Thermal properties of cladding panels.

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to investigate and analyse different cladding panels, available locally, and study how the use of these panels may enhance the overall thermal performance of local concrete blockwork. This study provides a practical insight into how the various types of cladding panels available affect the U-value of a concrete blockwork wall. It also investigates cladding materials as local hard stone, and terrazzo, fixed in a variety of ways. Results demonstrate that the use of cladding panels does in fact improve the U Value of a blockwork wall, and that this improvement is increased further with the introduction of an air cavity between the blockwork and the cladding panels. Thus, from this study, one can conclude that cladding panels do in fact provide better thermal performance for concrete blockwork, and the choice of type of material used can result in a more energy efficient building, together with a building which is more aesthetically pleasing.