Design and Performance Benefits of Insulated Metal Panels

In a prior post on insulated metal panels (IMPs) we reviewed some of the basic things everyone should know about this versatile and lightweight metal building component. In this posting, we will drill down a bit more on the benefits of incorporating IMPs into a new or retrofit construction project. Here are some of the top reasons they are so popularly used in both walls and roofs:

Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are a popular choice for walls and roofs for their energy conservation, durability, longevity and cost-savings.
Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are a popular choice for walls and roofs for their energy conservation, durability, longevity and cost-savings.

Energy Conserving, Space Saving Insulation

Foam plastic insulation is used between the metal skins of IMPs. Such insulation has been accepted for use by building codes for quite awhile provided it meets certain conditions. IMPs have been tested and shown to meet or exceed all code requirements for construction and for energy conservation too. Part of their appeal over other ways to insulate is that they can achieve high performance in a thinner wall or roof assembly than would be required with other types of insulation, such as fiberglass. IMPs are available in thicknesses that range from 2 to 6 inches and have corresponding R-values from R-14 to R-46 allowing design professionals to select the thickness that matches the energy performance level sought in a particular building. Other insulation types would require thicknesses of at least twice as much to approach the same R-values as IMPs. Further, the metal interior and exterior skins are the only finish material needed so the total panel thickness is very space efficient. Thinner IMPs in the walls and roofs can save space in the building or on the site all while achieving high energy performance.

Durability, Longevity, and Low Maintenance

The manufactured panels are rigid and quite strong. They have been tested for compression, tensile, and shear strength with impressive numbers that come about because of the combination of the rigid foam and steel properties. The surfaces are made from the same long-lasting galvanized and factory finished steel used in other metal wall and roof panels so their resistance to weather, abuse, and even harsh conditions has been proven, making them very easy to maintain. In locations where severe weather and storms are a concern, they can also be specified to meet requirements for heavy winds, hail, and similar concerns. Plus, since the skins of the IMPs are made of noncombustible steel, they provide an ignition barrier as part of an overall fire protection scheme for the building.

Cost Saving Construction

IMPs are an “all-in-one” product that takes the place of many other products and components used in traditional construction. Instead of requiring multiple trades and materials to be installed individually over some number of weeks, IMPs are installed by a metal building contractor and allow the walls and roof to be completely closed in with a single trade. The use of concealed fasteners in the side joint of the panels makes installation quick and easy. Unlike other construction systems, the inherent strength and resiliency of IMPs means that work doesn’t need to stop over weather concerns. All of this saves a considerable amount of labor costs and can also save a lot of time meaning buildings can be completed quicker and more economically. It could also mean that an owner is able to occupy and use the building sooner, thus reducing construction financing costs and allowing operations to begin more quickly.

Versatility for Use in Many Building Types

IMPs can be used in virtually any type of new construction and for many retrofit applications too. There is a range of modular panel sizes that can work successfully with different structural elements of the rest of the building. The finished profiles and colors can all be selected to match the design needs of the building with edges, corners, and trim details all based on simple, appealing aesthetics. There are even IMPs specially designed for cold storage or refrigerated space applications. These panels may be part of the building exterior or create an isolated space within a larger building. Either way, they are designed for the rigors of a high use installation.

With such a broad range of benefits and capabilities, you owe it to yourself to check them out for a building project that you may be involved in. The best place to start is by contacting your local MBCI representative, and by signing up for our newsletter to subscribe to our blog.

Proper Fastening Helps Prevent Leaks and Callbacks

Installing metal roofing and siding requires placing and aligning metal panels over the structural supports. But ultimately it requires installers to spend a fair bit of time fastening them in place, typically using a great many fasteners. It is easy to get complacent about this repetitive activity, but the reality is that every fastener plays a crucial role in the integrity and longevity of the installation. Properly selecting, installing, and using the right tools, allows for a proper fastening process that assures a weathertight installation. But if a few fasteners are installed poorly, causing water or air leaks, then the installer is called back to correct the condition. Do a lot wrong, and warranties can be void, with the durability of the building left compromised, possibly requiring a total do-over.

What’s the difference between a good fastening installation and a problematic one? Here are some of the things to pay attention to onsite:

Fastener Types:

The most common type of fasteners used in metal buildings are self drillers, which vary based on diameter, length, head shape, and material. They are also specifically designed for use in metal substrates. Different fasteners are also available for wood versus metal, and either type can be sized for different substrate and panel thicknesses. Zinc alloy or stainless steel fasteners are common choices for durability, longevity, and avoiding galvanic action with other metal products. Selecting and using the right fastener type for each of the different locations on a metal building begins with determining what is being attached and what is it attaching to.

Fasteners
Fasteners can also be colored to match the roof or wall panel.

Weathertightness:

Fasteners of any type cannot be relied upon by themselves to keep out the elements. Instead, a sealing washer is used that is compressed between the fastener head and the metal panel as the fastener is tightened to form the weathertight seal. High-performance or long-life fasteners may be required for a durable approach to weathertightness and/or may be required by the metal building manufacturer to receive a weathertightness warranty.

Installation Process:

With the right fasteners onsite, the success of the installation now rests with the field crews. A few minutes to review the different fasteners and match them with the right tools and settings for installation is time very well spent. Since electric screw guns with or without impact drivers are common on the jobsite, it’s easy to think any tool will do, when it probably won’t. The wrong tool at the wrong setting can place too much torque or other force on the fastener, causing it to crush or damage washers or even the metal panels. Impact drivers are rarely needed in most cases and, while the fastening needs to be tight, overtightening is never a good thing.

Fastener Locations:

In addition to weathertightness, fasteners provide a structural function as well. Their location and spacing will directly correlate to the ability of a panel to resist wind and other forces after installation. Therefore, it’s always best to use information prepared by a professional engineer on the proper fastening locations, spacing, and sizes. The calculations behind such information can prove to be the difference between a successful installation and one that creates problems.

Understanding the importance of fasteners and the role they play in the integrity of the building, and corresponding warranties, allows installers to see beyond the repetitive task of fastening and into the craft of assembling a durable, long-lasting building. To find out more about fasteners for metal products and systems for your next project, contact your local MBCI representative.

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