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Different panel systems provide different benefits and come with different cost and schedule considerations. The best way to answer this question is to have a discussion with us about the projects budget and schedule, as well as the aesthetic, insulating and waterproofing goals.

Panel sizes are primarily limited by the available sizes of the material needed for fabrication. Aluminum composite material (ACM) panels are typically limited to a maximum of about 60” wide, though some wider options are available with longer lead times.

ACM panel lengths can be as long as twenty feet, but installation and handling considerations usually limit the length to a more reasonable twelve or fourteen feet.

The use of metal panels offer numerous benefits to a building’s façade. Not only do they offer a multitude of aesthetic options, but they can provide waterproofing and insulating benefits as well. The sooner you engage with EWS Texas in the design process, the sooner you will be able to determine what options are available, what the costs may be and how you can take advantage of their use in your façade.

Panels can be made out of aluminum, steel, phenolics, zinc, copper and titanium. They can be finished in just about any color you can imagine.

We offer Centria’s Formavue Window System which can be fully integrated into many metal wall panel systems. This means the window system’s joints are fully compatible with the metal panel system. This allows a seamless installation that minimizes the chance for air or water infiltration and improves the thermal properties of the system.

The panel to panel joint is where two panels meet. It typically is the point of attachment and usually the source of any air or water infiltration. Joints can be simple lap joints or very advanced joints that prevent air and water infiltration by using pressure equalization cavities and gutters.

Yes, EWS Texas regularly fabricates custom corners at transitions to soffits and fascias. Custom corners are usually measured and fabricated after the majority of the wall panels have been installed to ensure they incorporate any building tolerance variations.

After the shop drawings are approved, EWS Texas performs a field verification of the building to confirm all panel dimensions. This is sometimes performed using surveying equipment, other times we will perform a laser scan to generate a model of the building. These dimensions are then incorporated into fabrication drawings and panel tickets. Once reviewed and approved internally, the fabrication tickets are converted to code and used by our equipment to cut the shape of the panel into the raw material. The panels are then folded and extruded frames are added. At each step of the fabrication process, the panels go through multiple QC checks to confirm dimension, finish and quality of workmanship before moving to the next step. The finished panel goes through a final QC check before being packaged for delivery.

Production lead times vary quite a bit. They are based on the type of panels being fabricated, the availability of the raw materials and the complexity of the panels themselves. This is why EWS Texas works closely with our customers to understand their scheduling needs early. This allows us to coordinate designs, shop drawings and material releases so that fabrication times work with customer schedules.

Coordination of through wall penetrations needs to be accomplished prior to panel installation. In a rainscreen system, the penetration itself should be sealed to prevent water penetration prior to panel installation. The panels can then be fabricated or modified to accommodate the object if it also passes through the face of the panel. Signage attachment is ultimately another form of penetration. The attachment should be coordinated with the building’s structure to ensure it will handle any loads imposed and that it won’t transfer any of the load to the panel system. The attachment system should be installed prior to any waterproofing activities so that they can be properly sealed. As with other types of penetrations, the panels can then be fabricated to accommodate their transition through the metal panel system to support the signage.

Inspection criteria are typically identified by the architect in the project specifications. EWS Texas takes all inspection requirements into consideration when bidding a project to ensure our products are installed in a manner that meets or exceeds the specification requirements so that we pass any inspections made after installation.

The most important requirement to begin installation is a complete work surface that is within specified tolerance. The most common cause of delay or added costs results from a structure or wall surface that is not plumb or flat or is still under construction. All of which result in added work or delayed work on panel installation.

Speed of installation is dependent upon many factors. Panel size, shape and weight all affect how quickly a panel can be installed. Additionally, a clear work area is a must for efficient installation activities.

EWS Texas provides a standard 1 year material and workmanship warranty and a 20 year finish warranty on most projects. Warranties of longer duration or custom coverage are sometimes available and are typically discussed at bid time.

Panels are packaged in a manner that minimizes packaging waste while maximizing panel protection. They are typically bundled together and covered in a manner that protects them while allowing airflow and promoting water drainage.

To minimize double handling, we only load panels once they are needed at the jobsite.