Insulated metal wall panels being installed on frame of industrial building

FAQs

Our dedicated and highly specialized team can offer you all the technical support you need to carry out your building projects. From product information to installation support, SPI will provide personalized assistance for your project. On this page, you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions that we hear. In the event that you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

Our manufacturing facility and offices are located at:

Structural Panels
90 Princess St.
Cobourg, ON
K9A 5T2
Canada

We’re about an hour and a half east of Toronto along Highway 401 on Lake Ontario just outside of Cobourg, Ontario. Click here to find us on Google Maps and get directions.

What are your hours?

Plant: Monday to Friday from 8AM to 4:30PM EST.
Office: Monday to Friday from 8AM to 5PM EST.

We’re closed Saturday, Sunday and all major Canadian holidays. You can reach us by phone at 1-905-372-0195 or by email at [email protected].

How long have you been in business?

Our family owned and operated company has been in business since 1986.

What are the panels made of?

We manufacture two types of insulated panel – ROCKWALL™ and ISOWALL®.

ROCKWALL™ is an insulated metal building panel that consists of a unique Roxul mineral fibre core called ‘Conrock’ with laminated sheet steel permanently bonded to both sides. Once ROCKWALL™ panels have been installed according to the specific Warnock Hersey (Intertek) certification guidelines, the walls will provide 1, 2 or 3 hours of fire resistance with a 4”, 5” or 6” core thickness (respectively).

ISOWALL® is an insulated metal building panel that consists of a rigid EPS (Expanded PolyStyrene) foam core also with laminated sheet steel permanently bonded to both sides.

Although we don’t manufacture urethane panels ourselves, we’ll often coordinate with our industry partners to have urethane wall, roof or ceiling panels added to orders for ISOWALL® and ROCKWALL™ to provide a seamless experience for our clients.

What colour are the panels?

Standard panels are white both sides, but we can manufacture them in almost any colour steel suppliers can provide. Additional charges and wait times may apply for non-standard colours, but we’ll let you know how much before we order the steel and begin processing your order.

What sizes are the panels?

Our panels are manufactured at 46” (3.9’) wide. That’s the only width our machine is able to make them, but they can be cut down on site as needed.

What lengths are the panels?

Panels can be custom-made to any maneuverable length/height required.

What thicknesses are the panels?

Panels range in thickness from 2” for ISOWALL® and 2.5” for ROCKWALL™ all the way up to 10” thick.

What’s the R-value of the panels?

The R-value of the panels is 4 per inch, with another 0.1 added for the steel on the front and back.

Example: a 4” ISOWALL® panel is R-16.1, and a 6” ROCKWALL™ panel is R-24.1.

Are the panels CFIA accepted?

Yes.

Do you sell or manufacture any HVACR equipment?

No, but over the years we’ve developed relationships with a number of affiliates and partners who may be able to help us find what you need. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll help as best we can.

Are the panels weather resistant?

Yes. Our panels are also mold- and mildew-resistant. They also don’t retain water are of no interest to insects, rodents and other small animals.

Do the panels contribute to LEED certification programs and Net-Zero energy targets?

Yes.

Do you sell any scrap panels/factory seconds?

Yes, but we work hard to reduce waste so we don’t have many scrap/factory second panels on hand at any given time. Contact us with your request and we’ll see what we can provide. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Where are your panels commonly used?

We got our start in the food processing industry, but in recent years we have branched out to any number of different settings, including (but not limited to); machinery and equipment rooms, electrical buildings, mining and oilfield operations, garages, hospitals, outbuildings, clean rooms, blast chambers, arenas, breweries and wineries, farms, chemical storage areas, and so on.

Can the panels be used for a ceiling?

Yes.

Can ISOWALL® and ROCKWALL™ panels be used in residential applications?

Yes, but we’ve found that the panels are most popular in industrial and commercial settings. We recommend you speak with engineers and/or building code experts to ensure our panels are a suitable fit for your project.

Do ROCKWALL™ and ISOWALL® panels fit together?

Yes. Any two panels we manufacture in the same thickness should fit together comfortably when installed correctly.

I’m planning to use your panels on a building I’ve designed. Do I need to consult with an engineer or building code expert?

Yes. We can make recommendations based on our experience with the panels and their standard applications, but design specifications and building code adherence for your area should be handled by the experts.

Can I use the panels to section off interior areas inside my building?

Yes. Our panels provide ideal partitions, demising walls and dividers within bigger structures.

Can I attach the panels to existing walls?

Yes, our panels can be attached to the inside of an existing structure.

Can you arrange shipping?

Yes. For an additional fee, Shipping can be arranged to have your panels to be delivered to the installation site. Please let us know when ordering if you’d like us to provide a shipping quote for your order.

How long does it take to get panels manufactured and shipped?

Our standard processing time is normally 2-3 weeks from the date the purchase order is signed and returned to us. We do manual scheduling, which often allows us to make changes to manufacturing based on urgency. If you need your panels more quickly than the standard 2-3 week processing window, please let us know.

Can I pick the panels up from your location?

Yes. Our yard is open Monday to Friday from 8AM to 4:30PM EST. Let us know when you’re on your way and we’ll get your order ready for you.

Can the panels be shipped outside of Canada?

Yes. Please contact us for international shipping options and recommendations.

Do you provide installation?

We don’t have a dedicated installation crew, but we have connections to different installers in a number of locations who are familiar with our panels and we would be happy to work with them to coordinate the installation of your panels.

Are the panels easy to install?

ISOWALL® panels aren’t too challenging for anyone familiar with basic construction principles, but installing ROCKWALL™ panels can be a little more complicated. Please contact us for additional assistance and recommendations prior to starting your project.

Do I need any special equipment or training to install the panels?

It depends on the type and size of panels. ISOWALL® panels of a reasonable length can normally be installed by a crew of 4 or more, but ROCKWALL™ panels are much heavier and difficult to maneuver so we recommend using a vacuum lifting device to ensure every panel is installed safely and correctly. If you have a crew you’d like to use, we can provide them with the training and support they’ll need to ensure the panels are successfully installed.

I’m putting up a new building. Do I need some sort of frame to attach the panels to or are they self-supporting?

Yes, but we’re manufacturers first and foremost so we’re not the final word. We recommend you speak with an engineer or building code expert during the planning stages of your project.

Do you provide the accessories I’ll need for the installation?

Yes. We have an on-site metal shop where we can custom-make the accessories you’ll need to complete a standard installation. We can also source almost everything else you might need to make sure your project is completed successfully. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll see what we can do.

I may want to move my facility to a different location. Can I take the panels with me and repurpose them?

Yes for ISOWALL®, no for ROCKWALL™.

How do the panels work re: doors, windows, pipes, etc.?

Panels can be cut on-site before, during or after installation to accommodate doors, windows, piping, HVAC, etc.

The face of my panel looks blemished. Is it damaged/defective?

No. Despite industry best practices, all cold formed steel panels are prone to visual inconsistencies such as oil canning, dimpling and/or roof rumble. These events happen as the result of a number of factors, including (but not limited to); stresses on the raw materials, fabrication and assembly methods, overdriven thru-fasteners, varying installation SOPs (particularly between panels and secondary supports), and post-installation thermal forces.

It’s important to note that oil canning, dimpling, and/or roof rumble do not mean the panels have diminished structural integrity or weather tightness- the quality is uncompromised and the panels do not need to be rejected, returned or replaced when these events occur.

Do you sell outside of Canada?

Yes. We can assist you with getting your panels shipped to anywhere they’re needed.

How can I pay for my order?

You can pay for your order by cheque, Interac e-Transfer, cash and/or bank transfer. Please contact us for details. Unfortunately we do not accept credit card payments at this time. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.

I live outside of Canada. How can I pay for my order?

We can help you arrange an international wire transfer.

Please note that for international orders we normally ask for full payment in advance before we can begin making your panels.