Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) have increasingly become a go-to solution for constructing modern buildings, including EV battery plants, EV manufacturing plants, advanced manufacturing facilities and datacenters. Using IMPs offers a wide range of advantages that streamline the construction process and enhance the building’s performance. One of the primary benefits of IMPs is their ability to provide a complete building envelope in a single component, as opposed to traditional wall assemblies that require multiple components to achieve a high-performing envelope. This characteristic alone highlights several advantages that are worth exploring.
Intel Annex located in Chandler, AZ
The use of IMPs significantly accelerates the construction timeline. Fewer job site deliveries are required because IMPs replace at least four different products that would otherwise need to be delivered and installed separately. Once delivered, the panels are ready for immediate installation, further reducing the time spent on the construction site. The installation process itself is streamlined, typically requiring only two fasteners every 16 to 24 inches. Panels can be installed vertically or horizontally, with sizes up to 42 inches wide and lengths up to 60 feet, allowing one panel to cover as much as 210 square feet at a time.
IMPs eliminate the need for multiple trades on the construction site. Traditional wall assemblies often fall into the scope of various trade contractors, including sheathers, insulators, and water barrier contractors. With IMPs, the entire wall assembly is installed by one contractor, reducing the complexity of coordination and the potential for conflicts between different trades. This not only simplifies the construction process but also reduces labor costs.
Some IMPs can span as much as 10 feet, reducing the amount of structural steel required for the building. This not only lowers material costs but also contributes to a lighter overall building structure, which can have implications for foundation design and overall building stability.
The use of IMPs ensures higher quality in the building envelope. With fewer job site deliveries and a simplified installation process, there is less opportunity for material damage and installation errors. This results in a more reliable and consistent performance of the building envelope over time.
Insulated metal panels are versatile products used in a variety of project types, from industrial buildings to higher education projects. Architectural options for IMPs are available, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building. This versatility allows designers to achieve both functional and aesthetic goals with a single product.
Helios Education Campus in Phoenix, AZ
IMPs play a crucial role in the environmental control layers of the building envelope, acting as an air barrier, water barrier, thermal protection, and both the interior and exterior skins of the building. This comprehensive approach to the building envelope contributes to better energy efficiency and environmental control. The panels’ high R-values, which can be significantly higher than traditional wall assemblies, make them particularly suitable for meeting stringent energy codes and achieving LEED certification.
IMPs also contribute less global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than concrete panels. According to Architecture 2030, building materials and construction contribute 11 percent of the GHGs. This 11 percent of GHG accounted for by building materials and construction represents this one-off fixed carbon cost as the embodied carbon that is locked into buildings once they are built. In a study conducted by Kingspan, a QuadCore IMP wall system had 28 percent lower embodied carbon than both insulated concrete and tilt-up concrete. This is equivalent to saving the CO2 emissions from burning 149 tons of coal, or the GHG emissions from driving the average car 671,270 miles.
Fort Cavazos in Fort Cavazos, TX
From a safety perspective, IMPs offer advantages over traditional concrete tilt panels. They are lighter, reducing the risk associated with handling and installation. Maintenance is also simplified with IMPs, as they eliminate multiple failure points associated with traditional wall assemblies, such as transitions and penetrations. The factory-applied sealant in the panel joints serves as an effective weather barrier, further reducing maintenance requirements.
Utilizing IMPs also offers environmental advantages compared to concrete tilt-up or pre-cast panels that require a great deal of materials and water to produce.
An interesting application of IMPs is their use as removable dividers in large buildings, allowing for future expansion or reconfiguration. This flexibility is a testament to the adaptability of IMPs in meeting the evolving needs of building owners and occupants. IMPs offer a compelling solution for constructing buildings large and small, combining speed, efficiency, versatility and environmental performance in a single component. As the construction industry continues to evolve and more in the industry learn about the cost and time savings that IMP can deliver, their use will likely increase, driven by their ability to meet the complex demands of modern building design and construction.
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