Building codes typically update on a three-year cycle, but as the industry moves toward 2026, the pace and scope of changes are accelerating.
As jurisdictions adopt newer versions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and ASHRAE 90.1, specifiers face growing pressure to select envelope systems that do more than simply pass plan review.
Specifiers will see higher performance expectations for entire wall and roof assemblies, not just individual materials. Insulated metal panels (IMPs) can help meet these evolving energy and fire code requirements when they are selected and documented as complete, tested systems.
This article outlines the most important building code trends impacting IMPs, with a focus on higher energy-efficiency mandates, evolving fire code provisions, and practical strategies for IMP code compliance.
Recent code cycles tie energy, fire, and envelope performance together, especially for assemblies with foam plastic insulation.
According to the Continuing Education Center, the 2024 edition of the IBC “brings significant updates and new provisions concerning fire safety requirements for foam plastics and exterior wall assemblies containing combustible components.”
These updates reflect a growing emphasis on how exterior wall and roof assemblies behave as systems rather than collections of individual products.
The 2024 IBC adds and clarifies provisions around exterior wall fire performance, NFPA 285 testing, and the authority of building officials under Section 104.
In this environment, IMPs perform best when their tested assemblies, listings, and details clearly match project design and code language.
Newer editions of the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 continue to ratchet up minimum envelope performance and emphasize continuous insulation. These standards increasingly reference tested U-factors and integrated air barriers rather than nominal R-values alone.
The commercial provisions of IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 favor assemblies that reduce thermal bridging through continuous insulation across the envelope. Factory-insulated IMPs inherently provide a continuous layer of insulation with fewer thermal breaks compared to multi-part wall systems with intermittent insulation and numerous fasteners.
Both IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 require defined air barriers and treat air leakage control as integral to envelope performance. Because IMPs combine structure, insulation, and metal skins in a single factory-assembled panel, they can simplify continuity at joints and transitions and reduce field-installed layers.
As insulation levels increase, the 2024 IBC updates exterior wall provisions to ensure assemblies with foam plastic insulation perform safely under fire exposure. NFPA 285 is reinforced as the primary test standard for vertical and lateral flame propagation in many exterior wall configurations with foam plastics or combustible cladding.
Properly tested IMP systems, with steel facings and documented foam core performance, can fit well within these requirements, but approvals based on older code language may not automatically transfer into the 2024 cycle.
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Code / Standard |
Key 2024+ Focus Areas Affecting IMPs |
IMP-Relevant Takeaways |
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Exterior wall fire provisions, foam plastic insulation, NFPA 285 triggers, AHJ authority under Section 104 |
Use NFPA 285–tested IMP wall assemblies and maintain clear documentation of facings, thicknesses, and details |
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Higher envelope efficiency, continuous insulation options, flexible performance paths |
Leverage IMP continuous insulation and tested U-factors to meet envelope targets and trade-offs |
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Explicit recognition of IMPs with U-factors determined by manufacturer testing per ASTM C1363 |
Use manufacturer U-factors calculated per the standard and confirm assemblies align with applicable tables |
When specifying insulated metal panels for projects breaking ground in 2026 and beyond, the following considerations can help reduce approval risk and streamline permitting:
Emerging code language around continuous insulation, air barriers, and NFPA 285–tested exterior walls aligns well with properly engineered IMP systems.
Green Span Profiles offers insulated metal wall and roof panels designed and tested to help meet stringent energy and fire provisions while simplifying documentation for plan review and inspection.
Specifiers can work with Green Span to review project-specific insulated metal panel building code requirements, confirm applicable tested assemblies, and assemble the documentation needed for smoother approvals in the 2026 cycle and beyond.
Connect with Green Span Profiles to specify insulated metal wall and roof panels designed to meet today’s building codes and adapt to tomorrow’s compliance challenges.