Beyond Imagination: Architects have many options for specifying metal wall panels

by Jonathan McGaha | July 1, 2012 12:00 am

Thanks to advances in technology and product development, architects have a multitude of options available today when specifying metal wall panels. Equally important, architects need not sacrifice aesthetics to get the functionality and dependability desired when specifying a wall cladding material. While many types of metal wall panels are available today, this article will focus on three-thru-fastened panels, concealed fastener panels and insulated metal panels
(IMP).

 

For decades, thru-fastened metal panels were used primarily as a functional cladding that provided protection against nature’s elements for pre-engineered metal buildings. Today, thanks to long life coatings and architectural creativity, conventional thru-fastened metal wall panels are being specified and installed to add beauty and function to commercial and architectural projects.

 

Part of the growth is contributed to designers and architects dismissing old stereotypes and negative stigmas associated with thru-fastened panels and using the panels in a creative way to add flair and curb appeal to their projects. Popular styles range from simple old-fashioned corrugated panels to bold-ribbed profiles such as 7.2 (meaning major ribs spaced 7.2 inches on center) panels. To give aesthetics an additional boost, 7.2 panels are commonly installed horizontally.

 

Also, in the “old days,” thru-fastened wall panels were typically coated with polyester or siliconized polyester coatings. Today, many manufacturers offer thru-fastened wall panels with PVDF
(Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000) coatings, which enable their performance to match that of standing seam roofing. In addition, a wide selection of colors are available to meet most any design theme. Many architects and designers choose to specify bare, or unpainted, metal panels to provide a nostalgic look that is popular today. Often, unpainted metal is also incorporated as an accent in the building’s interior.

 

Economics is another advantage of thru-fastened wall panels. Not only is the material cost substantially lower than many other materials, but labor costs to install the metal panels are also minimized due to speedier panel erection. Additionally, including insulation, which is easily added to increase energy efficiency and meet codes, can generate long-term savings.

 

Concealed fastener wall panels feature clips or fasteners that are concealed beneath the panel seams. A primary advantage of concealed fastener panels is the fact that fasteners are not visible, which provides an enhanced architectural appearance. Concealed fastener wall panels are available in corrugated as well as smooth or flush mount designs. Corrugated styles are often installed horizontally for an enhanced aesthetic appeal.

 

Due to a strong focus on energy conservation and a systems approach to building, IMPs have been experiencing tremendous growth in specifications and usage. IMPs can be defined as panels that are formed by a continuously, foamed-in-place manufacturing process which binds interior and exterior steel facings to a polyisocyanurate insulation core. In simple terms, an IMP consists of an insulating core sandwiched between two metal skins-one interior and one exterior. Most manufacturers offer IMPs in thicknesses from 2 to 6 inches and with a wide variety of profiles and surface configurations.

 

IMPs offer architects and owners many advantages, including:

• R-Values that approach 8 per inch
• Aesthetic appeal
• Ability to install both horizontally or vertically
• Ease of installation with low labor costs
• Structural integrity which often results in greater substructural framing spans
• IMPs utilize concealed fasteners for an enhanced architectural appearance

With all the advances with technology and products, the bottom line for today’s specifier is that they have a multitude of available metal wall panel options to meet most any budget and design criteria. The only limit is one’s imagination.

 

Ken Gieseke is the vice president of marketing at Bossier City, La.-based McElroy Metal. For more information, visit
www.mcelroymetal.com[1].

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/know-your-products-beyond-imagination/

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