In modern construction, it isn’t enough to choose materials that offer lasting structural integrity; you also need to consider how energy efficient those materials are and whether or not they contribute to fire safety.
Well-made insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer both thermal performance and lasting fire resistance, making them a practical, economical, and safer alternative to traditional materials.
Whether you’re constructing an industrial facility or choosing wall and ceiling materials for a commercial office space, wall panels that enhance both energy efficiency and meet fire code requirements can reduce your costs, help with regulatory compliance, and improve the comfort and safety of your building over the long term. Let’s learn why they are so practical and effective.
Why Fire Resistance and Energy Efficiency Are So Important
The benefits of reducing operating costs by improving energy efficiency and enhancing fire safety by using fire-resistant building materials almost speak for themselves, but the real question is why IMPs achieve both of these objectives so well.
Insulated panels offer a streamlined system that provides seamless insulation and fire resistance, whereas traditional, multi-component building materials cannot offer the same R-values or lasting structural integrity under exposure to high temperatures.
The best insulated wall panels are made from fireproof materials that resist flames, while also reducing thermal bridging. Since the wall panels lock into place and minimize gaps between them, thermal bridging is minimized, which also helps improve the overall thermal performance of the wall.
Since these prefabricated panels feature a seamless and streamlined design, they also contribute to soundproofing and expedite the installation timeline, which can help property owners save money on labour costs.
Why Are Insulated Panels More Effective Than the Alternatives?
To help you understand why insulated panels can be so effective when it comes to both improving insulation and enhancing fire safety, here’s a quick breakdown of how they work and what types of materials they contain:
Multi-Layer Construction
Key to their performance is the fact that insulated panels contain an insulating core material that is then bonded between two layers of fire-resistant metal. While the core material will differ depending on the specific wall panel, the best feature of fire-resistant materials is that they combine a high R-value with lasting performance.
So, not only does the metal exterior help deflect heat and enhance structural integrity, but the insulating core materials also provide both high thermal performance and lasting fire resistance.
Continuous Insulation
Where traditional insulation options, such as sprayed foams, foam boards, and fibreglass rolls, often have thermal breaks due to the way the insulation was installed or material inconsistencies, prefabricated insulated panels are designed to provide continuous insulation.
This means that the entire wall panel offers uniform thermal performance across its entire surface. This eliminates areas where heat can escape. Having a consistent R-value across the entire surface and the same level of fire resistance at any point means your walls are both more energy efficient and reliable as a fire barrier in the event of a fire emergency.
Non-Combustible Core Materials
While not all wall panels offer fire resistance, fire-rated insulated panels utilize non-combustible cores, such as mineral wool, which are chosen because they can resist ignition for set durations and even help contain open flames. In the event of a fire, the predictable nature of the wall panels can aid in evacuation efforts.
Enhanced Moisture and Air Flow Control
Since they have uniform metal surfaces and connect with minimal space between each panel, IMPs can act as lasting air and moisture barriers. This also helps preserve insulation effectiveness and limits degradation of the panel and its performance over time.
Even in the event of a fire, the air-tight construction helps contain heat and flames. So, not only are they safer, but you can maintain a more comfortable indoor environment without having to run your HVAC system as hard. In other words, they’re safer, save you money on utility bills, and they last longer than multi-component alternatives.
Choose ROCKWALL Fire-Rated & Insulated Wall Panels
While insulated panels offer numerous real-world benefits, it’s also essential to select panels made from the highest-quality materials. For unrivalled fire resistance and energy efficiency, ROCKWALL Fire Rated and Insulated Panels are the ideal option.
These panels contain a unique mineral fibre core called ‘Concock’, which is then permanently bonded to a high-quality sheet steel exterior. With the option to choose from three different fire ratings, you also have the flexibility to choose the level of thermal performance and fire resistance your specific project requires.
They are also third-party certified to meet North American construction codes, including CAN/ULC S101 and ASTM E119 compliance.
Whether you’re looking to reduce utility costs by improving insulation or construct a safer building that can delay the spread of flames, ROCKWALL Panels achieve both. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to install.
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