We’ve put together your most asked questions to help you with your project.
Composite panels are factory-manufactured panels made from an insulating core between two metal facings. They combine insulation, strength and a finished surface within one panel and can be used for a wide range of wall and ceiling applications.
Composite panel describes how a panel is constructed, typically using an insulating core between two metal facings. Cladding describes how a product is used as part of a building wall or envelope. Some composite panels can therefore be used as cladding, while others are intended primarily for internal walls, ceilings or controlled environments.
The right composite panel depends on the application and the performance required. Important factors include fire performance, thermal performance, thickness, span, wall or ceiling orientation, internal environment, hygiene requirements, finishes and certification. For Isoclad, this will usually help determine whether a Firestop mineral wool panel or a Thermocore PIR panel is the more suitable option.
Yes. Composite panels can be manufactured and cut to suit specific project dimensions, subject to the technical and transportation limitations of the chosen panel. Isoclad’s CustomClad service can also provide bespoke cuts, apertures and other adaptations where required.
Yes. Composite panels are widely used for internal walls, partitions and enclosures. Depending on the panel selected, they can provide thermal insulation, fire resistance, hygienic finishes and separation between different internal environments.
Composite panels can be manufactured in a wide range of lengths, with the maximum length depending on the panel type, thickness, transport requirements and project specification. Isoclad can manufacture selected panels in lengths of up to 13.5 metres, subject to technical confirmation.
Composite panels are installed onto a suitable supporting structure and connected using the panel’s joint system. Fixings, support centres, sealants and installation details will vary depending on the product and application, so the relevant installation guidance should always be followed.
Composite panels are available in a range of thicknesses depending on the product and the performance required. Thickness can affect thermal performance, fire resistance, span and overall suitability for the application.
The correct composite panel thickness depends on factors including thermal performance, fire requirements, span, application and whether the panel is being installed horizontally, vertically or as a ceiling. The full project specification should be considered before selecting a thickness.
Composite panels can offer cost savings on some projects by combining insulation, finished surfaces and enclosure within one product. Faster installation and fewer separate construction elements can also help reduce labour and programme time. Overall cost will depend on the project specification and installation requirements.
Yes. Composite panels can be cut to accommodate doors, windows, service penetrations and other openings. Where possible, these can be planned and prepared using CustomClad before delivery to reduce the amount of cutting required on site.
The terms insulated panel and composite panel are often used to describe the same type of product: an insulating core positioned between two outer metal facings. Terminology can vary between manufacturers, so the construction and performance of the panel are more important than the name used.
Composite panels use male and female joints that allow adjoining panels to connect and form a continuous wall or ceiling system. The exact joint profile varies between panel systems and can contribute to thermal, fire and environmental performance.
Yes, some composite panels can be used for both wall and ceiling applications. However, not every panel is suitable or certified for every orientation, so the relevant product specification should always be checked.
Some composite panels are fire resistant, but not all composite panels provide the same level of fire performance. This depends on factors such as the insulation core, panel thickness, steel facings, span, orientation, joints and the complete tested system.
You can view the fire performance of Isoclad’s panel ranges in our product brochures, available in the Resources section.
A fire-rated composite panel is an insulated panel that has been tested to provide a specified level of fire performance. Depending on the product, this can include reaction to fire classification, fire resistance or both. The relevant test evidence and certification should always be checked for the specific application.
Isoclad Firestop panels are manufactured using a mineral wool insulation core between pre-finished steel facings. The mineral wool core provides enhanced fire performance, with different Firestop products available depending on the required application and fire rating.
Fire-rated panels are required wherever regulations call for fire resistance or compartmentalisation, such as cleanrooms, factories, and data centres.
Isoclad Thermocore panels are manufactured using a PIR insulation core between pre-finished steel facings. PIR provides high thermal performance while keeping the panel relatively lightweight.
Thermocore panels are ideal for temperature-controlled environments like cold rooms, food prep areas, and insulated enclosures.
The main difference is the insulation core. PIR panels provide high levels of thermal insulation while remaining relatively lightweight, making them well suited to temperature-controlled environments. Mineral wool panels are commonly selected where enhanced fire performance is a key requirement.
Yes. Composite panels can be cut to suit specific project dimensions. Panels can also be supplied pre-cut using CustomClad where required, helping to reduce cutting and preparation work during installation.
Composite panels are available in a range of colours, coatings and surface finishes. The most suitable finish will depend on factors such as appearance, durability, hygiene requirements and the environment in which the panel will be used.
You can view Isoclad’s available colour options in the colour charts within our Resources section.
We’ll recommend the right steel thickness and coating based on your environment, loading requirements, and desired finish.
The main difference is the thickness and rigidity of the steel. 0.7mm steel is thicker and generally more rigid than 0.5mm steel, while 0.5mm steel may be suitable where the additional strength is not required. The correct thickness will depend on the application and project requirements.
Flashings are fabricated steel trims that complete junctions, edges, and transitions. We can supply and render all required flashings for your project.
You can find out more about the options available on our Flashings and Trims page.
Yes. Our project team can assist with scheduling, coordination, and technical support for complex builds.
A U-value measures how easily heat passes through a building element, such as an insulated panel. It is measured in W/m²K, and a lower U-value means better thermal insulation.
The U-value achieved by a composite panel will depend on factors including the insulation core and panel thickness.
An R-value measures a product’s resistance to heat flow. It is measured in m²K/W, and a higher R-value indicates greater thermal resistance.
Panel thickness and the type of insulation core both affect the R-value.
EN 14509 is the harmonized European standard covering factory-made, self-supporting, double-skin metal-faced insulated panels. It sets requirements for characteristics including mechanical performance, thermal performance, fire performance and dimensional tolerances.
Isoclad manufactures relevant panel products to BS EN 14509:2013.
LPS 1208 is a Loss Prevention Standard covering the fire resistance of construction systems used to provide fire compartmentation. It includes requirements for testing and assessing systems such as fire-resistant walls and insulated panels.
Selected Isoclad Firestop systems are certified to LPS 1208.
ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard for quality management systems. It sets requirements for how organisations manage processes, quality, continual improvement, and customer requirements.
ISO 9001:2026 is now the current edition of the standard, replacing ISO 9001:2015. Organisations already certified to the previous edition will transition in line with their certification arrangements.
A2-s1,d0 is a reaction to fire classification under BS EN 13501-1.
- A2 indicates very limited contribution to fire.
- s1 indicates a low level of smoke production.
- d0 means no flaming droplets or particles are produced within the classification criteria.
It describes how a product reacts when exposed to fire and should not be confused with a fire-resistance rating such as EI60 or EI120.
Composite panel certification varies depending on the product and its intended performance. Isoclad panels are manufactured to EN 14509 and carry a CE marking through AVCP System 3. Resistance to fire testing has been carried out according to EN 1364-1 and EN 1364-2. Reaction to fire classifications to BS EN 13501-1 and fire resistance certification such as LPS 1208. Please contact the technical department to confirm the capability of your panel.
Reaction to fire describes how a product contributes to the development and spread of fire. Classifications such as A2-s1,d0 relate to reaction to fire.
Fire resistance measures how long a construction can maintain specific functions when exposed to fire. Ratings such as EI60 or EI120 relate to fire resistance.
EI ratings describe how long a construction element can maintain integrity and insulation when exposed to fire.
E stands for integrity, meaning the ability to prevent flames and hot gases from passing through. I stand for insulation, meaning the ability to limit temperature rise on the unexposed side. The number represents the period in minutes, so EI60 means both requirements were achieved for 60 minutes.
Yes. Insulated composite panels are widely used for cold stores, chill rooms and temperature-controlled environments because they can provide high levels of thermal insulation and help maintain stable internal temperatures.
Yes. Composite panels are commonly used for cleanrooms because they can create smooth, enclosed wall and ceiling systems. The required panel, joint detail and finish will depend on the hygiene, cleaning and environmental requirements of the space.