PRANCE metalwork is a leading manufacturer of metal ceiling and facade systems.
What installation factors increase risks associated with metal panel elevation pros and cons during construction
Installation quality is a key determinant of how theoretical pros and cons for metal panel elevations play out on-site. Common risk factors include inadequate subframe accuracy, improper fastener selection, poor water-tightness detailing, lack of movement joints, and insufficient skilled labor—issues that manifest across Middle Eastern projects from Dubai to Riyadh and in Central Asian contexts like Kazakhstan. Tolerances for panel flatness and alignment are tight; if supporting structure or mullion grids are out-of-plumb or undersized, panels can buckle, create stress on fixings, and produce visible misalignment that is expensive to correct.
Fastener selection matters: using carbon steel fasteners in coastal Doha or Abu Dhabi without corrosion-resistant coatings leads to premature failure. Fixing systems must allow for thermal movement; rigid connections without slip or movement accommodation transmit thermal stresses into panels and sealants, increasing risk of seal failure and water ingress. Joint sealing and gasket installation are frequent weak points—insufficient compression, wrong gasket durometer, or poor sealant compatibility can undermine façade watertightness in torrential rains or sandstorms.
Logistics and sequencing also introduce risk. Large-format panels require cranes and careful handling; insufficient storage protection on hot sites leads to surface damage or coating blistering. Lack of mock-up testing and staged inspections increases the chance of latent defects. Quality assurance practices—trained installers, detailed method statements, and regular inspection—reduce these risks. In markets like Kuwait City or Muscat, where sand and salinity challenge coatings, specifying certified installers and corrosion-resistant fixings and conducting on-site welding quality checks and hydro tests in critical areas will mitigate installation-related disadvantages and preserve the intrinsic benefits of metal panel systems.