All the facts about sandwich panels

What are sandwich panels?

A sandwich panel consists of two parts: the top and bottom are made of steel, with PIR insulation foam in between. PIR is an insulating material. We offer two different types of sandwich panels: wall panels and roof panels. From an aesthetic point of view, SAB sandwich panels offer endless possibilities. They come in many shapes, thicknesses, coatings, and colors.

Sandwich panels are an ideal building solution! They allow for quick and easy construction of façades and roofs, and their high insulation value is a major benefit.

How are sandwich panels constructed?

As mentioned, a sandwich panel from SAB is made up of two steel sheets. The inner sheet is usually 0.4 mm thick, has a lined profile, and is typically available in RAL 9002 or 9010. Then comes the PIR insulation (polyisocyanurate), a rigid foam plastic chosen for its excellent insulation performance and good fire safety. PIR has a low thermal conductivity, which means that even thin sandwich panels offer high insulation values. Compared to PUR, PIR is more heat-resistant and produces less smoke in the event of fire. It is also lightweight, dimensionally stable, and barely absorbs moisture, making it highly suitable for use in both cold and warm environments.

The outer side is also made of steel, which can vary in thickness depending on application, coating, and color. Common thicknesses are 0.5 mm, 0.63 mm, and 0.75 mm. The exterior can have various profiles, depending on the application. Finally, the exterior can be pre-painted in various types of coatings and virtually any color you desire.

What are the advantages of sandwich panels?
Sandwich panels offer:

  • High insulation value
  • Fast and efficient construction
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent fit
  • Durable
  • Available in various types and sizes
  • Offered in many colors and coatings
  • Low maintenance
  • Fire safety

Where are sandwich panels used?


Our sandwich panels are commonly used for the façades or roofs of large distribution centers, commercial buildings, barns, logistics spaces, business units, wholesale stores, production facilities, sports halls, riding arenas, swimming pools, windbreaks, and more. Sandwich panels are even used in residential constructio

Sandwich panels for façades


Wall panels are ideal when you want to build quickly or when high insulation values are required. They are an economical choice, score high in sustainability, and their light weight makes them suitable for many applications. From an aesthetic standpoint, SAB sandwich panels offer many possibilities.

For a range of options including concealed fasteners (WB), visible fasteners (W), or special versions such as Carrier, FM Approved, or Fire Resistant, visit our overview page with all façade and wall sandwich panels.

Sandwich panels for roofs


Roof sandwich panels have been used for many years and are mainly applied on sloped roofs of barns, stables, and storage sheds. A roof sandwich panel consists of a steel outer and inner layer with PIR insulation foam in between. There is also an ECO variant with aluminum foil on the inside, especially suited for the agricultural sector.

Clean overlap with roof sandwich panels


If an end-to-end overlap is required—e.g., because the roof area is longer than the maximum panel length or for proper drainage into the gutter—SAB-profiel can apply this at the factory. This is possible for all roof panels, including Eco panels, with a minimum panel length of 2800 mm plus the length of the overlap. The overlap can be specified between 50 mm and 300 mm. It matters whether installation is from left to right (left overlap) or from right to left (right overlap), when viewed from the ground looking at the roof. More explanation is available in our flyer on cutback and left/right panels.