Insulated Metal Panels, also known as IMPs for short, have become more prominent in the construction market over the years. Why, you ask? IMPs are made up of rigid insulation that is sandwiched between metal skins. A more technical definition is that IMPs are building products formed by a continuously poured-in-place manufacturing process binding interior and exterior steel facings to a class 1 foam plastic insulation.

So what’s the big deal?

The fact that IMPs are insulated is what sets them apart. IMPs are exceedingly efficient, lightweight and cost-effective insulators. With nominal R-values of R-8 per inch, there is virtually no equal. Further, since the insulation is encapsulated between two metal skins, there is little to no long-term loss of R-value over time. The insulation is a closed-cell foam comprised of billions of tiny bubbles acting like miniature double-paned windows. The bubbles contain dead air (gas) trapped inside. Since there is no better insulator than dead air, these tiny bubbles give the foam its tremendous thermal performance.

Another thing that sets them apart is that they are made from metal. Durable, recyclable, formable, hard, strong, fire-resistant metal. The construction industry readily embraces metal because it's a tremendously diverse material. The metal skin of an IMP protects the insulation and gives the panel its strength to resist the elements. The metal skins are fused to the foam core which creates composite strength that allows for fewer structural supports. This means that installing IMPs is efficient and fast. Fewer girts equals decreased erection times. To protect against corrosion, the metal skins are typically G90 galvanized or coated in Galvalume.

IMPs are lightweight, modular building products that are easy to ship and quick to assemble. There are different IMPs for exterior walls, interior walls, ceilings, soffits and roofs. With 42” being the standard width, installers are allowed to be super-efficient and cover a lot of ground in a hurry. Additionally, utilizing specialized vacuum-lift equipment makes handling and setting these panels a snap. Most IMPs come with an integral tongue-and-groove joint facilitating a quick, easy and, most importantly, weathertight installation. Since installers are ultimately responsible for a weathertight installation, most find that the single-component nature of IMPs lends itself to keeping the elements where they belong: on the outside of the building envelope.

So again, what's the big deal about Insulated Metal Panels? Maybe it's the fact that they are:

• Aesthetically pleasing
• Cost-effective
• Very durable
• Very insulated 
• R-values/inch are unmatched
• Good for any project: construction, industrial, architectural, residential, etc.
• Conserves energy
• Saves money
• Can be installed vertically or horizontally with different reveals and finishes
• Factory formed corners are available as well as panel end-folds
• Can be used in high-rise and low-rise applications

Based on their inarguable diversity and gain in popularity it seems prudent to embrace IMPs exactly for what they are: a beautifully strong and thermally efficient metal cladding product.  IMPs are revolutionizing certain sectors of the construction industry. They are readily available, easy to install and day after day designers seem to find new and exciting applications for this dynamic and versatile building product.

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