Architects have a myriad of choices for exterior facades: brick, stone, EIFS, vinyl siding, metal, etc. When choosing a metal panel, the options go much further than just choosing a metal wall or roof panel. In addition to decisions such as panel width, length, thickness and color, the type of panel chosen is a big one.
Whether single skin, IMP or MCM, architects have options when choosing an exterior façade
Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Chemical America-ALPOLIC Division
We are going to look at three common types of metal wall panels: single-skin, insulated metal panels (IMPs) and metal composite material (MCM) panels. Each have distinct characteristics that can make them the right choice for different types of projects.
Single-Skin Metal Panels
Single-skin metal panels are interlocking panels that can be custom designed to different shapes, including square, rectangle and diamond. They can also be fabricated in a variety of metals, including prefinished metals and natural metals such as copper and zinc.
“Single-skin metal panels are the most versatile of the metal panel options, and can be found on roofs and exterior walls, as well as equipment screens, soffits, ceilings and interior walls,” explains Lee Ann M. Slattery, FCSI, CDT, CCPR, LEED AP BD+C, sales support manager at ATAS International Inc., Allentown, Pa. Single-skin metal panels can also be perforated for acoustical applications, sunshading and aesthetic purposes.
In general, single-skin metal wall and roof panels are applicable to any type of building. Companies such as Petersen Aluminum Corp., Elk Grove Village, Ill., offer multiple panel systems that can be installed on roofs with slopes of any degree, as well as be installed vertically as wall cladding.
“Single-skin panels offer so many varieties for any building, including types of metal, profiles, finishes, patterns, textures and colors,” adds Slattery. “The combinations of all these options are virtually limitless. Perforated single-skin panels add another design element.”
Metal Composite Material Panels
Metal composite material (MCM) panels have two metal skins bonded to a highly engineered core. Primarily made from aluminum, the metal skins can also be copper, zinc, titanium or stainless steel. MCM panels are highly flexible and flat in appearance, making them ideal for projects where a large, flat panel aesthetic is desired. They are also lightweight, making them good options for column covers, soffits, interior walls and ceilings.
Renee Mullins, MBA, manager, marketing communications, Mitsubishi Chemical America–ALPOLIC Division, Chesapeake, Va., says you can find MCM used across the world. “It’s one of the most versatile building products available today and a preferred product for commercial, industrial, financial and educational institutions. It’s introduction into the building envelope helped literally change the face of architecture because designs once deemed unthinkable were now a possibility.”
“MCM panels are used especially for their flatness in large dimensions, ability to be curved for column work and for being coil coated,” explains Grason Cook, commercial director at Alucoil North America, Manning, S.C. “MCM also offers some of the longest UV warranties available with PVDF or FEVE.”
“MCM can provide an advanced architectural cladding for the entire building envelope,” adds Mullins. “Lightweight and easy to fabricate into complex forms, MCM can be used for all facets of architectural design, from skyscrapers to interior details. With a tight bend radius, it is suitable for columns and can go beyond the limitations of solid plate metal.”
Additionally, Stephanie Burke, marketing communications specialist at Laminators Inc., Hatfield, Pa., says aluminum composite material (ACM) panels can also be used for corporate ID projects, fascias, canopies, soffits, clean rooms, decorative storefronts, sunrooms and equipment enclosures. “Understanding code requirements such as water management and ventilation, thermal performance (continuous insulation), and fire resistance (NFPA 285) are crucial for specifying the best panel type for your application.”
Photo courtesy of Kingspan Panels North America
Insulated Metal Panels
Insulated metal panels have an insulating foam injected between two aluminum or steel metal face panels to form solid sandwich panels. “First intended for the quick build of short schedule projects, IMPs are now a popular architectural, commercial, and industrial building envelope system,” says Steven Huck, district sales manager for CENTRIA, Moon Township, Pa. “The single-component design that combines sheathing, thermal barrier, air and vapor barrier, as well as the cladding is the most efficient building enclosure available. IMPs can be used in any climate and improve the quality in the field, the speed of construction, and reduce waste and risk in all phases of installation.”
As Karim Muri, vice president, marketing services and strategy developments for Kingspan Panels North America, Deland, Fla., explains, “The architectural versatility of IMPs lend themselves well to design-forward projects, like museums, stadiums, airports and university buildings. IMPs have been the standard building material for decades in the cold storage and food processing sectors, where thermal efficiency and hygiene are both critical factors for building materials. IMPs can also be used as effective back-up wall systems, providing the air, water, vapor and thermal barriers behind architectural cladding such as single-skin metals or MCMs.”
Nicholas Kauthen, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, architectural sales representative at All Weather Insulated Panels Inc., Vacaville, Calif., says IMPs are an excellent example architectural adaptability, offering the ultimate degree of adaptability for projects in a wide range of applications. “A variety of profiles, colors, embossing and vertical/horizontal applications are all factors that can be customized to draw attention for your specific project. IMPs also work in synergy with other building materials to create a multidimensional, perspective façade.”
According to Kauthen, IMPs are a standard building envelope material for wall, sloped, and low-sloped roofing applications where aesthetics, performance and efficiency are desired. “IMP roof panels provide the look of a standing seam metal roof with the added benefits of thermal performance, building efficiency, sustainability and durability,” Slattery adds.
Additional Considerations
Whether you’re working on a commercial, industrial or residential project, metal panels are a versatile and durable façade option. While single-skin metal panels, IMPs and MCM panels are common types of metal panels, there are many options and specific panel types available, such as concealed or exposed fastener, standing seam and even modular metal panels. Whatever panel you choose for your project, Burke says there are several factors to consider. These include color options, lead/turn-around times, ease of installation, warranties, etc.
“Architects should always be aware of each panel’s performance criteria and limitations which are identified in a product’s testing reports,” adds Rob Heselbarth, director of communications at Petersen Aluminum. “Also pay attention to code requirements. Elements such as wind speed and exposure to brackish water or saltwater must be considered before specifying any architectural metal panel system.”
“When specifying any metal panel profile,” Huck says, “it is good practice to work with the manufacturer to ensure the complete wall system and its components are compatible and assembled to maximize efficiency and performance. The ever-changing code governance, life safety requirements, fire protection, and energy codes can make the specification ambiguous. Working with a reputable manufacturer makes this process far more reliable and ensures proper execution of the entire building process.”