Horizontal Cladding
Support System
Thomas Panels and Profiles’ Horizontal Cladding Support System is engineered to provide a strong and efficient solution for horizontally laid cladding.
This system combines Panel Joint Rails (PJR) and Horizontal Cladding Sections (HCS) with standard C Sections to create a seamless and sturdy framework that supports the weight and alignment of horizontal cladding panels.
Panel Joint Rails (PJR) are designed to sit between cladding panels, securing joints and ensuring consistent spacing while providing excellent load distribution across the wall system.
Combined with the robust Horizontal Cladding Supports (HCS), which offer additional structural support, this system is perfect for projects requiring a clean and modern appearance.
The combination of PJR, HCS and C Sections provides an efficient, easy-to-install solution that enhances the durability and aesthetic of horizontally laid cladding, ensuring a flawless finish with long-lasting performance.
There is also an alternative support method using top hat profiles which can reduce hole pattern complexity in the main rails but increases building envelope size and extra care must be taken with alignment during installation.
Horizontal Cladding Support System
System overview
- All connections are to be made with M16 8.8 Grade bolts
- We recommend 35mm bolts for most connections
- Main rails are to be selected from the standard C Section range
- Non standard holes details are available for all cleats, sections and rails. These items are subject to extended lead times. Please contact Thomas Panels and Profiles Technical for more information on our manufacturing capabilities of non-standard sections
- The sheeting face flange of all rails, supports and eaves beam must be co-linear in order for the horizontally laid cladding to be aligned properly
- 14mm holes are available in main sections where they are not intended to be used in conjunction with this system
- Counterformed holes are only available in 18mm Ø
- Counterformed holes are available with an internal form or external form. Standard packing plates can be used with the cleats where needed
- Considerations should be made for the vertical positions of rails to avoid horizontal joint. Also consider the lengths of sheets to suit the bay size and positions of the support system
TECHNICAL:
Horizontal Cladding System
Profile Types
PJR Profile
Horizontally laid panels require a minimum of 140mm for a fixing face at the vertical joint between 2 panels. This provides space for the panels to be fastened to the rail and the top hat covering between the joint. Rail cleats are preassembled with the supports to allow for simple installion to the main horizontal C Sections.
PJR sections are available in 1.6mm and 2.0mm thicknesses.
Layout shown is for illustration only, always refer to the specific cladding manufacturers installation reccomendations
Horizontal Cladding System
Support types and positioning
There are 5 types of Horizontal Cladding Support.
Type 1 - HCS in span and column
Uses a C profile support for cladding positions without a join between 2 panels. Installed in span and at column positions between main rails.
Type 2 - HCS to Eaves Beam
Uses a C profile support for cladding positions without a join between 2 panels. Installed in span and at column positions between the Eaves Beam bottom flange and the rail below the Eaves Beam.
Type 3 - PJR to Eaves Beam in span
Uses a PJR profile support for cladding positions with a joint between 2 panels. Installed at column positions between main rails and between the Eaves Beam bottom flange and the rail below the Eaves Beam.
Type 4 - PJR in span
Uses a PJR profile support for cladding positions with a joint between 2 panels. Installed in span between main rails.
Type 5 - PJR at column
Uses a Eaves connection cleat for attachemt to the main cleat and the butted Eaves Beams. Short lower cleats are used for connection to the 1 side of the rail and rail cleat.
