With growing demand for construction materials that last longer, offer improved energy efficiency, and provide faster turnaround times, it has never been more important to consider insulated metal panels.
The prefabricated panels combine enhanced structural performance and thermal efficiency, making them a go-to material for infrastructure. This guide explains why insulated panels are growing in popularity across a wide range of industries and how you can incorporate them into your next project.
Why Are Insulated Panels the Future of Infrastructure Construction?
Insulated panels offer a wide range of practical benefits over traditional, multi-component building materials. The following are just some of the reasons why they are taking on an increasingly important role in modern infrastructure construction:
They Reduce Construction Timelines
Most construction projects have to adhere to strict deadlines. Since insulated panels are prefabricated materials that combine insulation with a wall’s outer and inner surfaces into a single component, they greatly reduce installation time.
Not only does this help reduce downtime for the entire project, but these wall panels don’t always need to be installed by skilled tradespeople, which can help reduce labour costs. In other words, the project is completed faster, cheaper and with less risk of delays due to absent trades personnel.
They Offer Superior Thermal Performance
Whether you’re talking about a water treatment centre or a new municipal bus shelter, any sort of modern infrastructure should be built with thermal performance in mind.
Since insulated panels provide built-in, evenly distributed insulation, they deliver continuous thermal performance. With high-R-value panels that minimize thermal bridging and air gaps, they can help reduce heating and cooling costs and improve the environmental sustainability of the entire structure.
In Canada, energy conservation is particularly important because outdoor temperatures vary widely throughout the year. Since the panels help reduce air leakage and create a long-lasting, tight thermal envelope, they are a good long-term solution perfectly suited to the challenges facing Canadian infrastructure projects.
They Deliver Lasting Durability
While the needs of each type of structure will vary, infrastructure buildings often face heavy foot traffic, exposure to extreme weather, regular operational use, and exposure to moisture.
Since insulated panels are often constructed with highly durable metal outer surfaces, they are able to withstand these challenges. Their high-strength outer surfaces protect structural integrity, enabling a long service life.
Their minimal maintenance requirements also make them practical for infrastructure buildings where staff have busy schedules and set roles. Not only do they continue to perform for decades, but the best insulated panels also continue to maintain their visual appearance in the harshest environments.
They Can Enhance Fire Protection and Safety
Fire safety is an essential consideration for any type of infrastructure project. The best insulated panels also have lasting fire resistance, especially if they were designed for the purpose.
Not only can they meet Canada’s strict fire code requirements, but certain insulated panels can withstand multiple hours of direct fire exposure. This enhances safety for occupants and the wider public, while reducing the risk of severe property damage. Many insulated panels available today meet strict insurance requirements and routinely prove to be a popular choice for building owners.
They’re Suitable for Remote Builds
Since insulated panels are lightweight and easier to transport than multi-component building materials, they are also practical for remote infrastructure projects.
Given the remoteness of Canada’s northern and rural communities, choosing materials that are easy to transport and quick to assemble can be a huge advantage.
The fact that they can withstand the extreme climates and temperatures found in these regions is just one more reason they are becoming an increasingly important building material for major infrastructure projects.
Choosing the Right Panels for Infrastructure Construction
While insulated panels are an important building material for modern infrastructure construction, it’s important to choose high-quality panels that will deliver lasting performance.
Structural Panels Inc. is a 100% Canadian-owned, Canadian-operated manufacturer of high-quality insulated metal panels.
Two of our most popular options, ISOWALL Insulated Panels and ROCKWALL Fire-Rated and Insulated Panels, are perfectly suited to the needs of modern infrastructure builds.
Where ISOWALL Insulated Wall Panels have an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) core that delivers an outstanding R-value of 4.1 per inch, ROCKWALL Fire-Rated Wall Panels have a mineral wool core that can provide certified fire resistance of up to 3 hours.
Both types of panels are built to last, easy to clean, and incredibly easy to install. They can also be field cut to meet the needs of any project.
Learn How Insulated Panels Can Improve Your Project
As Canada begins fast-tracking investments in new and improved infrastructure, insulated panels can become the ideal tool for enhancing durability and thermal performance across infrastructure projects of all types. Get started on yours today: