Builders get the best of both worlds when using insulated metal panels (IMPs) for their roofing solutions as these standing-seam roof panels offer both high-performance and design choices.

IMPs can be an architectural enigma as they are tough, durable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective on one hand, but can also be sleek, attractive, and aesthetically pleasing.

“For IMP roof systems, the latest products come in a nice array of colors, textures, finishes, and sizes,” says the Metal Construction Association’s “The Ins and Outs of IMPs”.

IMPs Can Compliment Any Wall Assemblies

Designers are increasingly turning to IMP roofing systems as they can complement IMP exterior walls on their buildings, or work well with other wall assemblies.

“Contrary to a commonly held falsehood, IMPs can be successfully used for much more than just exterior walls on buildings; they are gaining popularity for their use on roofs,” wrote Metal Construction New senior editor Mark Robins. “The truth is IMPs can provide a high-performance roofing solution and offer the same benefits that exterior IMP walls do.”

Far from being limited to cold storage or other industrial segments, IMP roofs are found today on projects such as:

• Sports facilities, stadiums, and arenas
• Data centers
• Hotels
• Schools
• Transportation terminals
• Community centers
• Libraries
• Office buildings
• Convention centers
• Retail shopping centers
• Museums
• Municipal and other government buildings

“Metal roofs provide energy savings, beauty, and protection for commercial and residential buildings that can last a lifetime,” says the Metal Construction Association (MCA). “Metal roofs are available in a wide variety of designs to complement any style of building. Offered in a rainbow of colors, your metal roof can be a traditional vertical seam profile, or be manufactured to resemble wood shake, slate, shingles, or clay tiles.”

Why are IMPs an Ideal Cladding Option for Your Building?

On performance alone, IMPs are an ideal cladding option for your building project.

Robins says IMPs are a good roofing choice because of their:

• Superior insulation value
• High-performance air barrier
• Aesthetics
• Design flexibility
• Ease of installation

The double layer of weather protection is a big feature of many building designers.

“Providing an all-in-one insulation system, IMPs serve as an exterior rainscreen, air and moisture barrier, and thermal insulation that reduces mold and corrosion,” says Robins.

Green Span Profiles RidgeLine exterior standing-seam roof panels deliver thermal efficiency thanks to an R-Value of R-8 per inch of thickness while keeping the elements out with an interior tongue-and-groove joint coupled with a factory-caulked batten.

IMP Roofing Panels: Built to Last

Durability is one of the great advantages of metal roofing with State Farm Insurance estimating that metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years compared to other more traditional materials that may last 20 years or less.

“If installed correctly, some metal roofs can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, will not corrode or crack, and may be impact-resistant,” says State Farm. “In addition, metal roofs don't need the periodic costly maintenance that other roofing materials often require.”

The MCA says the reliability and durability of IMP roof systems allow manufacturers to offer 20- to 40-year warranties on their products.

“Their long life and low maintenance requirements also put metal roofs on a very attractive life cycle cost track,” says the MCA.

IMP Roofs Are Cost-Effective and a Streamlined Installation Option

The rising cost of construction labor makes IMP roofing systems a cost-effective option as they do not require as many trades as other roofing materials to be installed.

Jono Semlak, director of project management at MGMcGrath Inc., Maplewood, Minn, told Metal Construction News that IMPs are “a sole system that attaches directly to the structure of a building with no need for a roof deck, vapor barrier, insulation, plywood or membrane. A properly installed IMP roof system alleviates the concern of improper installation of many other roof materials.

IMPs are lightweight and can be installed at a fast pace on job sites thanks to clip and fastener systems.

Cassie Robertson, preconstruction manager, DPRConstruction, Phoenix, told the MCA: “If you have a client that’s looking for a good-looking façade but not wanting to exert the time, money, and effort on a customized project, IMPs are a great solution to get an insulated façade up rather quickly.”

IMPs Roofs Offer Low Slope, Steep Slope, and Other Options

Builders can utilize IMPs in low-slope roofs, steep-slope roofs, or other design options.

The difference between low slope and steep slope IMPs:

• Low Slope Metal Roofs: Generally used on roof pitches ranging from ¼:12 to 3:12, consists typically of standing seam systems with interlocking panels. These roofs attributes include:

o   Long service life

o   Low life cycle cost

o   Sustainability

o   Recyclability

o   Low maintenance requirements

o   Lightweight

o   Resistance to wind

• Steep Slope Metal Roofs: Normally defined as roofs with pitches of 3:12 or greater. MCA says they have “long been favored by environmentally sensitive building owners and architects who appreciated the roof’s aesthetic appeal, long service life, low maintenance requirements, lightweight, and resistance to wind. Steep metal roofs can enhance building design through their ability to be formed into a wide variety of shapes. Two categories of steep slope metal roofs are:

o   Structural: Include vertical standing seam systems that are fastened to underlying purlins with hidden clips or fastening flanges.

o   Architectural: Unlike structural systems, architectural systems always require a solid substrate beneath them – typically plywood, oriented strand board, concrete, or a metal roof deck.

Design flexibility is not sacrificed when choosing IMP roofing systems with multiple applications and design trims, profiles, finishes, colors, and other design elements and accessories.

“Coming a long way from the uniform, boxed designs of the 1960s, today’s IMP manufacturers offer a growing palette of design options, including a wide range of flat and profile panels, color, texture, panel width, joint size options, and joint orientations. IMPs can also be curved and formed, and come in a variety of high-performance coatings,” says the MCA.

Contact Green Span Profiles today to find out how they're made in America high-quality IMP roofing panels can provide high performance and design flexibility for your building project.