Insulated metal panels (IMPs) have been an option to builders for decades, but recent technology and design developments have turned IMPs from an alternative to a mainstream choice in building construction.

“Recent improvements in the metal panel manufacturing process have resulted in a wider selection of profiles,” says the Metal Construction Association. “New developments in coating technology provide even longer life spans for the metal panels. And a multitude of new design options have allowed preformed metal wall panels to make their way into the mainstream of commercial building design.”

Built to Last: IMP Coating Technology Increases Lifespan

IMPs manufactured from steel offer a very durable surface to apply paint or coating that will protect the panels from the elements.

“The finishes are applied during the manufacturing process in a controlled environment to help ensure even greater protection and longevity,” says the Metal Construction Association.

Green Span Profiles, for example, offers Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 coating systems with a warranty that says when used in exterior applications:

• For a period of 40 years from the date of shipment, the coating system will not crack, check or peel (lose adhesion)

Green Span Profiles also offers a siliconized polyester coating system that when used in exterior applications:

• For a period of 30 years from the date of shipment, the coating system will not crack, check or peel (lose adhesion)

A bonus of the high-tech coatings is that building owners will require less maintenance of their IMPs over their lifespan vs. other materials.

IMPs Have Lower Installation Costs Than Other Materials

IMPs have lower installation costs than other materials such as brick.

“That's because metal wall panels can often be installed faster than other wall materials, resulting in savings in construction costs,” says the Metal Construction Association. “[IMPs] can be installed more quickly because their installation is not slowed by weather conditions. This all-weather capability minimizes construction delays, permits fast-track scheduling, gets the building dried-in quicker, and allows the other trades to proceed with their interior work.”

Amanda Voss examines the advantages of IMPs in her Metal Construction continuing education article “Show Your Mettle: Designing with Metal Brings Durability Energy Savings, and Cost Efficiency Together.”

“Installation is much quicker than with other heavier and bulkier wall materials, resulting in significant labor and scheduling savings, and potentially reducing structural framing requirements. This can reduce labor costs, minimize construction delays, and get the building closed-in quickly,” writes Voss.

Minimizing labor costs and the size of crews needed is especially important during the current historically tight labor market and the squeeze put on contractors by rapidly rising inflation.

The Metal Construction Association estimates that a four-man crew can install between 1,100 and 5,000 square feet of IMP material in an eight-hour shift. Industrial projects will go up faster than architectural projects that involve finishing details.

IMPs Offer a New Level of Flexibility to Builders

IMPs are no cookie-cutter solution with flexibility that allows them to be a solution on almost every type of building from schools to office buildings to manufacturing facilities.

IMPs can be installed both vertically and horizontally, and there are even curved panels that can be used.

“Today’s preformed metal wall panels are also available in wider choice of sizes, textures, colors and profiles than ever before. Some of the more popular profiles include batten, integral batten, corrugated, and stepped, all of which help create distinctive reveals, shadow lines and other architectural effects,” says the Metal Construction Association.

Choice of texture ranges from stucco-like to smooth and custom-matched colors are available to builders to boost the appearance of their designs.

Contact Green Span Profiles today to find out more about its diverse line of IMPs for the low-temp/cold-storage market as well as commercial and industrial buildings and architectural construction.