5/16”, PETRARCH ARCHITECTURAL WALL PANELS APPLIED OVER A STUDWALL BY MEANS OF A FIELD ASSEMBLED FACE FASTENED SYSTEM

BACK-UP FRAMING

Petrarch panels can be installed using screws through the face to a variety of back-up framing systems including steel studs/furring (min. 18 ga.), wood framing/furring, or plywood (min. 5/8”). Vertical or horizontal framing must be provided at maximum 24” centers. Further details may be obtained from CEP Panels, Inc.

HOLE POSITIONING

The number of screw locations required will depend on the panel size and the dead and wind loading. Screws are required at maximum 24” centers providing adequate holding to carry the dead weight of the panel and wind loading (suction) up to 40 lbs. per square foot. For high wind load conditions over 40 lbs. sq. ft., fastener spacing may be required at closer centers than 24”. For all normal applications, the edge distance for countersunk screws should not be less than 1” from any edge. At corners, the distance should be 1” from one edge and 2” from the other (see illustration at left).

HOLE DRILLING AND FILLING

Normal on-site drilling can be carried out using a portable, hand held, pistol drill fitted with a masonry bit or a special countersunk tool (available from CEP Panels, Inc.) suitable for drilling at speeds of 900-1200 rpm. It is important that the hole is drilled straight and the drill is kept perpendicular to the panel. A drill guide is recommended.

Tool for Drilling and Countersinking

The hole size should be 1/16” larger than the screw diameter and the face of the screw should be 1/16” below the surface of the panel. It is very important not to over drill the countersink. The 1/16” dimension to the top of the screw head is very important if effective hole filling is to be achieved.

After installation, the screw is then disguised with the color matched hole filler. This material has been carefully formulated to match the physical characteristics of Petrarch panels and, if used in accordance with the instructions provided, will satisfactorily disguise the screw head.

RECOMMENDED FASTENERS (See also Accessories)

Steel Framing

No. 10-16 x (length to suit), Phillips or Square Drive, Flat Head, Tek Point, 410 Stainless Steel.

Wood Framing

No. 10 x (length to suit), Phillips or Square Drive, Flat Head, Type A Point, 18/8 Stainless Steel, SMS.

Screw length may vary if panels are installed with a sheathing back-up (e.g., gypsum sheathing) directly to plywood or for other job site conditions. The screws shown are for countersunk fastening suitable for drilling speeds of 1900-2500 rpm.

Details of pull-out values of screws in various studding materials are available upon request.

ALTERNATE FACE FASTENERS

A variety of exposed stainless steel fasteners in various head designs are available. The incorporation of stainless steel bonded neoprene sealing washers or grommets is recommended. Contact CEP Panels, Inc. for samples.

JOINT TREATMENT

There are several recommended systems for treating joints. Among these are: caulking, gaskets, and open joints.

Caulking System

A good grade sealant should be used in all cases when filling the joints between the panels. Recommendations may be obtained from CEP Panels, Inc.

Joints and panel edges should be free from dust and, if recommended by the sealant manufacturer, the edges should first be primed. Special care should be taken to avoid primer from being applied on the face of the panel. It is mandatory to provide a release at the back of each joint so that the caulking compound will only stick to either edge of the panel and allow for differential movement. To accomplish this release, a polyethylene or similar bond breaker tape is used.

The size of the joints will depend on the type of caulking used, but generally caulking width should be twice the depth. The gap between panels should never be less that 1/4", and 3/8" is strongly recommended. It may be necessary to increase this for dark or full width panels used in areas of extreme temperature variation.

Gasket System

Various Systems: (See Accessories Click Here.)
Please call CEP Panels Inc. for further information. 800-450-6099

Open Joint System

Open joints allow for greater and unimpeded movement of the panels. Joint width must be 1/4 inch minimum. This allows the panels to move freely with any movement generated by thermal or other expansion, preventing panel to panel contact, and always leaving a gap.