Fig. 1

3.2         Expansion Joint
To accommodate expansion and contraction of the panels provide an expansion joint between the panels. Allow a minimum 1/4" (4-6mm) expansion joint when not using joint sealant; allow a minimum 3/8" (8-10mm) expansion joint when using joint sealant.

3.3         Weatherproofing
Parklex Facade is highly resistant to varying climatic conditions and extreme weather, however it is not intended to replace the integral weatherproofing system of the building. It is the responsibility of the individual architect, owner and installer to provide an adequate and appropriate weatherproofing system to protect the building envelope.

3.4         Recent Work
Panels must not be installed over recent work that is not completely cured and dry.

3.5         Panel Installation
Shim panel supports as required to provide an even and consistent surface for proper fastening of the panels.

4.           FASTENING THE PANELS

4.1         Panel Supports
A 10mm (3/8") x 1220mm (48") x 2440mm (96") Parklex Facade panel weighs approximately 90 pounds. Panel support system shall be designed to accommodate the installation of mechanical fasteners around the perimeter of the panel and/or beads of adhesive spaced at least every 24" (600mm) o.c. (8mm spaced at least every 16" o.c.).It is the responsibility of the individual architect, owner and installer to have the design of the panel support system and all installation methods engineered to meet relevant codes and standards of safety.

4.2         Attach Panel at Center
To control material movement (bowing and buckling at center of panel) during expansion and contraction, panel must be attached at its center with mechanical fasteners or expansive adhesive (see adhesive specification below).

General guidelines and recommended fastening products are outlined in the sections below.

Please keep in mind that the information contained on this website is intended to provide information and general guidelines only. Finland Color Plywood Corporation has no control over the quality of workmanship, the conditions under which the panel products are used, nor the suitability of such product testing for the purchaser's particular purposes, it cannot accept responsibility for the panel performance or designs as actually constructed. It is the responsibility of the individual architect, owner and installer to have all construction and installation methods engineered to meet relevant codes. It is the responsibility of the individual architect, owner and installer to assure that products selected for use on projects comply with all applicable building codes and laws.

5.           MECHANICAL FASTENERS

5.1         Accommodate Expansion and Contraction
To allow for panel movement, a clearance hole 1.5-2mm larger than the size of the screw must be pre-drilled into the panel. Please note that even if using self-drilling screws, pre-drilling the Parklex panel is recommended to prevent damage to the panel and/or dulling of the fastener's blade which could prevent it from drilling through the panel supports.

5.2         Expansion and Contraction
To allow the panels to expand freely, care should be taken not to overdrive the fasteners. Fastener heads should fit snug against the panels while being careful not to over tighten; drive fasteners perpendicular to the panels.

5.3         Clearance Margin at Panel Edge
Mechanical fasteners shall be kept approximately 1" (25mm) from the corner edge of the panel.

5.4         Special Conditions
For special installation conditions, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.

5.5         Fastener Specifications
To provide optimum corrosion resistance, fasteners must be manufactured of austenitic stainless steel (see specifications below). The use of staples, nails and tapered countersinking (drywall) type screws are not recommended for fastening the panels.

5.6         Fastening into Wood
Recommended Fastener product (Parklex Facade panel to wood support structure): SFS Intec TW-S-D12-4.8 x 38 (torx drive) or TW-S-D12-4.8 x 60 (torx drive)
(Alternate: SCFW-S-D10 self-drilling fastener, torx drive)

Fasteners are available in Stainless or color-matched to panel color. Contact Finland Color Plywood for additional information.

Fastener Performance Specification (Parklex Facade panel to wood support structure):
Fasteners to be manufactured from Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel; 0.189" (4.8mm) minimum diameter with a .472" (12mm) diameter truss head and Torx 20 drive recess.
The fastener's head, shank and all fastener threads shall be Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel to provide total corrosion resistance and optimum structural performance.

5.7         Fastening into Metal
Recommended Fastener product (Parklex Facade panel to metal support structure):
SFS Intec SX3 / SX6 (torx drive) or SX3 / SX6 (irius drive).

Fasteners are available in Stainless or color-matched to panel color. Contact Finland Color Plywood for additional information.

Fastener Performance Specification (Parklex Facade panel to metal support structure):
Fasteners to be manufactured from Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel; self-drilling with an inserted drill blade based on the bi-met principal. Fasteners to be 0.216" (5.5mm) minimum diameter with a 1/2" (12mm) diameter modified truss head and tapered Torx 25 drive recess or irius drive system.
The fastener's head, shank and all fastener threads shall be Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel to provide total corrosion resistance and optimum structural performance.

Pre-drill the hole 1.5-2mm larger than size of screw - see Fig. 2:

Fig. 2

Visible Screws - see Fig. 3:

Fig. 3

Concealed Screws/Tongue and Groove - see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5:
Caps (10.75 or 14.25mm diameter x 2mm thick) are available in the same material and finish as the panels to conceal countersunk fasteners.

Fig. 4Fig. 5

6.           ADHESIVES

6.1         Attach Panel at Center
The panel must be attached at its center to prevent curvature. Adhesives accommodate expansion and contraction without penetrating the surface of the panel.

6.2         Using Adhesives
Adhesives may be used in conjunction with mechanical fasteners around the perimeter of the panel or limited mechanical fasteners at the corners. SAND DOWN the panel in the area to be glued and remove dust. Please click on the link below for detailed instructions on using Sika Adhesives to adhere Parklex Facade panels.

Sika Guide for Bonding Parklex Facade panels with Adhesives

Fastening with Adhesive - see Fig. 6:

Fig. 6

6.3         Adhesive Specifications
Recommended Adhesive product: SikaFlex-252 Elastic Adhesive

Visit the Sika Corporation website www.sikaindustry.com to download technical data and information.

Adhesive Performance Specification: Polyurethane expansive structural adhesive with permanent elasticity to allow continuous expansive/contractive movement of the panels. Adhesive shall have high tensile and shear strength with extremely high thixotropy (gap filling properties) and excellent weather and water resistance.

7.           JOINTS BETWEEN PANELS

7.1         Joints between panels may be sealed with an expansive joint sealant to protect the underlying substructure from moisture absorption or to prevent any waste from gathering in the joints. Silicon is not recommended as an expansive joint sealant.

7.2         Joint Sealant Specification

Recommended Joint Sealant product: SikaFlex-221 Elastic Sealant or SikaFlex-295 UV Resistant Sealant or SikaFlex-521 UV Resistant Sealant (link to 521UV Technical Data Sheet will be available Spring '03).

Visit the Sika Corporation website www.sikaindustry.com to download technical data and information.

Joint Sealant Performance Specification: Polyurethane expansive joint sealant with permanent elasticity to allow continuous movement and flexibility. Sealant shall have extremely high thixotropy (gap filling properties) and excellent weather and water resistance.

8.           MAINTENANCE

8.1         Because of its superior performance and durability, Parklex Facade does not require specific maintenance such as sanding, refinishing or topcoating.

8.2         Cleaning
The non-porous nature of the Parklex Facade panel prevents dirt from penetrating its surface. Superficial dirt can be removed with a damp cloth and soap or any mild non-abrasive household detergent.

8.3         Restoring Shine
Due to UV exposure over a number of years, it is possible for the panels to gradually lose their original luster. This gradual dulling of the surface does not effect the performance of the panel. If, for aesthetic intent, it is desired to renew the surface shine, an application of Parklex Facade Restorer (alkyl-silicon resin aqueous emulsion) will restore the panel's original reflective quality.

Disclaimer:
Finland Color Plywood Corporation has no control over the quality of workmanship, the conditions under which the panel products are used, nor the suitability of such product testing for the purchaser's particular purposes, it cannot accept responsibility for the panel performance or designs as actually constructed. The supplier as well makes no guaranty as to the similarity of the samples and the panel product purchased. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of advice given, Finland Color Plywood Corporation cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from the use of the information provided. In line with its policy to continually improve its products, Finland Color Plywood Corporation reserves the right to change materials and specifications without notice.

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