Getting Started with IMPs

by hanna_kowal | March 11, 2026 4:11 pm

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As construction costs rise and skilled labor remains in short supply, the search for simplified, cost-effective building solutions becomes more urgent. For architects and specifiers, one product is gaining popularity: insulated metal panels (IMPs).

IMPs are designed to provide a combination of air, water, vapor, and thermal protection within a single panel. The panels combine air, water, vapor, and thermal control functions, reducing the number of separate layers typically installed in a wall assembly. With R-values up to eight per 25.4 mm (1 in.), IMPs meet top energy standards without the need for extra insulation or additional materials.

Integrating these control layers within a single panel can also improve enclosure continuity. By integrating these critical components into a single seamless unit, IMPs reduces the number of transitions where discontinuities in the enclosure are most likely to occur. This is especially important in climates with extreme weather conditions, as moisture intrusion can cause mold, mildew, and long-term structural damage.

By limiting air and water intrusion, panels can help reduce maintenance requirements over the building’s lifespan.

Installation efficiencies

When developing a design, architects and designers must consider the time constraints that come with assembling a project. IMPs are designed to expedite installation by providing a prefabricated solution that eliminates the need for additional steps, such as installing separate insulation, vapor barriers, and air barriers. This can reduce sequencing steps associated with multi-layer assemblies.

Time-lapse footage shows that IMP installation can take half the time of traditional multi-component wall system installations, leading to faster project completion. Shorter installation times can help reduce labor demands on congested project schedules. The streamlined installation process also reduces the risk of delays caused by scheduling conflicts or material shortages. This can help project teams maintain construction schedules, particularly in regions where labor shortages are prevalent.

Reducing long-term maintenance

Panel durability can contribute to lower long-term maintenance requirements for any commercial building. These panels are designed to remain air- and water-tight for many years, even in harsh weather conditions.

Many IMP systems also come with comprehensive weather-tight warranties. This differs from concrete walls, which may require periodic repainting to maintain their appearance. For example, while traditional concrete walls might require repainting every five to 10 years, IMPs keep their appearance and performance for a longer period.

Improved energy performance

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Energy efficiency is a key factor when choosing building materials. Commercial buildings use approximately 17 percent of the U.S.’s energy, making it crucial to focus on energy-saving solutions.

IMPs help reduce thermal bridging by providing continuous insulation (c.i.), which helps prevent heat from escaping through thermal conduits in the building’s envelope. This helps maintain more stable indoor temperatures, reduces the load on heating and cooling systems, and results in lower energy bills over the building’s lifetime.

Cutting transportation costs

Transporting construction materials can be one of the most costly parts of a project. The weight of materials like precast concrete requires specialized equipment, which increases transportation expenses. IMPs, however, are considerably lighter and easier to handle, making them more economical to transport.

Their streamlined logistics enable more efficient delivery, helping to minimize delays in project timelines. In addition to lowering costs, this simplified logistics process ensures that materials arrive on time and are immediately ready for installation.

Real-world impact

At Seattle’s Port Terminal 106, choosing IMPs for the second-floor construction resulted in notable cost savings. The project’s architect explained that avoiding tilt-up concrete, which would have been more expensive and logistically complex, helped simplify the project.

The panels’ lightweight design made them easier to handle and install, reducing labor and transportation costs. Additionally, the panels’ c.i. helped meet Seattle’s energy code requirements and lowered energy expenses for heating and cooling. The combination of lighter panel weight, c.i., and straightforward installation contributed to reduced labor demands and simplified sequencing on the project.

Walled Lake Central High School in Walled Lake, Mich., has served students for more than 20 years. Yet, the aging 25-year-old structure began to deteriorate, causing water intrusion problems in the academic wing. To address these issues, a comprehensive retrofit was planned for the building’s facade.

During the renovation, IMPs were chosen because of their excellent thermal efficiency, creating a dual barrier that guards against both air and water infiltration. The panels’ integrated water-resistive and air-resistive properties eliminated the need for multiple waterproofing layers, simplifying the construction process and reducing overall costs.

The insulated foam core of the panels was one of the most thermally efficient options available, providing strong protection against heat transfer. This insulation helped maintain a comfortable indoor climate for students, even during Michigan’s cold winter weather, and reduced heating and cooling costs.

Applications and considerations

For contractors facing labor shortages, tight deadlines, and rising material costs, IMPs offer a streamlined, cost-effective solution. By consolidating multiple enclosure functions into a single panel, IMPs offer an alternative to multi-component wall assemblies. Their efficiency, cost savings, and long-term benefits make them a smart choice for any project seeking high performance and low operating costs.

Karim Muri is the vice president of marketing services and strategy development for Kingspan Insulated Panels North America. Muri has led strategic marketing in the construction products market for nearly 20 years. His global experience encompasses leadership roles in Australia and the United States, spanning both the residential and commercial building sectors.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/news/getting-started-with-imps/

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