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Composites, such as Formica Shower Panel™, consist of decorative high pressure laminates bonded with adhesives to core materials. Composites are particularly suitable for wall cladding and may be used in a variety of situations.
Preparing the Wall
In most cases it is necessary to fit out the entire wall surface with a groundwork of horizontal prepared timber battens with a minimum thickness of 22mm and a maximum distance between centres of 500mm. Erect the battens true and aligned, with vertical grounds at internal and external corners. In certain circumstances a framework of metal angles or channels is better than using timber grounds.
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Jointing and Fixing
Close butt joints, without cover strips or surrounds, provide a clean uniform surface. But where joints occur it is good practice to bevel each panel slightly to obtain a fine ‘V’ joint. Alternatively, create feature joints by spacing apart the edges of the boards, or by introducing an aluminium extrusion or laminate strip of contrasting colour.
For ease of installation, and to minimise dimensional movement, panel widths should be around 600mm.
There are many possible fixing methods. The choice of a particular method, or combination of methods, is usually dictated by:
substrate;
type of installation;
performance requirements;
design criteria.
Panels may be attached to the prepared grounds by plywood buttons or metal clips, by fixing through the joint detail, or by a combination of both. Where plywood buttons or metal clips are used, machine the grounds before fixing.
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Where the panel thickness permits, the edges may simply be grooved and a loose tongue or spline of hardboard or plywood inserted to align the panel faces. Do not rely on this as the sole means of supporting the panel.
Internal and external corners may be finished either square-edged, or postformed for a softer appearance.
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| Panels with grooved edges may also be fixed with concealed extruded aluminium sections. In this method, secure the centres of the panels with Bostik pads or constructional neoprene adhesive.
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| Where aluminium channel is used, rebate the panel edges and fix to prepared ground using a temporary spacer to position the joints correctly. Then screw the aluminium channel into the prepared space and fill with a foam backed laminate insert cut accurately to the internal dimension.
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| For soft cored boards such as calcium silicate, capture the edges with aluminium extrusions.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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| Ceiling and skirting details are dictated by prevailing circumstances and design considerations. Two examples are shown.
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