The construction industry faces ongoing challenges, including rising material costs and labor shortages. Construction material costs rose once more in August, despite a broader decline in U.S. producer prices. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ August jobs report revealed a loss of 7,000 construction jobs.

Amid these challenges, contractors are constantly searching for ways to streamline their projects and lower costs without compromising quality or performance. Insulated metal panels (IMPs) have emerged as a leading solution for contractors, providing advantages in terms of cost, speed of build, and simplicity of installation.

LOWER COSTS

IMPs offer a potential cost-saving alternative compared to many traditional wall systems like tilt-up concrete. Research indicates that IMPs can lower overall installation costs by as much as 25-percent in the U.S. when compared to conventional tilt-up and precast concrete methods.

Additionally, unlike traditional multi-part wall systems, which require multiple components and trades, IMPs can be installed by just one type of installer. By eliminating the need for multiple trades, contractors can reduce the overall number of workers on-site, which is crucial in a time when labor shortages are a persistent concern.

The speed at which IMPs can be installed also provides cost savings in terms of labor and project timelines. Contractors can install IMPs in a fraction of the time it takes to build traditional multi-component systems, allowing projects to be completed more quickly, often leading to cost efficiencies in the overall budget.

One example is the Browns Shoes Distribution Center. Browns Shoes’ 190,000 square-foot distribution center in Quebec was originally constructed in 2013. A decade later, the leading footwear company needed an expansion to support its growing business. IMPs were chosen for this expansion.

Closing in the building envelope was a crucial element of the expansion. The use of IMPs enabled quick installation, making the project more cost-effective. Despite some production delays, the building was fully enclosed quickly, allowing interior work to continue without affecting the overall schedule.

MEETING TIGHT TIMELINES

Construction projects today often face tight deadlines due to factors such as client demands, permitting schedules, and the pressure of competition. IMPs are specifically designed to help speed up the build process. These panels can be installed more quickly than traditional multi-part wall assemblies, even in harsh weather conditions, which is a critical advantage for contractors who may be facing delays from inclement weather. The fast installation time allows other trades to begin interior work sooner, accelerating the overall project timeline.

In projects like sports facilities and healthcare centers, where delays can impact functionality or operational timelines, the ability to get the building dried in and enclosed rapidly is invaluable. By using IMPs, contractors can minimize delays and ensure that projects are completed on time, which can have a significant impact on both the financial success and reputation of the contractor.

The Sands Family YMCA is a 75,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art, multi-use complex that features athletic spaces, medical care services, and an early learning center. The speed of build advantage of IMPs is one reason why they were selected as a building envelope solution in this project. 

Because of IMPs, the project’s contractor was able to complete most of the installation in the harsh winter months, keeping the construction timeline for the facility on track.

SIMPLIFYING THE BUILD PROCESS

IMPs help simplify the construction process by consolidating multiple functions into one panel. Unlike traditional multi-part wall systems that require several layers of materials to provide thermal, air, water, and vapor barriers, IMPs combine all these functions into a single, easy-to-install component. This simplicity translates into fewer steps on-site, reducing the potential for errors and minimizing the need for rework.

The panels’ lightweight design and streamlined installation process also reduce on-site congestion. With IMPs, the construction team can focus on the work that matters most, knowing that the building envelope is efficiently handled by a single product.

The Port of Seattle’s Terminal 106 is an example where IMPs simplified the construction process. IMPs were used to enclose the second floor of the building. Their versatility to be installed in almost any weather condition, and their light weight made them much easier for the installer; using tilt-up concrete would have been more costly and logistically complex.

ADDRESSING INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

In today’s fast-paced construction environment, where labor shortages and rising material costs are common hurdles, IMPs offer a solution that can help contractors maintain project efficiency and stay on budget. By reducing construction complexity, accelerating installation times, and improving overall cost efficiency, IMPs allow contractors to deliver high-performance buildings more effectively. As the demand for faster and more cost-effective construction continues to grow, the benefits of using IMPs will only become more apparent, helping contractors meet the challenges of the modern construction landscape.

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. His global experience includes leadership roles in Australia and the United States, working in both the residential and commercial building sectors. For more, visit www.kingspan.com.