Insulated metal panels, or IMPs, have completely revolutionized the construction industry, especially in the design of metal buildings.
Not only does their prefabricated nature make them easier to work with than traditional building materials, but they also offer incredible thermal performance, enhanced structural integrity, reliable fire resistance, and an aesthetic appeal that makes them attractive and functional.
Today, we will examine two essential engineering tips for incorporating insulated metal panels into the design of a metal building. These tips will help you save time and money and ensure the optimal level of performance from the insulated panels once installed.
10 Tips for Designing with Insulated Metal Panels
1. Ensure a Proper Seal
Insulated metal panels work best when they are seamlessly positioned beside each other. Not only does this prevent moisture from getting between the panels, but it enhances thermal performance by reducing thermal bridging.
To enhance the seal, you can incorporate high-quality sealants into your design. You can also design your metal building to be fully outfitted with IMPs rather than just lining a single wall with them.
2. Incorporate High-Strength Framing into Your Design
While IMPs are incredibly durable, you need to attach them to framing systems that take advantage of the inherent structural strength of the panels to get the most out of them. You can also use supplementary framing to support the panels in areas where they might be subjected to heavy loads.
3. Consider Acoustic Performance
There is no getting around the fact that metal buildings can trap sound, making it incredibly loud for building occupants. To reduce interior noise, select insulated metal panels designed to help absorb and dampen excess noise. Some of the best panels on the market have enhanced acoustic-dampening properties that help them double as sound barriers.
4. Make Fire Safety a Priority
One of the main advantages of constructing a metal building is fire safety; however, many designers forget to choose fire-rated panels, as they believe the metal outer surface guarantees it will not be flammable. The truth is that low-quality panels are constructed using flammable insulating cores, compromising the entire panel’s fire resistance.
When designing your metal building, start by choosing fire-rated panels that meet local fire safety requirements. To enhance fire safety, you should also incorporate fire barriers into the design of the building, as this will prevent potential fires from spreading to parts of the building that are constructed with flammable materials or contain them.
5. Use Panels with a High R-Value
Like any building material, insulated panels are available in differing levels of quality. The best panels deliver a high R-value, meaning they offer superior thermal performance. As you have probably guessed, better thermal performance means that the installed panels will act as a more impressive thermal barrier, reducing the energy requirements for your HVAC system.
6. Use Panels that Match Your Building Requirements
On the topic of R-values, it’s also important to choose panels that offer a level of thermal performance that actually meets your needs. If, for example, you were designing a metal building to act as an industrial cold storage unit, you would need panels with a core thickness and R-value that meets those requirements.
On the other hand, a simple metal garage that will house equipment that is not temperature-sensitive may have different insulation requirements, so you could opt for panels with a lower R-value.
7. Consider Durability and Maintenance
It is easy to neglect a building’s long-term needs when designing it, but considering durability and maintenance requirements during the design phase will enhance the lifespan of the completed structure.
The best-insulated panels have easy-to-clean surfaces, making them suitable for structures that require high sanitation standards, like food preparation facilities.
You should also look for panels that can withstand physical impacts without warping or denting, as low-quality options made from flimsy metal can become an issue in the long term, especially if aesthetic value and thermal performance are important factors for your needs.
8. Consider the Visual Appearance of the Finished Structure
Choosing panels that match your visual preferences will ensure long-term satisfaction with the completed structure. Rather than settle for panels that need to be painted after installation, choose pre-painted panels that complement the look you are going for.
The best panels are also available with different textures, further enhancing the visual appeal of the completed wall.
9. Do Not Forget About Water Shedding
While the best-insulated panels are waterproof and vapour-resistant, you must consider water shedding when designing your building. Water allowed to pool along the ground can penetrate the gap between the walls and the floor of your building.
Incorporate some overhang or drip edging into your design to prevent this from happening and compromising the water resistance of your entire building.
10. Integrate Ventilation into the Design
Since insulated metal panels act as both a heat and moisture barrier, it is important to consider ventilation systems, especially if maintaining good indoor air quality is important for the building you are constructing.
Ventilation systems that can be incorporated into the building design can help manage airflow and control humidity levels without compromising the thermal performance of the panels themselves.
Why Choose Isowall Fire-Rated & Insulated Wall Panels for Your Metal Building?
Among insulated metal panels, Isowall Fire Rated & Insulated Wall Panels are the superior option. They have all the features that would make them perfect for any metal building.
From delivering an impressive R-value of 4.1 per inch to delivering a 300db acoustic rating, their performance makes them a practical solution. They are also much easier to install than alternatives, as their tongue-and-groove edges slide into place and create a secure seal. The panels can also be custom-tailored to any workable height and even field cut to accommodate ventilation systems and fans.
The key to their outstanding thermal performance and reliable fire resistance is that they are constructed using the highest quality materials, like galvanized, roll-formed 26-gauge steel facings and an expanded polystyrene foam core. They are also pre-painted and available in a wide range of colours and textures.
A lasting resistance to mould and chemical exposure also makes them suitable for buildings that need to maintain cleanliness, backed by their CFIA acceptance for sanitary room requirements.
The best tip for your metal building is to design it using the highest-quality insulated panels. For this reason, it is time to learn more about Isowall Fire Rated & Insulated Wall Panels!