THERMO-INSULATING PANELS

What Are Insulated (Sandwich) Panels and Why They Are Widely Used

Insulated panels (sandwich-type) are self-supporting, prefabricated building envelope elements used for wall and roof applications in industrial, commercial, and agricultural buildings. They integrate thermal insulation, structural performance, and rapid installation within a single system, providing an optimal balance of performance, cost efficiency, and durability.

Topanel manufactures insulated panels with rigid foam insulation cores (PUR/PIR) or mineral wool, engineered to meet the specific requirements of industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications.

1. Thermal Performance and Fire Performance: PUR vs. PIR vs. Mineral Wool — Selection of Insulated Panels Based on Fire Performance Requirements

The selection of the insulation core depends primarily on building use and fire safety requirements. These factors directly influence project costs, thermal performance (λ-value), and installation efficiency..

• PUR (Polyurethane) Foam Insulated Panels: PUR insulated panels are widely used for external cladding and internal partitioning of industrial facilities and commercial buildings. They provide excellent thermal performance in applications where thermal insulation is the primary requirement and no stringent fire resistance requirements apply (logistics and agricultural warehouses, silos, production facilities, annex buildings, storage areas, etc.). This solution optimizes investment costs per square meter while improving the building’s overall energy performance.
• PIR (Polyisocyanurate) Foam Insulated Panels: PIR insulated panels are prefabricated building elements that retain the thermal efficiency of PUR foam while offering improved dimensional stability and enhanced fire performance. Topanel PIR panels provide certified fire resistance ratings between 15 and 30 minutes and are classified as reaction to fire class B-s2, d0 , making them suitable for buildings with defined fire performance requirements.
• Mineral Wool Insulated Panels: Mineral wool insulated panels represent the optimal solution for industrial, commercial, and agricultural buildings where fire resistance requirements exceed 30 minutes. Topanel mineral wool panels are tested in European notified laboratories and, depending on thickness and configuration, achieve fire resistance ratings between 30 and 240 minutes, corresponding to reaction to fire class A2-s1, d0. In addition to their fire protection properties, mineral wool significantly improves acoustic performance due to its material structure, making these panels suitable for production facilities with high noise levels or for applications requiring protection against external noise.

Environmental Performance and Sustainability

Topanel is the first manufacturer in Romania to hold an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). This certification supports the use of Topanel insulated panels in projects where energy efficiency and sustainability are key criteria. The use of Topanel insulated panels contributes to achieving high scores in international building certification schemes such as BREEAM, LEED, and Passive House, providing a solution validated both from a technical and environmental performance perspective.

Project Specification Relevance Table

2. Wall/Facade Insulated Panels: Concealed Fixing vs. Visible Fixing

The aesthetic configuration and façade modularity are achieved through two main installation systems, both allowing vertical and horizontal installation::

• Insulated Panels with Visible Fixing: This is the most commonly used solution in industrial projects where installation speed and cost efficiency are the main priorities. Available options include PUR/PIR insulated panel systems such as Top Wall and Top Frigo Wall DL, as well as mineral wool insulated panels such as Top Fire Wall and Top Sound Fire Wall.
• Insulated Panels with Concealed Fixing: The fixing geometry conceals the fastening elements, resulting in a continuous, modern, and visually uniform façade. Concealed fixing insulated panels are typically used in projects where façade aesthetics have a direct impact on the commercial value of the building, such as shopping centers, showrooms, and retail spaces. Concealed fixing insulated panel solutions include PUR/PIR versions Top Inno Wall and Top Super Wall, and mineral wool versions, Top Inno Fire Wall and Top Super Fire Wall.

3. Roof Insulated Panels for Industrial, Civil, and Livestock Buildings

The TOPANEL product portfolio also includes a range of roof panels, manufacturing 5-rib roof insulated panels with PUR, PIR, or mineral wool insulation cores.

• Load-Bearing Capacity: Topanel roof panels are engineered to withstand permanent and variable loads in accordance with design requirements and can be manufactured in standard lengths ranging from 2,000 mm to 13,500 mm.
• Livestock-Specific Solution: For environments with high humidity and corrosive agents, the TOP ROOF ZOO C5 panel has been developed, featuring a special internal fiberglass lining resistant to chemical solvents and ammonia. This solution is suitable for livestock and agricultural environments frequently exposed to such substances.
• Fast Installation: Thanks to overlap notching options and compatibility with façade insulated panels, sandwich-type roof panels enable rapid installation, contributing to reduced on-site costs.
• Compatibility with Photovoltaic Systems: Topanel roof insulated panels are compatible with the installation of photovoltaic systems, provided that the specified fixing solutions and project-specific structural verifications are applied.

4. Installation Details and Structural Integrity

PUR/PIR and mineral wool insulated panels are installed on a secondary steel structure, typically consisting of galvanized steel profiles, and can be assembled either horizontally or vertically. Panel fixing is carried out using self-drilling screws. In order to optimize construction costs we also recommend:

• Durability, Fast Installation, and Cost Efficiency: TOP STEEL galvanized steel profiles (Z, C, U and Σ sections), with section heights ranging from 100 mm to 400 mm, thicknesses from 1.5 mm to 3 mm, and standard lengths from 2 m to 13.5 m or extended lengths of up to 15 m, with a minimum zinc coating of 275 g/m².
• Integrated Systems and Maximum Airtightness: TOP PLAST roof lights and TOP EVAC smoke and heat exhaust systems (SHEV), together with the complete range of metal accessories and related components required for a comprehensive thermal insulation solution.

5. Special Applications

• Food Industry: Food-safe insulated panels designed for controlled hygiene environments.
• Corrosive Environments: Sandwich panel solutions with stainless steel or fiberglass finishes.
• Temperature-Controlled Environments: Insulated panels for cold rooms and refrigeration applications.

6. How Is the Price per Square Meter of Insulated Panels Calculated to Determine the Investment Cost?

The price of insulated panels manufactured by Topanel varies depending on the specific requirements of each project, including: the type of insulation core (PUR, PIR, or mineral wool), panel thickness (from 30 mm to 200 mm), panel colour, steel facing thickness, and order quantity. As a direct manufacturer, Topanel provides customized quotations that optimize production and logistics costs and ensures fast delivery directly to the construction site. Request a price quotation here.

7. Which Panel Type Is Suitable for My Project? Technical Performance of Topanel Insulated Panels

*This table reflects the average values for the standard product range (thicknesses 50–150 mm).