A Refresher on Compact Laminates

Surfacing materials play an important role in augmenting the aesthetical and utilitarian aspect of the interior as well as the exteriors of a building. Having attractive surfacing across the setup automatically augments the aesthetic appeal of any space. However, a beautiful appearance is not the only requirement of a surfacing material. They should be strong and durable as well, in order to withstand the daily wear and tear.

Compact Laminates

Compact laminates are a perfect fit for any surface that is required to be functional, durable as well as decorative. They can be used for both horizontal and vertical applications. These laminates are produced under a strict process and controlled parameters. The top layer is decorative paper that is first soaked in melamine resins, and then pressed over multiple layers of Kraft paper in order to create these laminates. Then, they are further bonded together with the help of thermosetting resins, to be cured at a pressure of 17.5-21Mpa, and temperature of 150°C. This extensive process of production makes the compact laminates highly sturdy and stable surfacing materials.

Here are few of the exceptional features of compact laminates:

· They are non-toxic and therefore are able to provide a safe and healthy environment

· They do not freeze, rot, cultivate fungi, mildew or spores

· They are very easy to handle; they can be sawn, milled, shaped, drilled and threaded

· They are essentially self-supporting, in order to ensure the ease of installation and long term stability

· They are very easy to install, with the usage of aluminum moldings or mechanical fasteners

The two primary grades in which compact laminates for surfacing can be bifurcated are:

· Exterior Grade – These laminates are constituted with special chemicals and manufactured using the innovative GLE technology that makes them resistant against fading, extreme weather conditions, microbial threats, fire and moisture. The fasteners in the Exterior Grade compact laminates are made using non-corrosive materials like aluminum and stainless steel that offer better color fastening properties. Additionally, they are available in a variety of bold and vibrant colors and exquisite finishes, which can enhance the beauty of any exterior wall.

· Interior Grade- These are basically high pressure compact laminates with impeccable quality and durability. These laminates are available in a wide range of stunning designs and magnificent patterns, which can add a contemporary and stylish look to any interior surface of one’s home. The Interior grade laminates sold by the best companies are resistant to high impact, corrosion, moisture, microbial threats and even fire. They are highly capable of withstanding the day-to-day wear and tear.

You can go for these two types of compact laminates to elevate the style and utility quotient of the surfaces of your home. However, in order to avail all the advantages offered by these laminates, you should only purchase them from renowned companies, as only those can offer true premium quality laminates. 

Here’s Why HPL Panels are Preferred to Re-Surface Exterior Walls

The first thing a person notices about a building is its exterior walls. Often people form an impression about the occupants of a building from the look and condition of its exterior facade.

The exterior walls of a building also have to daily withstand several adversaries, from the harmful rays of the sun to the heavy rains during the monsoon season. Therefore, these walls should be surfaced with materials which can safeguard them from all these factors. High-Pressure Compact Laminates are one of the most popular cladding materials used for external walls. They have quite a few prominent features which make them an efficient material for external wall cladding and some of them are listed below:

• Weatherproof: Made using GLE technology, the HPL panels used for external wall cladding are highly resistant to temperature changes as well as the UV rays of the Sun. These panels are also highly resistant to acid rain as well as chemicals and dust.

• Anti-graffiti properties: Graffiti’s have become a menace for commercial as well as residential buildings, especially in cities. It is not always possible to have round the clock security to prevent people from putting up graffiti. However, with the use of laminate cladding for exterior walls, one does not have to worry about that too as the exterior HPL panels used for surfacing exterior walls also have anti-graffiti properties.

• Scratch and corrosion resistance: The external walls of a home are prone to scratches and corrosion, which damages their appearance. But, with the help of HPL panels used for cladding the external walls, one can protect the surface for years as these are highly resistant to abrasion.

• Fire retardant: Laminate claddings for exterior walls made using the GLE technology have fire retardant qualities, which provide an extra blanket of security to the residents.

Exterior HPL panels commonly used for surfacing walls render excellent durability to buildings and even add to their aesthetic appeal. Exterior grade laminates manufactured by reputed companies are not only sturdy and weatherproof but are also safe for the environment. Owing to these properties, they are being extensively used to resurface exterior facades of commercial as well as residential buildings.