New here, but getting ready to finish the inside of my enclosed aluminum trailer using FRP panels on the walls without a wood backing (to save on weight). I read several old posts of people doing the same things, and I am wondering if anyone can share any tips, lessons learned or pictures of their install to avoid waves and sag.
I insulated the walls already with the pink rigid foam board, and have 25 panels of the FRP that I’m getting ready to install. I ordered self tapping truss head screws that have a .44” wide head figuring that would help prevent tear through. I also got the trim pieces to go around the edges of the panels and to join seams. My plan is to install the panels vertically on the walls, and across the ceiling so the seams all line up.
Some of my questions are, how many screws should I use vertically on each stud? I was thinking of one every 12-18”. Also, I plan on spacing the panels about a 1/16” for expansion, but have read that I should widen the screw hole so that the panel can move/shift. Is that even necessary? I just want to eliminate or minimize the waves since I want to avoid using a wood backer that’ll just add weight. Another question is, did anyone use screws to mount the T trim pieces, or did you leave the ends unsecured to float somehow? I’m not sure if I should stagger the screws where the seams come together or something else.
Thanks in advance!
I insulated the walls already with the pink rigid foam board, and have 25 panels of the FRP that I’m getting ready to install. I ordered self tapping truss head screws that have a .44” wide head figuring that would help prevent tear through. I also got the trim pieces to go around the edges of the panels and to join seams. My plan is to install the panels vertically on the walls, and across the ceiling so the seams all line up.
Some of my questions are, how many screws should I use vertically on each stud? I was thinking of one every 12-18”. Also, I plan on spacing the panels about a 1/16” for expansion, but have read that I should widen the screw hole so that the panel can move/shift. Is that even necessary? I just want to eliminate or minimize the waves since I want to avoid using a wood backer that’ll just add weight. Another question is, did anyone use screws to mount the T trim pieces, or did you leave the ends unsecured to float somehow? I’m not sure if I should stagger the screws where the seams come together or something else.
Thanks in advance!
