Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are one of the smartest investments you can make for your business or industrial building. 

These insulated panels feature a foam core sandwiched between two metal sheets, providing a single panel with significant structural strength and insulation. They provide a variety of benefits, including durability, moisture resistance, thermal performance and more. These panels are designed for long-term performance, but only if they are properly maintained. 

If you want to make the most of your investment in insulated metal panels, what do you need to know about cleaning, inspections and basic repair?

What Can Damage Panels?

Insulated metal panels are durable and withstand a variety of harsh conditions, but this doesn’t mean they are immune to damage. You can extend the life of your panels by protecting them from common sources of wear, such as:

• Dirt and dust
• Organic debris, including pollen, bird droppings and tree sap
• Standing water from clogged gutters
• Damage from ladders, equipment and falling objects

The earlier you identify the risks your panels face and mitigate them, the better. Wear and tear is cumulative, so even if you can’t eliminate risk entirely, you can still reduce it and extend the life of your IMPs as much as possible.

Cleaning Panels

One of the best ways to extend the life of insulated panels is to keep them clean. Routine cleaning helps panels maintain their original appearance and perform as intended over time.

Frequent cleaning isn’t necessary. Once or twice a year is enough unless you’re in a coastal or industrial area with high levels of airborne contaminants. 

Proper cleaning includes:

• Removing loose dirt with water
• Wiping down panels with a soft cloth or sponge
• Washing with mild detergent
• Rinsing soap residue away
• Allowing panels to air dry or wiping them with a soft cloth

There’s no need to scrub panels with abrasive pads or strong solvents. This can actually scratch and damage panels. 

Routine Inspection

Routine inspections help you spot problems early and address them before they grow into costly issues. You’ll want to visually inspect your panels at least twice a year and after severe storms. During your inspection, look for:

• Dents or punctures
• Scratches that expose bare metal
• Loose or damaged fasteners
• Areas that appear cracked, brittle, or separated
• Collected or standing water

If you do notice any damage, you’ll want to repair it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse it gets and the more expensive it will be to repair. DIY repairs are sometimes possible, but can be risky if the repair impacts structural integrity or insulation performance.

It’s also a good idea to make note of any changes you see during your inspection, even if they don’t warrant repair. This way, you can assess whether anything is worsening or if it’s time to call in a professional. 

Consider the Entire System

Panels function as part of a building envelope, meaning they rely on other aspects of your structure to perform well. They’re part of a complete barrier that separates your indoor and outdoor environment. 

This means that maintaining your panels also means taking care of gutters, downspouts, flashing, roofing and drainage systems. Failing to do so exposes panels to standing water and moisture problems. It’s also a good idea to keep any vegetation trimmed so panels are exposed to good airflow and inspections are safe and easy.

Choose High-Quality Insulated Panels

Perhaps the best way to ensure a long lifespan for your insulated metal panels is to invest in a high-quality product from the outset. Care and maintenance are important, but they can only do so much with a faulty or low-quality product. 

Canadian-made insulated panels are engineered with local weather conditions in mind. They can withstand significant temperature swings, snow loads, wind exposure, and frequent moisture exposure. With minimal maintenance, they’ll last for decades.

Are You Ready To Invest In Insulated Metal Panels?

Have you considered insulated metal panels for an upcoming construction or renovation project? With our IMPs, you get long-term value and the benefit of buying Canadian. To find out more, reach out to Structural Panels Inc. today.