Facade ideas

Installation of facade panels with glue or rivets?

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M3ziolek

On 04/11/2024

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Installing Facade Panels with Adhesive or Rivets? This is one of the questions investors face when choosing a ventilated facade. To answer this question, let’s take a closer look at both installation systems considering: aesthetics, ease of installation, cost, and durability.

However, let’s start with an introduction.

ventilated facades

When choosing a ventilated facade, we have many decorative panels to choose from, such as: fiber-cement panels like Equitone – Euronit, Cembrit, HPL panels like Trespa, wood-veneered HPL panels like Prodema, stone fiber panels like Rockpanel, concrete panels like Fibre C, and so on.

All these panels can be mounted in both the rivet system and the adhesive system. Rivet installation (or screws) is a point fastening system. The adhesive system is a set of products for invisible installation of ventilated facades. This set is based on flexible polyurethane adhesive, degreasing agent, primers, and pre-mounting tape. Each component of the set has a specific function. An example of a recommended adhesive system for facade panels is the SIMSON system by BOSTIK or SIKA TackPanel.

Aesthetics

In this category, adhesive installation undoubtedly wins, as there are no additional visible elements on the surface of the mounted panel that could disrupt the building’s aesthetics. Additionally, adhesive mounting gives great freedom in designing facades. Designers are not limited to one material but can use a wide range of materials available on the market and combine them in almost any way. On the other hand, connecting the panel to the substructure with rivets involves the visibility of a metal element with a diameter of about 16 mm, protruding about 2 mm from the mounted panel. It should be noted here that a significant advantage is the fact that the rivets are powder-coated in the same color as the panel and are completely invisible from a distance of a few meters.

Ease of Installation

The significant difference between the described systems is the method of installation. For rivet installation, it is crucial to maintain the correct spacing between the rivets in both vertical and horizontal planes. Typically, this is 60 cm, but often, panel manufacturers provide their guidelines regarding the spacing of rivets, and these guidelines should be followed. An additional advantage of rivet installation is the possibility to dismantle and re-install the panel once correctly positioned. If the panel is poorly mounted and needs to be dismantled, it can be reused. Rivet installation is possible at any time of the year, regardless of weather conditions. However, adhesive installation has certain limitations, mainly due to weather conditions. It is not possible to glue panels during rain or snow. Panels can only be glued when the air temperature is above 5°C, and the air humidity does not exceed 75%. These guidelines apply to both the time of installation and the 24-hour period before and after installation. Sometimes, panel manufacturers provide their guidelines regarding temperature and air humidity during installation. Furthermore, adhesive installation cannot be used on buildings above 25 meters in height. Facade installation in the adhesive system can only be carried out by installation teams that have undergone appropriate training. In the case of adhesive installation, a poorly glued and dismantled panel cannot be reused.

Cost

Considering the installation of 1 m² of panel and comparing both systems – the purchase of rivets is half the cost of purchasing the adhesive system. For adhesive installation, additional costs must be considered, such as increased labor hours for the installation team. Each layer of the adhesive system applied to the panel must “wait” to dry. Increased labor hours mean longer employment times for the installation team, additional accommodation costs. There are also unfavorable weather conditions causing numerous delays in installation.

Durability

Rivet installation is undoubtedly associated with a durable construction. And it indeed is. Thinking about adhesive installation, we don’t have that certainty, but is it justified? Definitely NOT! The adhesive installation can also be durable, and there is no need to worry about the panel falling off. However, it should be mentioned that a correctly executed installation according to the adhesive manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial in this case. It is not possible to glue according to one’s idea or skip any step of the installation.

Considering the above information, we can be sure that the adhesive system becomes as durable as rivet installation. In summary, it is not possible to definitively answer which installation system is better. Both rivet and adhesive installation are undoubtedly durable and recommended. Each system has both advantages and disadvantages. Which system you choose depends on your preferences.

Prodema wood-like cladding and concrete panels, alongside a hidden garage door.

Garage door clad with Prodema panels.

Mineral wool insulation for ventilated facades.

Prodema cladding board resembling wood panels.

Summary:

Installing Facade Panels with Adhesive or Rivets? A Key Choice for the Aesthetics and Durability of the Building

Ventilated facades have become a popular architectural solution, allowing investors to choose from a variety of materials and styles. One of the key dilemmas they face is choosing the installation system: adhesive or rivets? Here are the main issues to consider before making this important decision.

**1. Aesthetics:

Adhesive Installation: If you want an elegant facade appearance without additional visible elements, adhesive installation is an excellent choice. It eliminates the need for visible rivets, resulting in a smooth and modern surface.
Rivet Installation: Introduces visibility of metal elements, which may affect aesthetics. However, painting the rivets in the panel color minimizes their visibility from a distance.

2. Ease of Installation:

Adhesive Installation: Provides great freedom in facade design, allowing the use of various materials. However, adhesive installation has weather-related limitations. It must be carried out at temperatures above 5°C and humidity below 75%. Additionally, this method is only recommended for buildings up to 25 meters in height.
Rivet Installation: Possible at any time of the year, regardless of weather conditions. Additionally, panels can be dismantled and re-installed, which may be important for corrections or changes.

3. Cost:

Adhesive Installation: Involves higher costs, especially considering increased labor hours, accommodation for the installation team, and longer drying times for the adhesive.
Rivet Installation: Cheaper, both in terms of material purchase and installation time.

4. Durability:

Adhesive Installation: With the right materials and installation procedures, the adhesive system can be as durable as rivet installation. Precise execution according to the manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial.
Rivet Installation: Associated with a durable construction, but the durability of both systems is similar if properly applied.