Effective insulation is essential whether you are building a commercial property, warehouse, industrial facility, or even a residential building. Fortunately, insulated wall panels make this easy to achieve, as the best options deliver energy efficiency and lasting durability.
However, even with the best materials available, common mistakes in choosing and installing these wall panels can result in poor performance, higher energy costs, and even destructive moisture problems.
To help you avoid these preventable issues, we will highlight the most frequent insulation mistakes made with exterior wall panels and provide practical tips to avoid them. From there, we’ll even highlight two high-quality options that are easy to install and offer lasting thermal performance.
Common Insulation Mistakes in Exterior Wall Panels
Before we discuss how you can avoid these mistakes, let’s highlight the most common errors:
Selecting Panels with the Wrong R-Value
Choosing panels with insufficient R-value for where you live or even what your building will be used for is a mistake many installers make.
R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, meaning how much insulation something provides. Not only do different wall panel types have different R-values, some are even available in different thicknesses, each with its own R-value. So, choosing panels with the right R-value is critical.
An inadequate R-value for your needs would mean your walls would not effectively retain heat during winter or keep interiors cool during summer. This would mean higher energy costs and more intense temperature fluctuations, which could disrupt comfort and even damage your inventory if it is temperature sensitive.
Ignoring Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridging occurs when heat transfers through less-insulated parts of a wall. For wall panels, this could include gaps in the framing or improperly installed fasteners. Neglecting to address these areas can reduce the overall effectiveness of the insulation, creating cold spots and increasing your overall energy loss.
Improper Installation
Even the best panels will underperform if they are not installed the right way. From failing to seal joints and edges adequately, to not accounting for the natural expansion and contraction of metal panels, improper installation can lead to gaps and warping, resulting in the thermal bridging gaps discussed above.
Insulation always works best when it is continuous, which is why the best panels are designed to be installed with zero gaps.
Poor Moisture Management
Inadequate moisture control can lead to condensation, mold, and rot. Installing panels without proper vapor barriers or drainage systems can allow water to damage the wall panels, reducing their insulating performance over time.
How to Avoid These Insulation Mistakes
Now that we’ve covered the main issues, let’s go over the ways you can avoid them:
Thoroughly Plan and Evaluate Your Needs
Before you choose a type of wall panel, start with a detailed assessment of your property’s environmental conditions and design requirements. It’s also a good idea to assess your energy goals and other features you want out of your panels.
If you’re unsure what you need, consult professionals to determine the ideal R-value and insulation strategy for your property.
Select High-Quality Wall Panels
Not all wall panels are made to the same standards. Investing in high-quality insulated wall panels is essential if you want long-lasting high thermal performance. Look for products with serious thermal performance, a set R-value, durable construction, and lasting moisture resistance.
Not only will this help you avoid choosing panels that fail to deliver proper insulation, you’ll receive panels that do not have the gaps and warping issues that negatively impact thermal performance.
Ensure Proper Installation
Select insulated panel systems that are designed for easy and seamless installation. This will reduce labour costs and help guarantee that your insulated panels are installed properly.
Conduct Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Even well-installed panels should be inspected to ensure they perform as they should. Look for gaps in the seams between panels and signs of moisture damage where your wall panels meet other materials.
Choose the Best Wall Panels and Avoid Insulation Mistakes
At Structural Panels Inc., we offer high-performance insulated wall panel systems that are easily installed. With two outstanding options that can help you meet your insulation goals, all you have to do is pick the right option for your needs and goals.
ROCKWALL Fire Rated & Insulated Wall Panels
ROCKWALL panels are designed with a mineral wool core that provides excellent thermal insulation and effective fire resistance.
Their robust construction minimizes thermal bridging and ensures a continuous insulation layer. With enhanced durability and moisture resistance, ROCKWALL panels are an ideal choice for projects where fire safety and energy efficiency are important.
ISOWALL Insulated Wall Panels
ISOWALL panels were explicitly engineered to deliver high thermal performance. With an impressive R-value per inch, which is available in three options, you can choose the panels that match the unique needs of your facility.
Their design not only helps mitigate common issues like thermal bridging, but they are also hygienic. They can reduce condensation and mold by maintaining a consistent temperature across their entire surface.
Lightweight, durable, and easy to install, ISOWALL panels are a reliable option for just about any property needing simplified panels to help reduce energy costs.
Final Words
Avoiding insulation mistakes in exterior wall panels is essential for ensuring the energy efficiency, comfort, and durability of your building. Learn about your options and request a free sample of either type by clicking the link below: