HPL (High Pressure Laminates) panels offer a wide variety of designs and sizes, along with high resistance to various influences (moisture, UV radiation, mechanical damage), making them ideal for numerous applications such as facades, fences, and doors. Are HPL panels cost-effective?
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HPL panels are manufactured using specialized lamination presses under high pressure and temperature. The curing of acrylic resin results in panels with high resistance to atmospheric influences on both sides, making them suitable for cladding both interior and exterior surfaces, such as facades, walls, and fences.
Popular Designs and Versatility
Woodgrain HPL panels are the most popular, often used where architects or designers want surfaces to mimic natural wood while offering higher durability against sun exposure and weather conditions. HPL panels are also available in a wide range of other designs, including various colors, metal-like finishes, and abstract patterns.
Cost and Benefits of HPL Panels
The cost of HPL panels depends on the manufacturer, quality, thickness, and grade. While they can be more expensive than natural wood, this is not the case for higher-quality wood surfaces, which are often pricier than standard HPL panels.
Advantages:
- Durability: Superior to natural wood in withstanding atmospheric influences, making them a better option for exterior cladding.
- Low Maintenance: HPL panels do not require periodic maintenance like wood, such as applying weatherproof coatings. High-quality HPL panels with UV resistance maintain their color even under intense sunlight for many years.
- Easy Cleaning: The non-porous structure of HPL panels makes them easy to clean, with stains being less likely to adhere.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: Higher than some natural wood types, though this varies based on quality.
Fire Protection and Insulation
HPL panels provide a high level of fire protection, ranging from B class to A2 non-combustibility for specific products. However, natural wood offers better sound and thermal insulation compared to HPL panels.
Common Applications of HPL Panels
Due to their high mechanical resistance, HPL panels are a good choice for areas with high traffic, such as walls in busy locations, fences, and doors. The surface of this artificial material is highly resistant to impacts, scratches, wear, and chemical effects.
Why Choose HPL Panels?
HPL panels are easier to clean than other materials like concrete or wood and are more resistant to mechanical impacts and UV exposure compared to PVC. The wide range of colors, designs, sizes, and thicknesses available from multiple manufacturers enhances the versatility of HPL panels.
Photo: Fundermax