How to manage thermal expansion in large façade panels?

Thermal expansion in large aluminum panels can cause buckling or joint stress if unmanaged. Designers address this by specifying expansion joints every 3 – 6 m, depending on panel size and local temperature swings. Subframes incorporate sliding brackets or pivots that allow panels to move longitudinally while remaining firmly anchored laterally. Neoprene gaskets or EPDM tapes between panels seal gaps yet compress under movement. Where panel runs exceed 10 m, breaks are introduced at column lines or floor slabs, aligning with natural building expansion points. Engineers calculate expected movement—typically 0.02 mm per meter per °C—and design joint widths to accommodate twice that amount. Combined with pre-drilled elongated slots in metal anchors, these details ensure panels float freely, maintaining appearance and structural integrity under temperature cycles.