HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: The demand for aluminium composite panels (ACP) cladding is increasing in
urban areas owing to the fact that

the procedure is less time consuming and more aesthetically appealing. Most com-mercial and
office buildings are now seen using ACP cladding for the front faade, though people also use it
for interior walls, partitions, false ceilings, et cetera. ACP is a type of

flat panel that consists of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a non-aluminium core.

The trend of using ACP cladding in commercial buildings is gaining momentum as it can be
completed in one-third the time it would take to

construct using plaster. Hence, more people are opting for this technique despite the high cost,
says Shyam Sundar

Maharjan, managing director of Ganesh Aluminium Structure Pvt Ltd. ACP is gaining popularity
as the colour does not fade, the panels are readymade, come in numerous colour options and look
very stylish. However, experts warn that if it is not installed properly by qualified and
experienced professionals, it can invite seepage, and leakage that could even cause problems

for the whole building.

ACP can be installed in two ways wall cladding and tray bending system. Wall cladding is the
most popular installation practice in Nepal, where the panels are placed between

hallow metal tube section by taking support from a brick wall. Silicone is used to join the panels.
Wall cladding is easier to install and the rate is comparatively lower than tray bending system.
Since, people here are more conscious about the cost than the quality, wall cladding is mostly
preferred in Nepal, opines Maharjan. However, he adds that the builders need

to use high quality silicone

because otherwise the building will face problems of seepages and leakages within three to four
years of time. This is because low grade silicone tends to peel off after a certain year.

Agreeing with Maharjan, Binod Rajkarnikar, chief

engineer at Sky Light Pvt Ltd (SLPL), says, We import and work with ACP from Thailand
which is 25 to 30 per cent costlier than similar products that can be procured in India. Stating
that they only use the

tray bending system to ensure durability and quality,

Rajkarnikar says, For tray bending system or box

system, we bend ACP to a match box like structure and place it in the aluminium section. This
system is relatively more time consuming and costlier but comes with the assurance that the
construction will not be riddled with any kind of problem

for at least 15 to 20 years. He further informs that they only use high-quality special silicone for
proper sealing.

The price of the Indian ACP brands cost Rs 300 to Rs 350 per sq ft whereas the Thai brands cost
Rs 400 to Rs 500 per sq ft. ACPs are available in different colours and sizes. According to
Maharjan, bright silver is the most liked colour in the

market, although many shades like off-white, brown, silver blue, copper, champagne grey, silver,
et cetera are also readily available. The thickness of the panels varies from one mm,

2.5 mm, three mm, four mm, five mm and six mm. For the faade, Maharjan recommends three
mm panels with 0.25 mm thick aluminium sheet. Panels of five mm and six mm are

recommended for partitions. While Alright, Alestone, Whinsui, Alutuff, et cetera are the

Indian ACP brands available in the market, the Thai brand that is imported by SLPL is Atis.

ACP is a relatively new technique that was introduced to Nepal some years back, finding skilled
workmen for installing the panels poses a major challenge according to the businessmen. Due to
a lack of qualified professionals in the country, most companies in this business hire workforce
from India. We, however, have our permanent staff trained in Thailand, explains Maharjan.

Ravi Khetan, CEO of Doors n Windows, claims that they are the first company to offer ACP
installation in the country. Stating that the work of ACP installation sped up some three years
ago, Khetan says, With the real estate sector and the national economy in turmoil, the business
has been badly affected. Hence, the momentum has slowed down a bit these days.

Because of the unfavourable situation facing the realty and the entire nation, Rajkarnikar says
they have put their plans to introduce stainless steel composite panels (SSCP) on hold for now.
Such panels would be priced double the cost of ACP, but would be more durable and more
attractive as one can have it engraved with their choice of designs.
- See more at:
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Aluminium+allure&NewsID=3694
87#sthash.PmAnUqVd.dpuf