Using Monarch Z Clips for Curved Walls
More and more in modern designs we are seeing customer run into the issue of installing wood panels in curved hallways or on a wall with a radius. The good news is that our aluminum panel clips adapt very well to working with curves.
Monarch Z Clips or Panel Clips are a two part system where a continuous length is mounted along the wall and shorter panel clips are mounted on the rear side of panels. The male and female of the z clip system are the same profile or shape. For large panel jobs, most installers are using 144†lengths along the walls and fastening at the studs to maximize holding power and mounting shorter panel clips to the back of the panels using a template.
For curved walls, the answer varies a little depending on the radius of the curve. for a slight 25′ radius, you wouldn’t have to change anything. There is “give†to the 144†lengths and they are made from 6063 alloy aluminum so they will flex right around the bend. The shorter panel clips would also still work because the length of the clip is short enough that the radius will likely not effect it. Since the radius is likely to not be exact, the installer may have to use horseshoe shims to engage the clips. Generally most installers will carry a 1/32â€, 1/16â€, 1/8†and 1/4†plastic horseshoe shims.
For walls with a tighter radius, the process needs to be customized. If you were installing on a 10′ radius, the 144†continuous length would still likely have no problem mounting to the wall. As the radius is reduced more and more, the installer has to consider shortening the overall width of the panel clip to insure that the clip can be engaged with the continuous length. Fortunately, Monarch can custom manufacture these for you. Monarch has custom manufactured clips as short as .5†pre-punched with two holes for hanging in the past. Here you can find more information about our custom z clips.
If you have questions, Monarch’s staff is always ready to help you with your installation questions. Call us at 631-563-8967.
