Every facade project presents unique design and installation challenges. When working with Valmond & Gibson’s interloQ solid aluminium cladding system, one common decision for installers and builders is whether to orient the panels vertically or horizontally. Both approaches are viable and compliant, but each comes with its own set of practical considerations, aesthetic outcomes, and installation nuances.
This guide will walk through the key factors to consider when choosing between vertical and horizontal interloQ panel installation, helping you make an informed decision for your next project.
Understanding interloQ’s Design Flexibility
interloQ is a non-combustible, interlocking solid aluminium facade system designed for robust performance and aesthetic versatility. Its interlocking profile allows for a clean, continuous look, and its inherent strength means it can be installed in various configurations. The choice of orientation often comes down to design intent, site specifics, and practical installation logistics.
Vertical Installation: When and Why
Vertical installation of interloQ panels is a popular choice, often selected for its ability to create a sense of height and slenderness on a building.
Typical Applications & Aesthetics:
- Visual Impact: Emphasises vertical lines, making buildings appear taller and more elegant.
- Drainage: Naturally promotes efficient water shedding down the facade, which can be advantageous in high-rainfall areas.
- Modern Design: Often used in contemporary architectural designs seeking a sleek, uninterrupted look.
Practical Considerations for Installers:
- Panel Length: Vertical runs may require longer panels, which can impact handling, transport, and lifting on-site. Careful planning for panel lengths to minimise waste and joints is crucial.
- Substructure: Requires a robust horizontal substructure to fix the panels securely. This typically involves horizontal top hats or battens fixed back to the primary structure.
- Joints: Vertical joints are typically expressed as a clean line, with the interlocking mechanism providing weather resistance. Horizontal joints, if required for very tall sections, need careful detailing to manage water and thermal movement.
- Access: Installation often proceeds upwards, requiring scaffolding or elevated work platforms for the full height of the facade.
Horizontal Installation: When and Why
Horizontal installation offers a different aesthetic and can sometimes simplify certain aspects of the build, particularly on wider facades.
Typical Applications & Aesthetics:
- Visual Impact: Can make a building appear wider or more grounded. It’s effective for breaking up large, monolithic facades.
- Panel Size Flexibility: Often allows for more flexibility with panel widths, potentially reducing waste from standard sheet sizes.
- Design Features: Can be used to create specific design patterns or to align with other horizontal elements of the building.
Practical Considerations for Installers:
- Substructure: Requires a vertical substructure (e.g., vertical top hats or battens) to fix the panels. This substructure needs to be precisely aligned to ensure the horizontal panels remain level.
- Joints: Horizontal interlocking joints are designed to shed water effectively. Vertical joints, if needed, require careful detailing with flashing or sealant to maintain weather integrity.
- Drainage: While the interlocking profile is designed to manage water, installers should pay close attention to the detailing of vertical joints and corners to prevent water ingress, especially in areas prone to wind-driven rain.
- Installation Sequence: Panels are typically installed from the bottom up, which can sometimes be more straightforward for managing panel weight and alignment.
Key Considerations for Both Orientations
Regardless of whether you choose vertical or horizontal, several fundamental principles remain critical for a successful and compliant interloQ facade:
- Substructure Design: The integrity of your facade begins with the substructure. Ensure it is designed and installed to accommodate the chosen panel orientation, panel weight, wind loads, and thermal movement. Valmond & Gibson’s technical team can provide guidance on appropriate substructure systems.
- Thermal Expansion: Aluminium expands and contracts with temperature changes. Proper detailing for thermal movement, including appropriate gaps and fixing methods, is essential for both orientations to prevent buckling or stress on the panels.
- Weatherproofing: While interloQ’s interlocking design offers excellent weather resistance, critical junctions, corners, and penetrations require careful detailing and flashing to ensure a watertight facade.
- Compliance Documentation: The non-combustible nature of interloQ is a key advantage. Ensure all installation practices align with the product’s tested system and that comprehensive documentation is maintained for certifiers. This includes details of the substructure, fixings, and any sealants or membranes used.
- Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Always refer to the latest Valmond & Gibson installation manuals and technical specifications for interloQ. These documents provide detailed instructions and best practices specific to the system.
Making the Right Choice
The decision between vertical and horizontal interloQ installation is ultimately a project-specific one, balancing aesthetic goals with practical installation realities and long-term performance. Both orientations, when installed correctly and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, will deliver a compliant, durable, and visually striking facade.
Valmond & Gibson is committed to supporting builders and installers with the information and products needed for successful facade delivery.
Need detailed installation guides or technical support for your interloQ project? Contact our team for expert advice and documentation.
Related Reading
- interloQ Specification Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- Subframe Design for Aluminium Rainscreen Cladding
- Concealed vs Face-Fixed Cladding: Which System for Your Project?
- Panel Sizes and Module Planning for Aluminium Cladding
Last updated: 24 March 2026