What does a square metre of sandwich panel really cost?

A 4 m panel with an effective cover width of 1 m covers 4 m². At a hypothetical €120.35 per panel, that works out to about €30.09/m², excluding VAT. At a cover width of 1.10 m, the same piece price would be divided by 4.4 m². Confirm the dimensions and billing unit before comparing rates.

Panels differ in intended use, core material, facing thickness and coating. Joint designs, profiles and lengths also vary. Two panels that look alike may meet different requirements. A square-metre rate is relevant only once you know that the product suits its intended position in the building.

When replacing part of a wall, check how the new panel will join the existing cladding. A cheaper panel with a different joint profile may mean rebuilding a larger area. Include the adjacent components in the estimate. Choosing the closest core and colour without checking the joint can turn a one-panel replacement into a much larger repair.

Suppose 20 m² of panels cost €624.91, or about €31.25/m². Delivery at €150.44 and unloading at €81.01 bring the material cost on site to €856.36. That is €42.82 per square metre bought. If only 18 m² can be used, it works out to €47.58 per usable square metre before fitting. These are illustrative net amounts, with unit rates rounded to cents.

The example shows how a fixed delivery cost is spread over a small quantity. The manufacturer’s list price is a separate figure. Transport may account for a smaller share on a larger order, but extra panels tie up money and need suitable storage. Count on using a surplus only if you have a specific use for it.

Mark the existing panel layout, damaged areas and supports on a drawing. Check whether the whole panel must be replaced or the design allows another repair. Structural performance, weathertightness and appearance all matter. Cutting out a rectangle and covering it with sheet metal is only suitable if the proposed repair meets those requirements.

If stock lengths need trimming, calculate the offcuts. Give them a value only where the design allows them to be reused safely. On a refurbishment, closing the wall in a single visit before the room has to reopen may be worth more than a modest saving per square metre.

Reaching a single panel may involve removing flashings, moving storage racks or disconnecting services. The time needed for these jobs bears little relation to panel area. For a small repair, a quote listing individual tasks and equipment hours can be more informative than a single standard rate per square metre.

Agree how the seals will be reinstated and the adjacent edges inspected. Existing flashings may need adjustment before they can be reused. Ask who protects the interior and removes waste. Once both quotes cover the same items, it becomes clear which tasks account for the price difference.

Keep the product documents and identification for the replacement panel. If the batch is limited, consider whether keeping a small spare quantity makes sense. Where impacts are likely, changing the traffic route or adding an impact guard may help. Repeated repairs at the same point can cost more than the initial purchase if the cause remains.

Record three figures side by side. What does a purchased square metre cost? What does the material cost on site? What will the finished repair cost? Each answers a different purchasing question. This breakdown is especially helpful for repairs covering only a few panels in a building that stays in use.