Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) have emerged as a versatile and sought-after building material solution for commercial building projects of all scopes and sizes.

The combination of providing building thermal and moisture protection while also offering a wide range of aesthetic options has made IMPs an indispensable tool for project architects and design professionals.

“Known for its exceptional aesthetics, envelope performance, spanning abilities, and one-step installation, insulated metal panels (IMPs) are a popular choice for today’s commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities,” says the Metal Construction Association (MCA).

Long a staple in the cold storage industry, the MCA says that IMPs can now be found in all sectors thanks to their:

• Energy efficiency
• Structural integrity
• Lightweight composition
• Low maintenance
• Growing architectural and aesthetic options
  
  

Understanding Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs)

Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are composite building materials consisting of an insulated core sandwiched between two metal skins.

These panels are designed to provide a highly efficient and durable solution for commercial and industrial construction projects.

The basic construction consists of:

• Metal Skins: The outer layers of IMPs are made of metal skins, typically made from steel or aluminum. These metal skins are commonly coated with a protective finish to enhance their durability and resistance to corrosion. The metal skins serve as the visible and protective layers of the panel, offering aesthetic options and safeguarding the insulating core.
  
  
• Insulating Core: Sandwiched between the two metal skins is the insulating core, which provides the panel's thermal insulation properties. The core is typically made of rigid foam materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane (PUR), or polyisocyanurate (PIR). These foam materials have excellent insulating capabilities, reducing heat transfer through the panel and improving the overall energy efficiency of the building.

IMPs are manufactured in various configurations to meet specific project requirements. Common configurations include flat panels, curved panels, roof panels, and wall panels. The panels are typically produced with interlocking edges or tongue-and-groove systems, ensuring a tight and secure fit when they are installed together.

Building Design Variables: IMPs Check all the Right Boxes

Architects, planners, and contractors have many variables to consider when choosing a building material for a project including thermal insulation, moisture resistance, durability and structural integrity, installation efficiency, and sustainability.

IMPs technical specifications help them check all the right boxes when it comes to these building design material variables:

• Superior Thermal Insulation: IMPs offer excellent thermal insulation properties, minimizing heat transfer through the building envelope and reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
  
  
• Moisture Resistance: The metal skins and sealed joints of IMPs provide a protective barrier against moisture intrusion, preventing water penetration and the potential for condensation and mold growth.
  
  
• Durability and Structural Integrity: IMPs are highly durable and resistant to impacts, weather elements, and fire. The combination of metal skins and the insulating core creates a structurally robust panel that can withstand various environmental conditions.
  
  
• Installation Efficiency: IMPs are prefabricated and can be installed quickly and efficiently. The panels' lightweight nature reduces the load on the building's structure and facilitates faster construction timelines.
  
  
• Sustainability: IMPs contribute to sustainable building practices by improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, they can incorporate recycled materials and are often recyclable at the end of their lifespan.

“As a turnkey option, delivering a full vapor and water barrier – along with continuous insulation – IMPs are an easy way to meet growing code requirements,” says the MCA.

An especially important building envelope element of IMPs is their climate adaptability as they can be customized to meet the specific requirements of different climates. By adjusting the insulation thickness and choosing appropriate metal skins, architects can optimize the building's energy performance for both cold and hot climates.

“With no gaps or joints left unprotected, IMPs are the perfect way to keep your building both airtight and weather-tight over its lifetime,” says Building Enclosure magazine.

Aesthetic Options: Enhancing Building Exteriors with IMPs

If you have jumped behind the wheel of the latest Ford or Chevy pickup truck you know that IMPs have a lot in common with those popular construction site rides that are today both a workhorse while also delivering style and comfort.

Similarly, IMPs deliver those functional benefits mentioned above while also providing architects and contractors with a wide range of aesthetic options to create visually appealing building exteriors.

IMPs come in various:

• Colors
• Finishes
• Textures
• Profiles

Whether emulating traditional construction materials or showcasing modern architectural styles, IMPs offer a versatile palette that meets the aesthetic preferences of diverse communities.

“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,” explains the MCA.

IMPs Dual Nature Offers a Competitive Advantage for Builders

The dual nature of IMPs, combining exceptional thermal and moisture protection with aesthetic appeal, provides a true competitive advantage compared to other building materials.

While traditional alternatives may offer satisfactory performance or limited design options, IMPs excel in both areas simultaneously.

“Building architects, design professionals, and engineers are increasingly discovering new and innovative ways to use IMPs in their projects,” says Brian Jaks, vice president of sales and marketing, Green Span Profiles.

Their seamless integration of form and function allows architects and contractors to achieve remarkable building exteriors while ensuring long-term durability and energy efficiency.

“As more building designers embrace IMPs in their projects the possibilities of this versatile building material will only continue to grow,” says Jaks.

By delivering performance and aesthetics in a single package, IMPs can transform buildings into stunning showcases of design excellence and functional reliability.

“An ideal solution for a growing variety of building types, IMPs are a win-win, combining aesthetics, energy efficiencies, and a full building enclosure solution,” concludes the MCA.