Accurately estimating costs and using materials that find the perfect balance between performance and affordability is essential in the commercial construction industry. Forecasting expenses accurately in estimates and completing projects on budget is particularly important for construction estimators.
Given this, estimators must stay informed about the latest innovations that can reduce labour and material expenses without compromising the quality of the completed construction project.
On this front, foam wall panels, or more specifically, insulated metal panels (IMPs), have become an increasingly popular option due to their ability to streamline the entire construction process while simultaneously enhancing thermal performance and durability.
Today, we will explore the many benefits foam wall panels offer over traditional materials. We’ll also highlight Isowall Insulated Wall Panels as one of the leading options. If you’re a commercial construction estimator, it’s time to learn what these innovative building materials can do for you!
What Are Foam Wall Panels?
Within the construction industry, the phrase foam wall panels generally refer to insulated metal panels or IMPs. While there are pure foam boards and panels embossed with various textured surfaces, like faux brick, these are used for decorative purposes rather than during the construction process.
On the other hand, IMPs are prefabricated building panels that combine insulation, structural support, and cladding into a single component. Insulated metal panels contain an insulating foam core, which is why some refer to them as foam wall panels.
The insulating core is then sandwiched between two permanently bonded metal facings, which help give the wall panel its impressive structural strength. The pre-painted metal surfaces also give the installed wall panels aesthetic versatility, further reducing labour costs.
Since IMPs combine three components into one and offer outstanding thermal performance, they are used extensively in commercial, agricultural, industrial, and residential construction.
Why Are Insulated Foam Wall Panels Practical for Commercial Construction?
Insulated foam wall panels offer a wide range of practical benefits for commercial construction. From reducing costs to enhancing performance, understanding these advantages can help estimators provide more accurate and budget-friendly project estimates.
1. Streamlining the Construction Process
Incorporating insulated foam wall panels into commercial construction can result in faster project completion times and reduced labour costs.
Where traditional construction methods require labourers to install insulation, structural framing, and exterior cladding in three separate steps, IMPs combine all three jobs into one, significantly reducing the steps required to complete an otherwise time-consuming process.
The best IMPs are designed to be installed quickly and seamlessly, thanks to interlocking edges that sit flush against each other. Again, this can reduce labour costs and make it easier for estimators to develop accurate price quotes and scheduling estimations.
2. Enhanced Insulation
One of the top reasons for the growing adoption of insulated metal wall panels in commercial construction is their superior thermal performance. With rising energy costs, businesses are more conscious than ever of their heating and cooling expenses.
Offering a low-cost solution that delivers outstanding, long-term thermal performance can be a major selling point for contractors, estimators, and commercial construction companies.
IMPs deliver this superior insulation because their unique design resists heat transfer. Since the insulating core within the panels is free from gaps, they provide better insulation than traditional insulation solutions.
The best insulating foam wall panels provide extremely high R-values relative to their weight and depth, making them incredibly capable of preventing heat transfer from one side of the completed wall to the other.
Unlike traditional framing, where thermal bridges can allow heat to escape, using wall panels also ensures a seamless heat envelope, meaning there are no gaps. Again, this even further enhances the panels’ insulating properties.
3. Versatility and Lasting Durability
Given that insulated foam wall panels are available in a wide range of colours, finishes, and dimensions, they can be tailored to meet the needs of just about any commercial construction project. Having a single material that can fulfill the needs of various projects simplifies the ordering process, makes it easier to estimate costs, and helps you stay within a specific budget.
The panels also offer incredible structural performance, as the combination of a rigid foam core and high-strength metal facings creates an incredibly strong composite panel.
The panels are designed to be weather-resistant and highly resistant to moisture damage, preventing issues like rot and mould. These features can act as selling features for the completed commercial property and greatly reduce maintenance issues down the line.
4. Cost Effectiveness
For commercial construction estimators, the cost efficiency of insulated foam panels is perhaps their most attractive feature.
Insulated foam wall panels can reduce costs, from labour costs and project completion times due to their ease of installation to simplifying material transportation and supply chain issues by combining several materials into a single component. This can be critical when bidding for projects in a competitive market.
Plus, the energy savings the installed panels will provide the property owner can enhance the long-term value of the building. Again, this can be a hugely attractive selling feature when bidding to take on a job.
Why You Should Choose Isowall Insulated Wall Panels
While numerous insulated foam wall panels are on the market, Isowall Insulated Wall Panels stand out as the top option for commercial construction.
Lasting Performance
For starters, Isowall Panels features a rigid EPS foam core with a lasting R-value of 4.1 per inch, ensuring optimal and long-term thermal performance. The unique expanded polystyrene foam is sandwiched between laminated 26-gauge pre-painted galvanized steel facings. The combination results in a high-strength panel that provides consistent thermal performance.
True Versatility
When you choose Isowall Insulated Wall Panels, you can also select from a wide range of finishes and profiles, allowing you to choose the exact panels you need for a specific job. Since they are pre-painted, you also save time and money on hiring painters, further reducing costs.
The outer surface of the panels also meets CFIA standards for sanitary room requirements, making them suitable for an even wider range of commercial applications, including kitchens, food processing facilities, and agricultural buildings.
Labour Cost Savings
Installation costs are also significantly reduced thanks to the simple fact that Isowall Panels can be custom-sized to fit the needs of any project. Their tongue-and-groove edges make installation easier while ensuring a snug fit that helps improve thermal performance.
Ready to Find Out How Isowall Insulated Wall Panels Can Help You?
If you want to learn more about how Isowall Panels can help you reduce costs and calculate more accurate estimates, simply click the link below: