FAQ
Please find a list of commonly asked questions about our Solaris building products below. If you are unable to find the answer your looking for please do not hesitate to Contact Us
What are Solaris panels made of?
All SolarisTM panels are made from the highest quality materials including Bluescope COLORBOND® steel skins and fire retardant expanded polystyrene cores.
What sizes are Solaris Panels available in?
SmoothPanel is 1200mm wide and can be up to 250mm thick and up to 16m long; RidgePanel and CorroPanel are 1000mm wide (plus top skin overlap) and can be up to 200mm thick and up to 16m long.
What colours are Solaris Panels available in?
SmoothPanel, RidgePanel and CorroPanel are available in several options from the standard COLORBOND® range which are frequently updated. Please refer to your SolarisTM representative for details and samples of the current colour choices.
Does Solaris offer an installation service?
No, however your SolarisTM representative will be able to recommend an experienced installer in your area.
Can I walk on roof panels once installed?
Yes, our insulated roof panels are designed and engineered to withstand a human service load up to 140kg over the supported area of roof only. No loads are permitted on the unsupported side or cantilevered overhang section of roofs. Avoid stepping on the ribs.
Can I cut the panels on site?
Yes, the panels can be cut with either nibblers, a cold cut saw or any other cutting methods approved by Bluescope.
Can I fit a ceiling fan to my roof?
Yes, any domestic grade electrical appliance can be face-fixed to the ceiling side of a panel roof.
Are hip and valley roof designs suitable for panel roofing?
Skillion and gable roof designs are most economical for panel roofing. Generally, most houses can be (re) designed to satisfy this requirement and maintain their aesthetic appeal. However, it is possible to use panel roofing on hip and valley roof designs if necessary.
Can I run electrical services within a panel roof?
Yes, a services void is provided at the panel join to facilitate running of electrical wires. Of course these should only be installed by a suitably qualified electrician.
How do I maintain my Solaris Panels in top condition?
Ensure your SolarisTM panels are installed as per the manufacturer’s recommendations and any exterior metal surfaces that are not exposed to “washing down” by rain should be manually washed down once per year to avoid build-up of and corrosive materials or pollutants.
What warranties are provided with my Solaris products?
A comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty is provided for all SolarisTM panels for up to 15 years.
Is it possible to repair damage to the Colorbond paint skins?
Yes, in a similar manner to an automotive repair regime. Dents are filled using a plastic resin body filler, sanded and then painted. Scratches are sanded and painted. COLORBOND® repair paints are available from your local COLORBOND® stockists and most large hardware stores.
Are Solaris panels resistant to vermin attack?
EPS has absolutely no nutritional value as a food source so will not attract vermin. We do however recommend that you maintain a suitable pest control regime to prevent vermin from burrowing into or through the EPS core.
Can I use different colour skins on top and bottom panel surfaces?
Yes, subject to minimum order quantities and colour selection.
What are the acoustic properties of Solaris Panels?
SolarisTM panels provide a similar acoustic performance to lightweight stud walls commonly used in residential applications. Improved acoustic performance can be achieved by application of select linings. Refer to you SolarisTM representative for more detail.
Does condensation form on the inner skin of Solaris Panels in extreme hot or cold conditions?
This will not occur if moist air is prevented from entering the inside of the building. The EPS insulated core prevents thermal bridging occurring between the outer and inner skins, so even if a considerable temperature difference exists between the inside and outside, condensation will not occur. A dry internal environment can be assured in humid climates by incorporating specific design features including entry air locks, ventilation, refrigerative rather than evaporative air conditioning.
Why are darker colours treated differently?
Darker colours attract heat and are less thermally efficient. The National Construction Code has been moving towards lighter colours particularly for roofing in recent years. This move is part of the building sectors
commitment to reduce carbon foot print and contribute to achieving net zero energy buildings. Lighter roof colours mean less heat and therefore require less energy from air conditioning systems to cool a building.
Roofing products such as RidgePanel® and CorroPanel® must not be exposed to temperatures of 80oC or greater for an extended period. This can potentially happen when darker roof colours that are used
in some locations around Australia. Please refer to the Solar Absorptance for details on Solaris Warranty.
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