Insulated metal panel (IMP) systems have evolved from a niche product used predominantly for cold storage and industrial applications to being featured on buildings across the entire design spectrum. With exceptional thermal performance, almost unlimited aesthetic potential and construction efficiencies, IMPs are a key piece of the building envelope for educational facilities, hospitals, recreational centers, entertainment venues and more.
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When selecting an insulated metal panel system for any project, architects should consider factors such as performance, design, installation, sustainability and warranties.
Performance Considerations
With growing concerns about climate change and stricter regulations, requirements for thermal insulation and energy efficiency for all materials have increased. Insulated metal panels offer significant advantages where R-value code requirements are increasing.
IMPs are a single component building enclosure system featuring high levels of thermal insulation. While other insulations may have to use double layers or more-expensive, higher-density materials to meet the thermal code requirements, IMPs are an all-in-one solution for meeting stringent thermal performance requirements required by building codes.
When comparing R-values from different IMP manufacturers, it is important to ensure that all are tested at a 75-degree mean temperature, which is typical for commercial building applications. Tests conducted at lower mean temperatures will result in higher R-values, which is not comparing apples to apples.
Design Considerations
IMPs offer architects unparalleled design flexibility with a wide range of colors, finishes, profiles and patterns.
With IMPs, designers have considerable freedom to vary the size, dimensions and orientation of insulated panels. Different sizes can be integrated within the same façade to create a dynamic pattern and unusual geometries from jutting angular designs, to sweeping curves, with IMPs oriented horizontally or vertically.
There are also options where a hanger rail is integrated into the IMP so virtually any material can be applied to the exterior. These design options range from full-size brick to thin brick, to ceramics, to aluminum composite panel (ACM), to high-pressure laminate (HPC), and other single-metal skins. Combining these façade options allows architects to achieve the desired building design while the insulated metal panels support wall functions.
IMPs can also be seamlessly integrated with wall and roof accessories like daylight and wall light systems, louvers and sunshades.
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Installation Considerations
IMP assemblies are much simpler and quicker to install than traditional site-built wall and roof enclosure systems. Requiring only one installer instead of multiple trades to attach to the structural framing, IMPs provide a weathertight building envelope in a fraction of the time of other systems.
According to the Metal Construction Association’s (MCA) Selection Guideline for Insulated Metal Panels, IMPs can be erected at a rate of up to 5,000 square feet per eight-hour shift by a four-man crew on an industrial project, and up to 1,100 square feet per eight-hour shift by a four-man crew on an architectural project.
Accelerating speed of build with IMPs creates construction efficiencies that result in labor cost savings and faster dry-in of a project so inside finish work can begin sooner and shorter project schedules.
Sustainability Considerations
Buildings are a major contributor to global climate change and waste production, so it is also important for architects to take a greener approach in building envelope design and material selections.
Selecting IMPs with far lower levels of embodied carbon than other building enclosure solutions is a sustainable material choice that can meet or exceed current energy codes and contribute toward achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Building Rating System.
Additionally, IMPs that don’t contain any Banned List or Red List chemicals harmful to humans are a healthier building material option.
Warranty Considerations
IMPs typically carry warranties for leakage, system integrity and material performance. A two-year material workmanship warranty is an industry standard as is a finish warranty of up to 20 years. Some IMPs carry 20-year thermal warranties, however, select IMPs on the market offer a 30-year thermal warranty.
As architects look for sustainable building materials that increase speed-of-build and thermal efficiency, IMPs deserve a closer look.
Brad Johnson is the vice president of sales for Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, Deland, Fla. To learn more, visit www.kingspan.com.