The building envelope—and how it is constructed and installed—has substantial impact on any structure’s appearance and long-term performance. Architects, designers, contractors, and installers must consider a number of factors when deciding on a building envelope solution. These include aesthetics, installation requirements, construction schedules, energy efficiency, and durability against the elements.
Insufficient air barrier detailing often occurs at transitions in wall materials, roofing, or windows. The lack or misplacement of an air barrier allows for thermal bridging through window framing, insulated glass units, components, or subframing.
Even a perfectly designed multicomponent wall system will perform only as well as those who install it. The variables include laborers that are not properly trained and lack of coordination at the jobsite among multiple trades. Taken together, this means installation errors can heavily impact a building’s longevity. When a barrier fails, who is responsible? The architect, the contractor, or the installer?
The all-in-one system
When insulated metal panels (IMPs) are specified as the wall system for a building envelope, many of these variables are eliminated. IMPs are built to integrate seamlessly with any materials, increasing building performance and aesthetics.
A traditional wall system typically comprises stud framing, air and vapor barriers, rigid insulation, and the exterior cladding component. For the most part, these multicomponent systems require a high level of detail, leaving room for performance setbacks.
IMPs do not need a backup wall assembly to keep air, water, or vapor out. IMPs are an all-in-one wall system, comprising two skins that are typically of galvanized G90 steel. Rigid foam insulation binds the two sheets of metal together. Integrated components with IMP systems maximize thermal and moisture protection with engineered, pressure-equalized joinery, concealed sealants, and a built-in vapor barrier.
More benefits
Insulation value is also a factor for architects and building owners to consider when specifying IMPs for a project. Typically, architectural IMPs are manufactured with polyisocyanurate, which helps IMPs hold an R-value of R-7 per inch. Compared to mineral wool, IMPs guarantee almost double the R-value that can be assigned to the building envelope.
When time is key, an integrated component system such as an IMP is efficient. A construction manager writes one contract for the building facade, condensing the contracting process. The building can be enclosed with a single installer for wall panels, windows, louvers, accent fins, and sunshades. There is less liability for the architect and construction management, and there is a condensed installation schedule.
In addition, IMPs can contribute to energy performance and recycled content credits for a project, including LEED certification. Architects, contractors, building owners, and installers are under pressure to ensure today’s buildings are sustainable and energy efficient. IMPs are manufactured using highly recyclable steel, meaning they can be made of up to 90 percent recycled content. Using an electric arc furnace (EAF) is a more sustainable method for steelmaking, as it emits fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases, reducing the environmental footprint.
As for the creative element? IMPs meet the demands of performance with unlimited design freedom for architects. With today’s IMPs, a wide variety of colors, finishes, profiles, lengths, and widths are available to help bring any architect’s vision to life. The versatility of the panels allows designers to create multiple styles and looks that can be integrated across the building envelope.
IMPs also require fewer structural supports, which is crucial to a building’s aesthetic. The panels can span long distances while maintaining and increasing building enclosure durability due to the multilayer design. This saves costs on materials and simplifies building engineering.
Conclusion
Think about the following when selecting IMPs: ease of detailing, long-term weather tightness, and enhanced energy efficiency. IMPs can accommodate high-quality views, daylighting, and ventilation, integrating directly with joinery of the panels. By eliminating the need for detailing component/wall interfaces, IMPs simplify and accelerate the construction process while providing virtually unlimited design freedom. IMPs also integrate seamlessly into windows, sunshades, louvers, and daylighting to deliver a seamless, high-performance building envelope.
For the entire project team—from project managers and building owners to eventual inhabitants—designing with IMPs has grown to be a favorable option. They are the preferred face of many structures, including sports arenas, office buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, and museums. No matter the market, IMPs are an all-in-one cladding solution.
Brandon Kinsey, district sales manager for CENTRIA, a Nucor Company, is based in the Greater Detroit Area, overseeing projects from design through construction. Kinsey has 25 years of experience in the metal wall panel business. He also manages customer relations with seven members of CENTRIA’s dealer network, and develops new relationships with prospective distribution partners.