The Metal Construction Association, Glenview, Ill., has reported that the need for better roof and wall insulation levels has sparked changes to the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. The change is designed to increase energy efficiency by as much as 30 percent over the levels outlined in the 2004 edition of the 90.1 standard.
According to Scott Kriner, technical director for MCA, the increased stringency of insulating values, especially in the colder climate zones, will create a significant market opportunity for IMPs to be used on buildings in those areas.
“ASHRAE is requiring a base insulation material, as well as a rigid insulation board, in those climate zones to meet the new insulating standard. In those cases, a building owner may select a readily available thicker IMP to provide the required U-value in ASHRAE 90.1 rather than specify the more complex conventional wall insulating practices and materials,” Kriner said.
An IMP is a strong single unit constructed of a rigid polyurethane foam core sandwiched between two sheets of coated metal that provides an exceptionally strong and thermally efficient building enclosure. The durable metal panel facings resist damage and create a vapor and moisture barrier that offers long-term thermal stability. The metal skins come in a multitude of colors and textures. More information about IMP systems is available through the MCA at www.metalconstruction.org/imp.
