Long Lasting Wonder

High Pressure Laminate (HPL) are cost-effective and enhance the thermal performance of a building.

High Pressure Laminate or HPL is the direct descendent of the original plastic laminate. It is considered to be one of the most durable decorative surface materials and is available with special performance properties including chemical, fire and wear resistance. Special grades of HPL can be postformed around curved edges by application of heat and restraint.

They are highly durable exterior wall cladding products that are available in a diverse range of decors to create a contemporary, cost effective rainscreen façade. HPL panel manufacturers have a large range of colours and patterns to select from, and can offer either printed images or actual wood grains.

HPL is produced in sheets and fabricated to finished panel sizes. The designer has the ability to create varying degrees of patterns and panel shapes on the building - often using numerous colors to create intrigue and a creative design aesthetic. Off–fall of material is a design and fabrication consideration, so as to maximise the panel’s yield. Both concealed and exposed colour-matched rivet systems are available.

More often than not, they are designed to withstand the elements. The unique rain screen façade features a double hardened acrylic polyurethane resin, which creates a powerful weather protective coating. It is produced in laminate presses under high pressure, at high temperature.

Explaining the benefits that HPL offers, Dr Prashanth Reddy, MD, FunderMax India, says, “High Pressure Laminates when installed properly enhance the thermal performance of the building. At FunderMax we install our panels using rear ventilated principle which reduces the overall U factor of the system. It also acts as an effective rain barrier when designed with a gutter system for draining water away from the envelope.”