

One of the most important features that your facade needs to have is durability and resistance to external damage. There is no point having facade that will crack, scuff and break not long after it has been installed. Proper facade should last for decades, rather than looking faded and worn after a few short years.

There is a fine balance that needs to be achieved when it comes to the facade while you want something that is durable and is very resistant, you also want something that is flexible and allows you a certain amount of freedom when it comes to the design specs.

If aesthetics is something that is important to the project, you have to choose from different options, as some systems will be better finished than others and be much more elegant. You can also choose from systems that are transparent or ones that are made with a variety of alternative finishes.

Danpal and their translucent facade systems


translucent facadeDanpal’s translucent façade system is one of the best in the business.

Compared to many of the alternative on the market today, the Danpal facade has superior light diffusion, which means that the natural light is evenly diffused. Its specialized design is perfect for daytime applications and it looks aesthetically pleasing thanks to the tightly spaced ribs.

As it offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to design, it is also very easy to install and tweak towards your desired goals. The concealed joints have the ability to twist and warp if needed and the building design professional will be able to control how much light that is coming through, create amazing visual contrasts, as well as hide certain unappealing elements of the building.

One of the most important features of facade is that it helps to protect the building from external elements such as the weather. The last thing you want to happen is to have a facade that looks amazing, but as soon as the wind and the rain comes, you are faced with all sorts of problems.

Danpal’s translucent facade have top quality air and water tightness. This is thanks to the snap-lock connection which makes sure that these types of elements cannot enter the building when they are unwanted.

When it comes to adding the finishing touches to a new building or even to spice up an old building, there are so many different textures, colours, fixtures and lighting effects available to you to create truly amazing and inspirational facades that you are truly spoilt for choice. You can tailor your needs to your desired look by day and your desired look by night.

Finally, as with all systems form Danpal, the security is seamless thanks to the double click locking seam and you will also be able to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, as the systems all have top quality co-extended UV protection built in.

Interior panels bring your interior design together

When it comes to designing the interior of a space, it is important that all of your goals and aims are achieved in a balanced way. You don’t want to focus on each area individually, as when everything is put together; it may appear disjointed and too busy.

Instead, it is a good idea to always think of the design on a macro level, where everything pulls together to achieve one collective goal.

There are so many factors that go into designing a quality interior, that it takes a lot of careful planning and a lot of tough choices will need to be made.

Aligning the walls and ceilings

interior panelsWhen it comes to the walls, interior panels need to be properly used in order to give off an illusion of space and cleanliness. Danpal achieve this thanks to the interior panels which come in a variety of colours, have clean lines and maximize lighting effects to give a feeling of illuminance to any space that you step foot in.

Many people forget about the importance of ceilings when it comes to interior design, but they are one of the most important pieces of the puzzle.

You can use the ceiling to add colour and life to the space. Danpal offers unique solutions which can cover large areas of concrete or celling surfaces, all in a manner that is quick and easy to implement. The ceiling surfaces are smooth and clean, allowing light to be optimally integrated.

Composition of the panelling

When it comes to interior panels, you are spoilt for choice with Danpal’s range of offerings. No matter what textures, finishing or colours you decide to go with, you are guaranteed a structure that is exceptionally durable, has superior light diffusion and is high impact. This will leave your interior space looking great, as well as lasting long into the future.

The reason Danpal can achieve all of these great features is thanks to the Microcell panels which vary in thickness and widths depending on your needs. They have been purposely built with tight spacing in between the ribs in order to ensure superior lighting diffusion.
The beauty of the Danpal interior panels
If you want to create a blended look to your interior, or you want to go for a more bold design, Danpal has the consistency in quality and aesthetics to achieve any goals.

There are now so many different aesthetic possibilities opened up to you. This means that you can transform previously mundane and uninspiring spaces into a revolutionary structure which has been transformed by sleek design and quality light.

Everything from the walls to the partitions and ceilings can be transformed into radiant sculptural elements that will help to contribute to an amazingly unique ambience in the space.

Your creativity will know no bounds when it come sot using the Danpal interior system, as you can maximise the visual potential of both artificial and natural light. Best of all, it is quick and easy to install thanks to its lightweight nature.

Danpalon – Getting your office interior design bang on the money

When it comes to designing the interior of a structure, there are many different variables that need to be accounted for. You can spend months upon months trying to decide what sort of colour schemes you are going to use, what features need to be implemented and deciding how different things work with one another.

It can often be a stressful experience for both the client and the designer, as both of you will have your own thoughts and visions when it comes to the project.

However, there are certain universal principles that need to be addressed when it comes to interior design.

At Danpalon, the team has had a lot of experience working with both parties on providing a fantastic end product, so we have the knowledge of what tends to usually work and what doesn’t.

There’s no such thing as too much space or light

It is not something you should be complaining about if you are faced with one of these “problems.”

If you are working on an office for example, it is important to have as much natural light as possible. Office workers spend the majority of their day indoors. Studies have shown how a lack of natural light can lead to poor levels of productivity and mood levels.

There are many ways you can maximize natural light, such as knocking down interior walls and replacing them with glass walls in private offices and have a more open planned desk layout as opposed to the usual cubicles.

Have break spaces

danpalonWhile this is somewhere workers can eat their lunch, it is also a great way to break away from their desk and to think more creatively about projects they are working on. These casual areas will help workers to relax, as well as providing a forum to discuss thoughts and ideas.

Ensure that neatness is a priority

A messy office often means a messy brain. When you see clutter and everything packed tightly together, it can restrict you both mentally and physically. By having neat finishes on the interior fittings, as well as having certain tidiness policies in place in the office, the end goal can be achieved.

The Danpalon interior system

When you are creating this environment for an office, it is important that you have many different options to choose from when it comes to the interior.

At Danpalon, our special interior system allows you to explore new aesthetic possibilities. You can transform walls, ceilings and partitions with radiant sculptural effects in order to craft a unique ambiance. You can let your creativity run wild.

The Danpalon interior system allows you to play around with different levels of light and shade, as you can easily adjust the louvres in order to create your desired balance.

The system also gives you both strength and translucency thanks to the reduced spacing that exists between the panel ribs. Finally, there are so many different finishes and colours to choose from that you can bring the picture in your head into reality.

Creative ideas to design a building with facade systems

When it comes to designing a building, the final finishing touch that gives it a polished and smart appearance is the type of facade systems that is chosen.

The structure of the building has its role, but the facade is the decoration which gives life to the building and is the prime ethical component which adds that charm.

This is why you should not rush the decision making process. Some designers have their pre-determined facade decided for all projects they work on and are fairly inflexible when it comes to changing things up.

It is important that designers think about a horses for courses scenario. Certain types of facade will suit certain types of buildings, while some facades will look absolutely disastrous on them. This is why you need to keep in mind a few rudimentary variables and remarks when conducting the selection process.

Be creative

Don’t be stood in the same old rigid thought process project after project. Instead, get your creative juices flowing. This is highly likely the reason why you got into design in the first place, you enjoyed the creative and imagination aspect of the design process and see the image in your head come to life in front of your eyes.

Understand the huge role light plays in your selection
facade_system2As a designer, you will be well aware of the importance of natural light. The pattern of light is hugely important when it comes to the facade of a building.

You need to be aware at what sort of angles the sunlight will be hitting the building at different times of the day and adjust for that. By factoring this into your calculations, you will also be able to instantly improve the interior quality when it comes to natural light.

Horses for courses

When it comes to choosing a facade, don’t just go for the one that is currently in trend just for the sake of it. Make sure that you take your time fitting the style of the building with the right facade. You don’t want one aspect of the building spoiling everything else.

You also want to ensure that the type of facade you are using is appropriate for the climate in the region. If the building is located in a poorer climate where there’s a lot of rain and wind, there will be different requirements compared to if it was a sunnier climate.

Danpal and their selection of facade systems

Whatever your needs are when it comes to facade systems, Danpal can cater for them. It doesn’t matter what sort of structure you are building, the right design is out there for you.

Transparent facades are really the going trend these days. The Danpal framed facade is one of the most popular options being used as it offers great weather protection, has high impact resistance and is transparent. All of these systems allow for a great transfer of light and also have optimal thermal dynamics.

What are the benefits of rainscreen cladding?

When it comes to the longevity of a building, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration.

During the design process, you have to factor in variables like the visually appealing aspect of a design, the efficiency of the design and of course the cost factors associated with how the building is structured, what materials are being used.

There is one thing that should not be overlooked, but often is. That is adding a form of protection onto the structure to ensure that the design and integrity of the building does not deteriorate over time.

Due to different weather elements like wind, rain and snow, buildings can quickly become shabby and develop structural faults, such as poor insulation, mould, corrosion and high levels of permeability. This will lead to a lot of heartache down the road if you do not take appropriate measures to prevent this from happening.

Why use rainscreen cladding?

The idea of rainscreen cladding is to protect a building from excessive moisture. When it comes to exterior damage on a building, rain is the number one culprit. This is why you need to have a form of protection in place in the form of rainscreen cladding.

As well as providing protection from moisture and the long list of subsequent problems associated with it, you can also add to the aesthetic value of the façade of a building.

The way it works is due to its structure, it is made up of a ventilated cavity, an outer panel and an inner sheet. The gap that exists between the building’s exterior and the cladding keeps water from being able to seep into the wall. The ventilated cavity encourages good air flow, with the overhangs and screens stopping rainwater form even entering in the first place.
Benefits of Danpal’s rainscreen cladding
rainscreen claddingDanpal is one of the leading figures when it comes to rainscreen cladding. The Ventilated Rainscreen System is light but extremely solid. This is thanks to the material it is made out of – connector-bound Microcell polycarbonate panels which are as much as three times lighter than the mainstream rainscreen cladding that is found on the market today.

This means that it is also simple and quick to install as the connections are completed on the support directly, which means that there is no need for extra framed structures.

Thanks to the ventilation system, there is great insulation efficiency, saving you when it comes to your energy costs, as well as having perfect water tightness due to the double notching of the panels.

The decision to install rainscreen cladding really is a no-brainer.

It adds much needed protection to the exterior of a building from the terribleness of moisture. It can help to enhance the appearance of a building, giving it an updated and more modern look.

It is very easily installed which means that there will be very little disruption. By improving the insulation of the structure, it is sustainable and you can even reuse the cladding if the building is being demolished. Finally, there are many customisable options to choose from when it comes to design and colour.

Choosing the right Roofing Material

Useful advice to keep in mind when choosing the right roofing material

No matter what sort of structure you are involved with designing, the roof is always one of the most important pieces of the overall puzzle. It is the icing on the cake. If you get the roofing material wrong, all of your hard work that has gone into the overall structure will have been for nothing.

This is how precise you have to be with your selection, as there is a staggering amount of options out there on the market today for you to choose from, that it can often be a stressful period trying to find the one that is best suited to that particular design and structure.

There are some key factors to take into consideration during the selection process and by thinking about them carefully, you will get a much better idea of what it is that you are looking for.

Weather conditions

One of the fundamental things that you have to consider when selecting a roof is ensuring that it will be able to withstand any potential conditions that are going to be thrown at it, whether that is heavy winds, hail or snow.

This is the main barrier between the interior and the exterior of the building and needs to be able to withstand large volumes of snow if you are in such an area, as well as the effects that excessive heat or cold may have on the roof. Certain types of roofs work better in particular types of climates.

Appearance

roofing materialOf course when it comes to design, the appearance of the roof is one of the most important parts of the equation.

You want your structure to look visually pleasing. The roof is very visible when you look at any structure from the street, so this has a significant effect on the finished look of the building. You should have the texture, type and colour of the roof matched with the rest of the building’s exterior style and finish.

Always stay true to your vision as an architect or designer, as well as keeping in line with the architectural style of the building. You don’t want to mismatch two different styles, as it will look conjoined and rushed.

Durability and longevity of the roofing material

While cost of the roof is an important factor to consider, you really need to figure out how long this roof will last on the structure. You could buy a cheap roof that gives you all sorts of problems not long down the line and you will incur more expense trying to repair it than you would have spent paying extra for the higher quality roof.

Danpal and their selection of roofs

As one of the leaders in roofing, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the options that Danpal provides. No matter what sort of design or features you are looking for, Danpal will be able to fulfil your needs.

Whether you are looking for modern and aesthetically slick roofs or more basic and traditional ones, you need not look further.

Choosing the right facade materials for housing design projects

If you are designing housing units, there is usually a certain amount of restriction placed upon you when it comes to expressing yourself creatively. Usually, cost will play a significant role in what sort of design work you can do and features that you can add. By carefully choosing the facade materials, you are able to transform even the most boring and normal looking house into something that has style and substance to it. It is all about finding that right balance when it comes to the key features.

The choice of style

Perhaps the most important part of choosing the facade is deciding what style you are going to use. There are so many different variations and styles catered for in the market today that it can be hard to nail down one choice.

You want to give the housing some personality and a unique style that will make it appealing to the home owner. Is your preference more towards minimalist, traditional, contemporary or modern styles? The list goes on.

You need to factor in what sort of look will suit the surroundings and general location of where the homes are going to be.

facade materialWhat are your preferred materials?

Every designer will have certain materials that they like to use over others. You want to use materials that are going to stand out. You can find inspiration by driving around other housing estates in the area and seeing what works well, as well as what doesn’t.

This allows you to learn from other people’s mistakes and failures, as well as seeing the image in your head somewhat brought to life.

Which colours are representative of your design?

You want to choose colours for the facade that are easy to manage (i.e. easy to clean), as well as tying in with the design of the rest of the house and developing an aesthetically stylish finish.

You can even use different shades of the same colour to give off a layering effect that has some depth to it or you could go for a bold look that contrasts different darks and light colours along with varying textures.

Don’t forget about landscape and lighting

In order to complete the look of a house, it has to fit in with its surroundings. You can have the most beautifully designed house in the world, but if it doesn’t fit in, then it will not look right. You can utilise things like columns, feature lighting and brick stacks to make the houses stand out.

Danpal and their wide range of facade materials

Danpal has a variety of different facades that have different facade materials being used. Whatever you are looking for, the team at Danpal can cater for your needs.

There are so many different textures, colours, and iterations to choose from, you will be sure to find something that fits your eye and the project at hand. What is great about their facade options is that they are lightweight, while still being very resistant to outside forces, meaning that they will last a lifetime.

Advice to keep in mind when working with polycarbonate panels

When it comes to choosing the right plastic material for your task at hand, look no further than polycarbonate panels. This material is pretty much unbreakable and usually come in two different iterations; as a

  • multiwall polycarbonate which is a structured sheet that has air chambers which are hollow

Or

  •  solid polycarbonate which is clear, flat sheeting that has the appearance of glass

Both of these polycarbonate panels have their own distinct advantages and it often comes down to which is more aesthetically pleasing for the project at hand rather than the functionality of the panels coming into play.

Does this type of panelling scratch?

While plastic and glass panelling is liable to scratching, the polycarbonate surface is a material that has been hardened to withstand high levels of resistant.

If a piece of glass is scratched, the glass breaks away in tiny shards and the scratch is not very visible to the human eye. Alternatively, when plastic panelling is scratched, the fragments don’t break away, they move to another location which leaves a visible indentation that is raised on the surface.

This sort of effect needs to be taken into consideration when you are deciding to use plastic sheeting.

On the other hand, it is a lot harder to cause cracks or breaks in the polycarbonate panels as even though it is half the weight of glass, it is actually more than 200 times stronger than glass.

It is also flexible while maintaining strength levels and rigidity. This is why polycarbonate panels are often used as a guard in moving machinery parts, farming machinery wind shields and in security screens.

Does polycarbonate panelling bend?

This type of panelling does bend, which gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to the design of the project at hand. Larger sheets will have a bend with a greater radius and are well fitted for arching rooves. The greater the thickness and the smaller in size a panel are, the harder it will be to bend.

The advantages of Danpal polycarbonate panels

polycarbonate-panel2At Danpal, there are a number of different systems that utilise polycarbonate panels.

One such example is the ventilated rain system which gives a structure an aesthetically pleasing exterior while also efficiently insulating the structure from any damage that may be caused by adverse weather conditions.

Thanks to the air gap, there is a lot of natural ventilation which will allow the insulation to stay dry and perform effectively long into the future.

It is said that approximately 40{5b578bc8adcb4430178b10faf0e9aa5adf0d58c8ca73fed93934f78c0e900111} of the primary energy consumption comes from the building itself, which is why the Danpal system is so effective when it comes to saving on energy costs.

This extra form of protection is the perfect type of insulation for the task at hand. Best of all, it is quick and easy to install, as well as there being so much choice when it comes to design and the colour of the panelling.

Danpal – The pros and cons of installing skylights

When you are designing a building, there are so many different variables that you have to consider. Even the tiniest of features needs to be thoroughly thought out, exploring the different options in terms of the materials to use, the design of the materials, the colour, the price and how this feature will fit in with the rest of the structure.

This is why the top design professionals can charge the big bucks, they know how to manage all of these variables and come out with an end product that is pleasing in all aspects.

One decision that is difficult to make a lot of the time is whether or not you should install skylights into the building you are designing.

They are such an aesthetically pleasing way in which you can allow a lot more natural light enter into a building, but they also come with some drawbacks that you need to account for. At Danpal, the team is experienced in which situations are suited to skylights and at which times it is best to avoid using them.

Pros

The space will look larger

If the space you are designing is small or there is going to be a lot of activity in it, skylights are a great way of giving the illusion of there being more space. It makes the ceiling look as if it is wider and the sunlight and moonlight will be able to fill up the room. This will relax the mind and make the room a lot more visually appealing, as it won’t appear to be as cramped.

Potential for solar heating

When the sun is shining through the skylights, there will be a natural heat coming through that will help somewhat to warm up a room. By using quality skylights, such as the Danpavault system provided by Danpal, you can achieve great thermal insulation and extended UV protection, which will keep the inhabitants and contents of the space in great condition.

Cons

Potential problems if you don’t use a trusted system

When it comes to skylights, you have to ensure that you are going for quality rather than trying to save costs. By utilising subpar skylights, you may experience leaks over time, which will cause damage to the space and all of its contents.

The Danpal Danpavault system

danpalThe Danpavault system is one of the best types of skylight that is on the market today.

No matter what your need is, this skylight will be able to solve it. They are of an unlimited length, so they can be easily integrated with all different roof types.

When it comes to installation, this system is very flexible. You can have them self-supporting or alternatively you may decide to have them installed over a metal structure. There are also additional options that you can decide to implement through aluminium framing, such as bars, connectors or spacers.

The special nature of the Danpavault’s structure means that light is evenly diffused, which leads to long term durability, as well as effective thermal insulation and UV protection.

Finally, the structure is extremely resistant to high impacts and damage from hail, so you don’t have to worry about these factors if the structure is located in a particularly turbulent climate.