Insulated metal panels, also known as IMPs, are an innovative, prefabricated building material that is growing in popularity due to its incredible versatility. They can be used for countless applications, from commercial warehouses and manufacturing facilities to agricultural buildings and even commercial structures.
Part of why they are becoming such a popular building material is that they offer many more advantages than versatility. That said, like any material, they also have a few limitations.
This is why we are going to take the time to explore all of the pros and cons of insulated metal panels. Not only will we help you determine if they’re the right option for your specific building project, but we’ll also recommend one of the best options out there right now.
What Are Insulated Metal Panels?
Before discussing the pros and cons, it’s worth reviewing what IMPs are. Basically, insulated metal panels are a type of composite building material comprised of two metal sheets sandwiching an insulated core.
Not only do they simplify construction due to their ease of installation, but they are also designed to provide thermal insulation, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications.
The Pros of Insulated Metal Panels
Let’s look at just a few of the benefits of choosing IMPs.
Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance
One of the top advantages of IMPs is that their insulated core helps prevent heat transfer from one side of the finished wall to the other. This can help the completed structure maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
So, whether you are heating or cooling the interior, it will reduce the demands on your HVAC system, saving you money and improving energy efficiency. The best panels have a high R-value, meaning they provide the type of thermal resistance that can lower utility bills.
Built-In Weather Resistance
Related to their ability to improve a structure’s energy efficiency by delivering seamless insulation is their ability to withstand a wide range of environmental factors. Not only can they help reduce the impact of outdoor temperatures, but the metal exterior of the best panels helps reduce the impact of moisture, physical impacts, and long-term UV exposure.
The robust barrier they provide means that the completed structure has lasting weather protection, making IMPs a useful option when constructing a structure in a potentially harsh environment.
Insulated metal panels are constructed to withstand various environmental stresses, including extreme temperatures, heavy rain, wind, and UV exposure. Their durability makes them an excellent choice for buildings in harsh climates.
Inherent Fire Resistance
High-quality IMPs offer reliable fire resistance. Not only do the metal exteriors help reflect heat and flames, but their seamless nature means that they provide uniform fire resistance. This can enhance fire safety and help a building comply with fire regulations.
Versatility
As mentioned above, one of the main appeals of working with IMPs is that they are incredibly versatile. They work for various commercial, industrial, agricultural, and even residential applications.
IMPs are also available in various finishes, colours, textured surfaces, and other features, making them aesthetically versatile.
Ease of Installation
Since IMPs are prefabricated, they are designed to simplify the installation process, especially when compared to traditional, multi-component building materials.
The best panels also feature interlocking joints that simply need to be aligned and fixed into position, which means you can complete your project quickly, potentially saving on labour costs.
The Cons of Insulated Metal Panels
Now that we have discussed the pros, let’s dive into the potential drawbacks.
Potentially Higher Initial Costs
While IMPs can help you save on heating and cooling costs and labour expenses during installation, some can have higher upfront costs than the least expensive versions of traditional building materials.
That said, IMPs can overcome these occasionally higher upfront costs due to their impressive durability and longevity.
Thermal Expansion and Warping When Installed Incorrectly
Given that most steel naturally expands and contracts when exposed to temperature fluctuations, some IMPs can have a tendency to visually warp when they are exposed to changing temperatures. Location and seasons can also be major factors in how steel naturally behaves. regardless of who makes the IMPs.
However, this can often be circumvented by choosing textured panels for exterior projects, like those with micro-rib profiles, as well as lighter-coloured panels that can help reflect some of the heat caused by exposure to direct sunlight and natural temperature fluctuations.
Proper installation can also help prevent these types of issues by ensuring there are no gaps between the panels or panels that are improperly aligned.
Potential Environmental Impact
Another potential drawback of IMPs is that low-quality options can be manufactured in a way that is harmful to the environment. Spray foam interiors and an energy-intensive manufacturing process can make the panels less sustainable and eco-friendly than purely natural materials, like lumber.
Steel manufacturing and foam insulation production have environmental implications, including emissions. While IMPs offer energy savings, the production process has a footprint worth considering.
So, Should You Choose IMPs?
From a basic overview, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to choosing IMPs. Moreover, most of the potential issues that IMPs could present can be overcome by choosing high-quality panels from a reputable and experienced manufacturer.
This brings us to Isowall Insulated Metal Building Panels, which are amongst the best options on the market today.
Why Choose Isowall Insulated Wall Panels?
A common theme of this guide has been that IMPs vary in terms of quality and performance. To get the best benefits insulated metal panels offer, you must choose a high-quality option.
Isowall Insulated Metal Building Panels stand out for their exceptional durability, numerous aesthetic options, and the fact they are constructed from high-quality materials using the best processes.
The incredible durability of Isowall panels means they are designed to enhance the lifespan of your finished building while minimizing issues like thermal expansion and visual disruptions. They also offer notable energy efficiency, making them both a practical and visually appealing option.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Isowall Insulated Panels, simply click the link below and tell us about the needs of your project.