CLADDING
Interlocking Panels

What is the interlocking panel technique?

The interlocking panel system is a wall cladding system installed with a ventilated air space. It involves laying interlocking VM ZINC® panels on a metal framework fixed to the supporting structure (masonry or metal structure). The panels are simply connected by the use of an interlocking groove giving the elegant appearance of a recessed joint. They are fixed onto the framework using the clips provided which are concealed in the inside edge of the groove.

Areas of application

This self-supporting system can be installed easily on a non-continuous support for both new and refurbishment projects.

On vertical walls (slope 90°) and soffits.

In case of non-vertical walls (60° to 90°), a waterproof membrane has to be installed behind the ventilation gap.

Can be used for both exterior and interior applications

Climates:

The system is suitable for use:
In plains: max profile length = 6m
Mountain climates: max profile length = 4m

Panel Dimensions

Width:
Interlocking panels are available in three cross-section widths in order to allow different choices of layout or aesthetics:
    . 200 mm
    . 250 mm
    . 300 mm

Length:
Interlocking panels are supplied in lengths determined by the layout scheme, which can be from 0.5 m to 6 m maximum in plain areas.

Joint:
The width of the flat joint formed by the longitudinal junction between two interlocking panels can vary from 5 mm to 18 mm.

Detailing material:
All necessary flashings shall be minimum 0.7 mm thick. All other fixing accessories should be in accordance with the design recommended by VM ZINC®.

Aspects

QUARTZ-ZINC® ANTHRA-ZINC®	1.0 mm thick.
PIGMENTO®	1.0 mm thick.

Characteristics of this technique

The panels can be laid vertically or horizontally. The choice of direction implies different aesthetics and technical solutions for the main flashings.
This dimension must be determined before establishing the layout and must be indicated when the panels are ordered.
Panels are fixed directly on wood or metal transverse purlins spaced a maximum of 600 mm apart
A continuous 20 mm (minimum) ventilated air gap is left clear behind the boarding on the entire façade.

Components	Dimensions
Thickness	1.0 mm
Maximum Panel width (CTC) Center to Center distance	300 mm	250 mm	200 mm
Width of Joint	From 5mm to 18 mm
Maximum Panel length	From 0.5 m to 6 m/plains
Side width	24 mm

Installation

Installing Horizontal Panels:

The panels are laid from top to bottom in horizontal rows, with the groove less side up.

Fitting the upper part of the façade:

1	First fix a strip for folding down onto the framework, then check that the apron will overlap the interlocking panels by 30mm.
2	Fix the first row of panels at the top of the façade using 4 screws located in the central zone fixed area, cover the screws with the folded strip, then fix the lower part (edge with grove).
3	When the first row of panels is fixed onto the support, lock the second row down into the groove of the upper panels. Each clip is slid to the bottom of the groove of the upper panel then fixed onto the secondary framework.

Vertical transverse joint:

An element of the framework must be aligned with each vertical joint between the panels. The framework must ensure a minimum support of 100 mm. A flat inverted slider with two 15 mm folds is first fixed onto the framework to ensure that the transverse joints are watertight.
The interlocking panels are laid over it.

Fitting the bottom part of the façade:

First lay a folded flashing strip on a galvanized steel corner piece, then the last row of panels.

Installing Vertical Panels:

Vertical panels are laid from bottom to top. The interlocking direction must be defined by the layout. Laying usually starts at the corner of the building.

1	The groove less side of the panel is fixed first, opposite to the laying direction. Fix the upper section of the panel to the framework, using 4 screws located at the top of the panel.
2	Clips are fitted to the longitudinal joint between two adjoining panels as for horizontal panels.

Transverse joint:

Two types of transverse joints are possible:

Horizontal joint: after laying the lower panels, an apron is fixed on the installed framework to overlap them by 30 mm. The upper panels are then laid.
Interlocking joint: in order to obtain an invisible transverse joint, carefully cut back the grooves of the overlapping panel with shears, to ensure a 50 mm overlap of the panels.