Insulated panels are cladding systems that incorporate an insulated core encapsulated between non-combustible steel facers and an internal/external laminated skin typically fabricated from steel. Mineral wool cores are increasingly popular due to concerns regarding the combustibility of composite panels, offering a complete non-combustible solution. Other key benefits of insulated panels include large span capability of up to 8m, high thermal insulation properties and fire resistance. Depending on structure requirements, insulated panels can be up to 25m in length.
These characteristics enable insulated panels to meet the NCC 2019 requirements discussed earlier. Insulated panels offer the following advantages over other building materials:
- The mineral wool core meets the NCC DTS provisions in C1.9(e) for non-combustible building elements in Type A and B construction. This provision specifies materials which may be used wherever a non-combustible material is required.
- When sourced from reputable manufacturers and suppliers, insulated panels can achieve a Group 1 fire rating in accordance with AS 5637 – Determination of fire hazard properties as required by NCC Specification C1.10.
- The continuous nature of insulated panels enables elimination of the thermal break otherwise required by the aforementioned J.04 and J.05. It also eliminates the non-combustible complex thermal break otherwise required by J1.2(e). Lastly, it eliminates the variation of conductivity between wall and ceiling components, resulting in an airtight moisture barrier that prevents condensation build-up in line with the NCC Performance Requirements in FP1.4 for weatherproofing of a roof or external wall.
