Flat lock

What is Flat lock panel system for facade?

Flat lock panel is a wall cladding system that uses overlapped metal panels so that a nearly flat appearance is achieved. The Flat lock panel system belongs to the rain-screen family (weather resistant, ventilated wall cladding installed over a waterproofing membrane). Flat lock panels offer a simple yet elegant cladding solution characterized by a longitudinal seam on a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal bias.

VM Building Solutions' Flat lock panel system consists of factory formed panels. The panels are available in multiple shapes and dimensions, providing virtually unlimited design possibilities.

This solution is well suited for buildings up to 98’. For high-rise applications, a specially engineered continuous clip is required.

The simplicity of the wall cladding system allows for easy installation. Because there is little manual manipulation of the panels in the field, Flat lock panels may be installed in cold weather without fracture.

Surface colors: QUARTZ-ZINC / ANTHRA-ZINC / PIGMENTO Blue /
PIGMENTO Brown / PIGMENTO Green / PIGMENTO Red / Natural Zinc by VMZINC

Thickness	1 mm
Panel Maximum Dimensions On Center	Horizontal orientation QUARTZ-ZINC & ANTHRA 10’-0” long x 16” wide PIGMENTO 10'-0" long x 16" wide Vertical orientation QUARTZ-ZINC & ANTHRA-ZINC 6’-0” long x 16” wide PIGMENTO 6'-0" long x 16" wide
Center to center vertical orientation	QUARTZ-ZINC & ANTHRA-ZINC 6'-0" long x 16" wide PIGMENTO 6'-0" long x 16" wide
Radius	Convex R1 15’ field	Concave R1 15’ field	Convex R2 15’ field	Concave R2 15’ field
Coverage	4 ft2 per 16" x 36" installed OC panel
Weight	~2.00 lb per ft2 installed
Packaging	150 panels per box

Characteristics of this technique

Used primarily for wall cladding
A solution that creates visual interest with texture
Used for internal and external applications
Can be installed horizontally or vertically
Suitable for buildings up to 98’ in height

Key Advantages:

	Versatile system with a traditional look
	Vertical, horizontal, and diagonal installation
	Engaged with a single fold on all four sides
	Concealed clips and fasteners
	Range of components offering a wide variety of flashing details
	Easy to install.

- The panels engage one another on four sides using a 1”, 180 degree folded hem and are secured with concealed fasteners and clips.
- Coverage: plus or minus 1/16” (1.6 mm)
- Flatness at maximum deflection: 5/64” on 36” (2 mm on 914 mm)
- Curvature: 1/32” (0.8mm)

	Examine substrates, areas, and conditions for compliance with requirements for installation tolerances, metal wall panel supports, and other conditions affecting performance of work.
	Verify that substrate is plumb, sound, dry, smooth, clean, sloped for drainage, and completely anchored, and that provision has been made for wall drains, flashings, and penetrations through metal wall panels.
	Examine primary and secondary wall framing to verify whether or not purlins, angles, channels, and other structural panel support members and anchorages have been installed correctly.
	Prepare written report, listing conditions detrimental to performance of work of this section. Submit copy of report to architect.
	Examine roughing-in for components and systems penetrating metal wall panels to verify actual locations of penetrations relative to seam locations of metal wall panels before wall panel installation.
	Bottom hem of the panel should be more open (5T) than the end folds (2.5T). Tip: Tap a long clip inside the bottom fold to create the right space for the panels to “nest” together.
	Panels shall be installed with ¼” (5 mm) of space left before being fully engaged.
	Install metal wall panels in orientation, sizes, and locations as indicated on the drawings.
	Install metal wall panels plumb, level, square, true to line, and within installation tolerances. Install metal wall panels perpendicular to girts and subgirts, unless otherwise indicated
	Anchor metal wall panels and other components of the work securely in place, with provisions for thermal and structural movement. Do not use a torch to field-cut metal wall panels.
	Fasten metal wall panels in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Flash and seal metal wall panels with weather closure edges and at the perimeters of openings.
	Install flashing and trim as metal wall panel work proceeds. Fasten flashings and trim around openings and similar elements
	Maintain metal wall panels in clean condition during installation. Remove protective film within 90 days of installation.