Sandwich panel thickness: a guide for roofs and walls in Qatar
Sandwich panels keep buildings cooler by trapping a layer of insulating foam between steel sheets. Picking the right type and thickness depends on how hot the space can get and what it is used for.
Single skin or double skin?
Single skin panels have a coloured steel sheet on top and a foam layer underneath with a thin film or foil backing. They are light and economical, and work well for shades, sheds and simple roofs.
Double skin panels have steel on both sides with polyurethane (PU) foam in the middle. They are stronger, look finished from inside, and insulate better. They are the usual choice for cabins, warehouses, villas and cold rooms.
Which thickness?
| Use | Typical PU core |
|---|---|
| Shades, sheds, storage | 20–30 mm |
| Portable cabins, site offices | 40–50 mm |
| Warehouses, workshops, villas | 50–75 mm |
| Cold rooms and chillers | 75–100 mm |
As a rule, thicker foam means a cooler building and lower air-conditioning bills. In Qatar's summer, spending a little more on insulation usually pays back.
Roof panels vs wall panels
Roof panels have raised ribs so rainwater runs off and the panel spans further between purlins. Wall panels are flatter for a clean finish. Use the matching ridge caps, gutters and flashings so joints stay watertight.
Other roofing options
- Corrugated sheets (0.2–0.7 mm) for low-cost roofs without insulation
- Kwik curved sheets for arched roofs and car park bays
- Roofing tiles in steel for a traditional tiled look at a fraction of the weight
- Floor decking for mezzanines and composite concrete slabs
Before you order
Measure the roof length (top to bottom) for each panel run and the total width. Panels have an effective width of about 1 m, so the width in metres tells you roughly how many panels you need. Choose your colour, and bring the purlin spacing so we can check the panel will span it.
Need a price?
Call us or visit the store at Al Najma Souq. We'll check stock and give you a price on the spot.