The invention provides a method for the production of composite elements composed of at least one outer layer a) and a thermal insulation material b), where between the outer layer a) and the thermal insulation material b) an adhesive c) has been applied, the outer layer a) being moved continuously, the thermal insulation material b) being applied to the outer layer a) and, if appropriate, a further outer layer a) being applied to the thermal insulation material b), and the adhesive c) being applied to the thermal insulation material b) or to the outer layer a), which comprises applying the adhesive c) by means of a rotating flat body which is mounted horizontally or with a slight deviation from the horizontal, of up to 15.degree., preferably parallel to the outer layer a) or to the thermal insulation material b).