Insulated metal panels (IMPs), exterior wall and roof panels with steel skins and an insulating foam core, are engineered with advanced technology and unique material properties that help contractors construct better quality buildings more efficiently. More specifically, these panels are designed to help contractors reduce construction complexity and speed up project delivery.
IMPs offer a wide range of construction advantages that are contributing to their growing popularity among contractors.
MODERN BUILDINGS: IMPS IN ACTION
Here’s a look at some examples of how IMPs are being used to help contractors reduce construction complexity and speed up project delivery.
IMPs were used in the construction of an athletic facility to provide the strong thermal barriers needed to help reduce this facility’s energy consumption, cut down on heating and cooling costs, and regulate indoor temperatures for athletes. The use of IMPs on this project also allowed the contractor to proceed with installation in the harsh winter months, which was critical for keeping the construction timeline for this facility on track.
IMPs were the building envelope material selected for the construction of a global aircraft manufacturing facility to meet the key project goals of reducing energy consumption. More than 200,000 square feet of IMPs were used on this building to take advantage of the increased energy efficiency and high R-values these panels offer.
IMPs were used in the expansion of a medical center emergency department, which required speed of build to help meet the growing demand for emergency care. Quick installation of IMPs provided a weathertight envelope in reduced time, drying in the emergency room faster and allowing for inside finish work to begin sooner. The fast-tracked construction prevented scheduling delays for on-time completion.
When speed of build was critical to get a practice facility ready in time for the football season, quick and easy-to-install IMPs were the perfect choice to meet this project’s compressed construction timeline. These panels required only one type of installer to create a weathertight building envelope and fast-tracked construction and helped prevent construction delays.
STREAMLINE CONSTRUCTION
IMPs are engineered as a single-component system that streamlines the construction process. A fully integrated building-envelope solution, these panels effectively replace complicated, multi-component wall assemblies by providing a full thermal, air, water, and vapor barrier.
Designed for easy one-pass installation, these panels help contractors create a weathertight building envelope in reduced time, allowing interior work to begin sooner. That yields major benefits in preventing construction delays and speeding up the construction timeline.
IMPs can be installed more quickly because their installation is not dictated by weather conditions, as opposed to concrete tilt-up walls, for example. This capability helps keep projects on schedule, permits fast-track scheduling, gets the building dried-in more quickly, and allows other trades to proceed with interior work.
MEET ENERGY AND CARBON TARGETS
IMPs provide continuous insulation that helps seal the building enclosure, block thermal bridging, and inhibit energy loss. Offering R-values up to 8 per inch, today’s innovative, airtight IMPs with high thermal resistance help reduce energy consumption and are increasingly important in the construction industry’s drive to meet specific energy targets.
IMPs can also help contractors construct lower-carbon buildings. IMPs from a leading U.S. manufacturer have been shown to have lower embodied carbon than traditional concrete wall assemblies. With high thermal efficiency, these panels also reduce a building’s energy consumption and operational carbon emissions.
REDUCE LABOR AND ERRORS
At a time when labor is in short supply, reducing the need for skilled trades is critical to help keep projects on schedule. These lightweight yet strong panels reduce the need for structural supports, which can lower both labor and material costs. IMPs require one type of installer instead of multiple trades to attach to the structural framing. This labor-saving installation not only reduces costs but minimizes scheduling issues and reduces congestion on the job site.
IMPs are all-in-one air, water, vapor, and thermal barriers delivered to site and ready for installation. As a single component system, these panels reduce the risk of on-site errors. Fewer errors translate to less on-site rework and smoother assembly.
MAKE RENOVATIONS EASIER
IMPs also facilitate easy renovations and building enhancements. The panels are flexible and can adapt to structural retrofits, accommodating new layouts or additions.
The science and engineering of today’s advanced IMPs provide these benefits and more to help contractors deliver high-performing, high-quality buildings that can meet the requirements of new build and retrofit projects across a wide range of sectors.
about the author
Karim Muri is vice president of marketing services and strategy development for Kingspan Insulated Panels North America. Muri has led strategic marketing in the construction products market for nearly 20 years. For more, visit www.kingspan.com.