Unlike gypsum plasterboard and gypsum plasterboard “Aquapaneli” are created on the basis not of gypsum, but fine-mesh concrete. Roughly speaking, “Aquapanel” is a sheet of cement reinforced with a fiberglass mesh on both sides. However, in the panels, it is simply used for cement mortar, and a special mineral filler with plasticizers that enhance the useful properties of the material. Concrete core.
Standard sizes of “Aquapanels”: 2500х1200 and 1200х900 mm. Most often, such sheets are produced with a thickness of 12.5 mm. This indicator is the same as that of drywall, so you can mount it on a similar system of profiles, convenient for buyers and builders.
However, for the ceiling, Knauf produces “Aquapanels” “Skylight” 8 mm thick, they are lighter. There are also “Aquapanels” for flooring. On the contrary, they have an increased thickness of up to 22-33 mm, because they must withstand increased loads.
Two main types of “Aquapanels”:
- outdoor, facade;
- internal, which are divided into wall, floor and ceiling.
Let’s compare the characteristics of these two types of material:
| Index | Internal “Aquapanels” | Outdoor “Aquapanels” |
| Density, kg / m3 | 1050 | 1100-1200 |
| Weight of one square meter, kg | 15 | sixteen |
| Flexural strength, MPa | Over 6.2 | Over 10 |
| Thermal conductivity, W / (m K) | 0.27 | 0.36 |
| Statistical load, kg / m2 | 50 | 50 |
| Frost resistance | – | 75 cycles |
| Minimum bending radius for sheets 900 mm wide, m | 1 | 1 |
Outdoor “Aquapanels” are used for finishing plinths, arranging ventilated facades, as well as in the construction of frame buildings. Internal – for finishing walls, floors and ceilings, niches, creating arches, including in damp rooms, as a base for laying tiles. It is moisture resistance that favorably distinguishes “Aquapanel” from drywall and allows you to safely use them for facing showers, bathrooms, pools, saunas, laundries..
“Aquapanels” can be cut with a hacksaw, circular saw or jigsaw. Holes in sheets are cut with a drill with a crown bit, hacksaw or cutter.
Important! The joints between the panels are held together with a special joint adhesive. It is sold in 310 ml tubes, such a capacity is enough for about 6.5 m2 walls – consumption is about 50 ml per “square”.
There is a tube of glue for the seams between the “Aquapanels” 489-600 rubles.
In general, the technology of using “Aquapanels” is very similar to the construction and cladding with plasterboard – sheets are attached with screws to a metal or wooden profile.
Advantages of Aquapanels:
- increased moisture resistance, if in the future the ceramic tiles are laid on glue, the material is not deformed, it is used in bathrooms;
- you can make bends, arches, without even wetting the plates;
- a simple installation process that is well known to everyone who has come across drywall;
- wide scope.
The main disadvantage of Aquapanels is its high price. A sheet of this new material 1200x900x12.5 mm costs about 750 rubles, 8 mm thick – about 500 rubles. For comparison, a moisture-resistant drywall, a sheet of 2500x1200x12.5 mm, costs about 300 rubles. Therefore, many owners of houses and apartments, not without reason, believe that moisture-resistant drywall will be enough for finishing a bathroom. As a facade material, “Aquapanels” are more popular.
What are the specific characteristics of Aquapanel? How is it typically used in construction projects? And what range of prices can one expect for this material?
Aquapanel is a type of building material designed for construction projects. It is known for its specific characteristics such as durability, water resistance, and fire resistance. Aquapanel is typically used in areas that require high moisture resistance, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior walls. It is commonly utilized as an underlayment for tiles, providing a suitable surface for bonding and preventing water damage. The price range of Aquapanel may vary depending on factors like location, supplier, and quantity needed. Generally, prices can range from $10 to $25 per square meter.
Can someone provide more details about Aquapanel, including its material characteristics, common uses, and average prices? I’m curious to know if it is a suitable choice for my upcoming project and how it compares to other similar materials. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!