Metal wall panels have become a staple in modern construction, celebrated for their ease of installation, cost-efficiency, low maintenance, and design flexibility. With a growing variety of options on the market, selecting the ideal metal panel can feel overwhelming. The best choice is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it depends on a project’s specific needs, including desired performance, lead times, system cost, and design intent. This guide will explore the most accessible types of metal panels—single-skin, metal composite materials (MCM), aluminum composite materials (ACM), and insulated metal panels (IMPs)—to help you make an informed decision for your next project.
While this comparison includes a breadth of information about these types of wall panels, if you still have more questions, don’t worry, we have you covered:
- Metal Construction News (MCN) consistently provides in-depth features and articles on metal walls that explore the specifics of each type of material. These articles are contributed by leading experts and industry veterans.
- The Metal Directory & Resource Guide, a co-publication on behalf of MCN and its sister publication Metal Architecture, is published each spring. This invaluable resource provides an extensive range of information far beyond product listings that will put contractors in contact with those who know the industry best
- The Metal Construction Association, a leading organization in the industry, also offers a wealth of information on metal walls, offering case studies, galleries, technical resources, and continuing education.
| ATTRIBUTE | SINGE-SKIN PANELS | METAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL PANELS | INSULATED METAL PANELS | ALUMINUM COMPOSITE MATERIAL PANELS |
| Durability | Single-skin metal wall panels exhibit high durability and longevity, typically lasting 20 to 30 years. Advanced anti-corrosion coatings ensure excellent color retention and minimal maintenance. While less rigid and susceptible to ground-level impact damage, their fire and weather resistance make them a long-term, economical cladding option. | Metal Composite Material (MCM) panels are highly durable and maintain exceptional surface flatness. Their lightweight design is corrosion-resistant and can withstand harsh weather, offering a lifespan that often exceeds 20 to 30 years. They require minimal maintenance and are impact-resistant, with finishes that retain luster for decades. | Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are highly durable and designed for longevity, lasting 30 to 50 years or more. They provide a complete, weather-tight building envelope, offering superior thermal performance and consistent R-values. IMPs are strong and require minimal maintenance, and their specialized coatings resist corrosion and UV damage for a long service life. | Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) panels are lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant. With high-quality PVDF or FEVE coatings, they offer an expected lifespan of 20 to 30 years or more, resisting UV and fading. ACM panels require minimal maintenance and are valued for their excellent flatness and design flexibility in modern facades. |
| Recyclability | 100 percent recyclable at the end of their long lifespan. They also typically contain a high percentage of recycled content when manufactured, supporting sustainable building. | 100 percent recyclable | Steel facers are recycled and recyclable; foam is reusable. | 100 percent recyclable |
| Maintenance | Single-skin metal panels are easy to install, economical to maintain, and replacement is simple. They carry up to a 20-year paint warranty, but periodic fastener re-tightening and washing are needed. | Modern panels demand minimal upkeep, dramatically lowering long-term costs. The cladding’s original brilliance and aesthetic appeal are preserved and retained for many decades thanks to advanced coatings. | This material is practically maintenance-free and boasts a 20-year-plus finish guarantee. The whole panel assembly and insulation backer must be exchanged if replacement is necessary. | These panels are simple to uphold. Regular washing is key, with frequency based on location and contamination levels. A good guideline is to clean them concurrently with windows. |
| Formability | Easily customizable, these light-gauge panels offer simple fabrication for intricate corners. Advanced roll-forming allows diverse profiles, making small and custom orders readily available. | They provide sharp, crisp bends and can be easily radiused when required. This material allows for diverse geometric configurations and various irregular or complex shapes. | The intricate production sequence involves a continuous line with dual multi-pass roll formers for both panel faces. Rollforming is just a minor step in this post-cut method. | This material yields exceptional smoothness, unbending strength, and superb pliability. It can be shaped into highly intricate forms, such as arcs and ovals, and retains its perfect levelness. |
| Installation Cost | Installation costs are low due to simple trim, lightweight, and long panels (fewer fasteners). Factory pre-cutting significantly reduces expensive field labor. | Costing is influenced by the material, panel gauge, and system method (e.g., rainscreen). Adding exterior R-value insulation also modifies the total installation expense. | Less mass and streamlined attachment methods reduce installation expenses, and simplified fastening systems lower overall project costs. | The initial product cost is high, but installation is generally low due to their lightweight nature and large size. Project complexity, core type (FR/PE), and labor rates affect final pricing. |
| Ease of Installation | Installation is faster and more economical than other metal systems. The lighter mass and adaptability simplify handling, allow for minor field adjustments, and easily correct for uneven backing structure. Training complexity is similar, perhaps even less demanding. | Initial build expenses are often less because these panels are set up quickly than masonry alternatives, and the work isn’t strictly sequential. Their low mass reduces the need for structural steel, and installers receive dedicated technical help. | Factory assembly allows for rapid site installation, halving the time of single-skin panels. They offer superior span and require fewer supports. However, they need extreme caution during handling, often requiring specialized lifts and certified training. | Fixing techniques and multiple system types allow for optimized designs and budget flexibility. Popular methods include dry seal, wet seal, rainscreen, and extrusion systems. Installers receive dedicated technical assistance and training. |
| Shipping/Storage | Through-fastened metal panels stack compactly for efficient transport and shipping. They can be factory-cut and delivered straight to the site. Prolonged storage requires a waterproof covering, and protective films must be shielded from sun exposure. | Panels require a water-resistant covering for long-term storage to prevent moisture and debris accumulation. Furthermore, their peel-off protective coatings must be shielded from direct solar radiation. | These products are costly and cumbersome to transport and consume more space per area than single-layer materials. Extended warehousing necessitates protective covering for dryness, and peel-off surface layers must be kept from direct sunlight. | For prolonged warehousing, panels need a waterproof covering to ensure they stay moisture-free and spotless. Crucially, their peelable surface protection must be sheltered from unfiltered solar exposure. |
| Weathertightness | These panels are suitable for installation in virtually any climate or weather without risk of degradation. Their interlocking seams and pre-applied factory sealant guarantee a completely weatherproof seal. | Fabricated with a sealant-free joint system, these panels minimize water entry. This dry-fit design removes the need for wet seals, ensuring optimal cavity ventilation. This process effectively expels moisture, significantly lowering the risk of mold, mildew, and material breakdown. | The interlocking panel connection design resists water ingress. Dual tongue-and-groove side seams and butyl sealing compounds produce exceptionally airtight and water-resistant products. | These products are moisture-proof and possess the durability to withstand harsh climatic events. |
| Colors and Finishes | Offering sleek and textured surfaces, these are available in various cutting-edge coatings and finishes. Modern paint technology resists discoloration and degradation, enduring saltwater and corrosive settings. They are fabricated from diverse metals (e.g., galvanized, Galvalume, aluminum, stainless steel) in varying material gauges. | Available in pre-set and bespoke hues, with an array of surface treatments. The material vendors each provide unique color selections, presenting numerous aesthetic possibilities. | There are numerous color choices, though selection might be restricted in areas with extreme temperatures. | These can be coated in diverse hues and sheen levels. Applying Kynar 500 paint includes a two-decade finish guarantee. Available options are standard two-layer colors, metallic tones, and Mica effects. They are perfect for brand projects requiring specific color matching. |
| Applications | Offering many profiles, these panels suit projects needing small-batch custom colors. Applications range from industrial facilities and warehouses to soffits, screen walls, and commercial buildings. | They are used for ventilated façades and curtain wall infill, wrapping exteriors with soffits, cornices, and column covers. They also serve as cladding for tunnels and balcony surrounds. | Utilized for horizontal and vertical surfaces, roofs, and temperature-controlled storage. These panels excel across numerous architectural, commercial, institutional, and heavy-duty industrial facilities. | Applications include soffits, canopies, ornamental accents, and screen walls for walls and roofs. They are featured in commercial centers, medical buildings, schools, and apartment complexes. |