Insulated Metal Panels Offer Multiple Solutions in One Product

by Marcy Marro | May 2, 2022 12:00 am

Specifying

There are several reasons to choose insulated metal panels. Ease of assembly, thermal performance and sustainability all come into play. IMPs are most often used for cold storage, commercial and industrial applications, from dairy processing plants to logistics, manufacturing and self storage facilities. Increasingly, they are also being used in high-end architectural projects in sectors such as health care, higher education, and leisure and entertainment.

With R-value code requirements on the rise, IMPs are an all-in-one solution for meeting strict thermal performance building codes. Rather than relying on multiple layers of building materials that may increase the thickness and complexity of a wall assembly’s design and installation, insulated metal panels are a single-component system.

To compare R-values across insulation manufacturers, it is critical to compare materials using common evaluation procedures (as an example, all insulation materials are tested at a mean temperature of 75 degrees). However, depending on the application, the assembly’s U-factor should also be considered to measure thermal performance across an entire building envelope assembly.

IMP manufacturers also perform fire resistance testing as required by building codes. While codes can vary depending on location, fire performance requirements are generally very consistent. When it comes to walls for multi-story buildings, two critical tests for IMPs include ASTM E84 (used to evaluate flame spread and smoke generation for insulation materials) and NFPA 285—a full-scale fire test designed to mimic the propagation of flame on the exterior of a building during an actual fire event enabling robust evaluations of the fire performance of wall assemblies.

For the increasing number of architects factoring sustainability into the equation, insulated metal panels can help achieve LEED certification. This is the result of better thermal efficiency, along with the use of recycled materials, like steel, that are often used to construct IMPs.

Warranty Considerations

There are a couple of industry standard warranties for IMPs. (Note: Actual warranty terms can vary based on manufacturer.) One common warranty is a two-year material workmanship warranty covering the IMP cladding material itself. Another is a finish warranty of up to 20 years protecting the panel finish’s ability to resist chalking, fading, and loss of adhesion. Other, optional warranties may provide coverage for weatherization and/or thermal performance as well.

Project Planning

IMP systems offer design flexibility. Architects can choose custom colors to represent a client’s branding or attach a façade that is customized to meet the client’s design needs. IMPs can vary in size and profile, giving even more freedom and creativity to create patterns and depth. When planning the design for the project, making these selections ahead of time ultimately takes out the worry about putting finishing touches on the façade, which can attach to rails on some IMP systems. Many manufacturers also offer design accessories that can be integrated directly into the panel joints, providing even more options to create unique patterns and textures.

For food processing facilities, IMPs can be ordered with coatings that allow for high temperature washdowns to meet USDA requirements.

Installation Techniques

Insulated metal panels allow for faster dry-in than traditional, multicomponent wall systems. When panels are on site ahead of time, they can speed up the construction process with fast installation, allowing work to begin more quickly on the interior of the building.

IMP assemblies require just one installer, rather than multiple trades, which avoids scheduling delays. They can be lifted into position with a crane using either mechanical clamps or vacuum pads to lift the panels right off the bundle and carry them onto the steel framing, speeding up the job and reducing the cost of labor.

Insulated metal panels provide a solution for large-scale commercial and industrial projects that require high thermal performance, design flexibility and fast assembly. With different panel thicknesses, colors and profiles available, they can make projects such as schools and stadiums come to life. As architects grapple with supply chain challenges and changing building requirements, IMPs are an all-in-one solution that should be carefully considered during the project planning stages.

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Ian Manser is the technical director for Kingspan Insulated Panels North America[1], Deland, Fla. Manser has a background in mechanical engineering and more than 20 years of industry experience. He analyzes, researches, and assists in the application of new and existing high-performance building materials. Manser can be reached at ian.manser@kingspan.com[2].

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/insulated-metal-panels-offer-multiple-solutions-in-one-product/

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