If you are working with an interior designer and they are recommending the use of fiberglass sandwich-style panels in a new construction or remodeling project, then you likely have many questions. These panels have only recently gained popularity with designers, and it is common for consumers to question building materials they are unfamiliar with. To this end, here's what you need to know about fiberglass sandwich panels to decide if they are right for you:

Fiberglass Sandwich Panel Basics

As their name implies, a fiberglass sandwich panel is a composite panel with two strong face sheets made of fiberglass with a lightweight core in the center. Fiberglass sandwich panels are designed to be very strong on the outside and lightweight, with cores made of a variety of materials, such as aramid honeycomb, polystyrene foam, and polyurethane foam.

While all sandwich panels are manufactured to provide excellent thermal insulation against heat transfer, their durability, rigidity, and ability to block noise make them increasingly popular with interior designers. 

Fiberglass sandwich-style panels have historically been used in the aeronautic, automotive, and marine industries to build rigid, well-insulated surface treatments. However, beautiful fiberglass sandwich panels are utilized by interior designers today to add unique design elements to residential and commercial spaces.

Uses of Fiberglass Sandwich Panels

Fiberglass sandwich panels can be installed over drywall or attached directly to ceiling and wall studs. This makes them ideal for both new construction and remodeling projects. The fiberglass exterior skins are rigid. The panel's rigidity keeps them from sagging or bulging post-installation, making them ideal for installation as room dividers. When installed as room dividers, the insulation layer helps block the noise from one room to another.

Fiberglass panels are also ideal for use on ceilings. They can be attached directly to sheetrock in remodeling projects to cover surface damage or to create a designer look. They can also be connected directly to the ceiling joists in new construction or used to create a false ceiling. For designer touches, fiberglass panels can also be skinned by laminating a thin sheet of metal or wood on top of the fiberglass layer on one side. For example, if you love the look of punched tin ceilings but a metal ceiling isn't in your budget, then fiberglass panels can be skinned with a thin tin layer. Once installed, the metal-skinned panels give you the look of an authentic punched tin ceiling for only a fraction of the cost.

Contact a local interior designer to learn more about fiberglass sandwich panels.