Last edited 21 Feb 2021

Insulated metal panel

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1 Introduction
2 Interior climate control with minimum energy use
3 Net-zero energy
4 Flexibility and sustainability
5 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[edit] Introduction

When a Germany-based farm equipment manufacturer HALDRUP GmbH broke into the North American market they had just one requirement: their new plant should be constructed using insulated metal panels (IMPs).

IMPs are a staple in European construction where they are used for their economic value, easy assembly, and insulation properties that keep energy loss and costs low. “Metal panels make it possible to get the building operational quickly,” says Rüdiger Hofmann, owner and civil engineer at HALDRUP.

The speedy assembly of these insulated metal panels ended up saving the project from falling behind schedule when frozen ground prevented them from digging the building’s foundation. The panels require far less specialised equipment to install due to their self-aligning, tongue-in-groove joints with concealed fasteners. The streamlined construction meant the project could be completed on time, even with the setback. Hofmann also insisted on the IMPs for environmental reasons.

Insulated metal panels protect against energy loss with a tightly-sealed building envelope that keeps outside weather, whether humid or dry, from interfering with the interior climate.

[edit] Interior climate control with minimum energy use

Having a properly insulated building means saving energy. The second largest contributor to greenhouse gases is the energy used inside buildings. A building with insulated metal panels can reduce energy cost by two-thirds. This is because the sealed building envelope optimises thermal resistance by stopping any gaps where heated or cooled air could potentially escape.

Another way IMPs quickly recoup their initial cost is by requiring minimal maintenance and aftercare. They create a fully sealed building envelope and prevent the penetration of moisture from the exterior to the interior via tiny gaps in the insulation. This moisture travels in some other building components and can be responsible for mold and mildew—a time and money, that can be highly disruptive for building owners.

[edit] Net-zero energy

In 2008, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) set a goal. All new residential construction in California would be Zero Net Energy (ZNE) by 2020. Insulated metal panels make it easier to reach those standards, especially in roofing. Because of their high thermal performance, the foam-insulated panels can reach above R-50.

Insulated metal panels reduce the need for specialised equipment. That means less fuel for cranes and fewer materials being used in a particular project. Additionally, they are extremely easy to modify should any changes be desired. Due to thier lightweight, they eliminate the need for a lot of structural support.

Their ultra-smooth construction means they snap together with ease. Creating a sleek and modern aesthetic that is at home in a wide variety of residential and commercial projects.

[edit] Flexibility and sustainability

Insulated panels have an additional benefit, especially in a location like California. In zones prone to earthquakes and tremors, panels are less rigid and more flexible than heavy, traditional building materials. They can sway between 4 and 6 inches from side to side during seismic activity.

Sustainability means products that last “the life of the building, and perform throughout its life cycle as well.” Steel, a major component in the metal panels, is 100% recyclable and can be reused ad infinitum. There is no endgame for steel, it could be a bicycle wheel next time around.