There’s big business in controlling heat transfer, and for good reason. Heat transfer in its various forms doesn’t just plague cold storage facility owners: the average commercial business owner also has areas of heat transfer and energy loss.
Clients consistently mention rising utility costs due to their building’s inefficiency during consultations. Air leakage and improper insulation are usually their problems, and there are quite a few ways to repair these issues.
Improper maintenance and old and failing components like the previously discussed door seals are usually the places we would start looking, but even a properly maintained building can have unwanted heat transfer at any point.
Energy regulations and increasingly high operating costs also drive owners to seek out better solutions.
Owners ask for ways to make their facilities more efficient, whether through retrofitting and remodeling or new construction. Regardless of the type of project, we usually mention one great option to decrease your energy losses and increase your building’s efficiency: Insulated Metal Panels or IMPs.
We’re going to do a three-part series on insulated metal panels, . We’ll discuss when IMPs are best utilized, their maintenance and installation, and more. In the first part of our series, however, let’s go over
- What is an insulated metal panel and what materials are they made of
- the benefits of using IMPs.
What are Insulated Metal Panels?
Insulated metal panels are sandwich panels consisting of two metal skins with a rigid insulating foam core “sandwiched” in between. The foam core is the secret to their efficiency and the metal is also chosen and designed to limit heat and cooling loss. Most panels are steel or aluminum.
IMPs are engineered to provide excellent thermal performance and structural integrity. They’re also designed to look more appealing than basic, plain panels, but budget-minded options are always available.
Regardless of the specific metal used, the outer and inner layers sandwiching the insulation have a dual purpose, and they also protect the softer dense insulation inside. The exterior of your building tolerates wind, rain, hail, sleet, snow, sand, hurricanes, and anything else Earth can throw at it. Insulation would not survive that onslaught.
Combine that with products like Butler Manufacturing’s™ Butler-Cote finish system with a 25-year warranty on film integrity, chalk, fade, and gloss retention and you have a wall system that is brand compliant and amazingly energy efficient for a long, long time.
So, you’re starting to see why people choose insulated metal panels more and more often.
Benefits of Insulated Metal Panels or IMPs
As Metal Architecture points out, for any project where cost and energy efficiency are a concern IMPs offer the most impact per dollar of any building component.
How can they make so bold a claim? There are a few factors:
- Faster installation
- Energy efficiency
- Enhanced comfort
- Durable and low-maintenance
- Sustainability
Insulated metal panels offer significant cost savings. Labor costs are a large part of construction costs and insulated metal panels install quickly.
An experienced team can install IMPs blindingly fast—they’re not having to also lay down insulation and other components. These significant early cost savings roll right into the longer-lasting effect of energy efficiency.
Insulated metal panels are designed to protect data centers, cold storage, and other facilities that require a consistently maintained temperature. Offices enjoy the well-maintained environment and owners report greater rates of employee satisfaction.
With less fluctuation in temperature from an IMP system, your building will use less energy. Which will save you money over the life of your building. Which is good, because IMPs are also durable.
Let’s Talk About IMP Durability
When compared with conventional stick-built or wood construction, IMPs are the hands-down winner in the durability class. With two layers of metal protecting them, they are resistant to weather, UV radiation, moisture, pests, and fire.
The dual layers of metal also provide excellent structural integrity. Able to actually provide strength to the wall system, insulated metal panels form a strong front to fight off your building’s attackers.
Impact damage from things like hail and debris is reduced, and the tight seals and joints prevent water intrusion, reducing the risk of mold, rot, and structural damage. IMPs also don’t corrode, as they’re usually treated with a protective coating.
These factors, including the materials and design of an insulated metal panel, make it an extremely durable, long-lasting building component.
Closing the Project
Insulated metal panels make a great choice for an energy-efficient and durable commercial building wall system. They provide durability and low maintenance in addition to exceptional energy efficiency.
As the demand for efficient products grow, more businesses and organizations are utilizing IMPs superior performance and cost-effective installation for their projects. Next time, as part of our series on insulated metal panels, we’ll discuss the installation, maintenance, and safety features offered by IMPs.
Need more help or want to request a consultation? Contact us today at
build@gp-inc.com or (717) 776-6337.
