How to choose the best IMP for your next project
Insulated metal wall panels are constructed of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two corrugated, polyallomer or exterior-grade hardboard stabilizers, and finished aluminum sheets.
Environmental factors, such as the climate, should be considered when selecting the type of stabilizer for an insulated metal wall panel. While panels constructed with hardboard stabilizers offer more dent resistance due to the hardboard density, they must be sealed properly to prevent water intrusion. The corrugated, polyallomer stabilizers offer a waterresistant option with more insulating properties.
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There are two types of insulating foam that can be used in the core of an insulating metal wall panel: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and polyisocyanurate (ISO). The ISO foam is characterized by better fireresistant properties and a higher R-value than the EPS foam, which is why it is typically specified in school applications. Due to these qualities, the ISO is slightly more expensive than the EPS foam.
Insulating properties
The insulating properties of a metal wall panel are measured by the R-value, which is defined as a measure of thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the greater the thermal resistance of the metal wall panel and the better the building insulation’s effectiveness.
Factors that affect the R-value are the thickness of the panel, the insulating foam types used and the stabilizer type specified in the wall panel construction. For example, when constructing a 1-inch-thick insulated metal wall panel with two corrugated, polyallomer stabilizers sandwiching polyisocyanurate foam (ISO), such as Hatfield, Pa.- based Laminators Inc.’s Thermolite, the resulting R-value is 7.77, nominal. Whereas, when a 1-inchthick insulated metal wall panel is made with two hardboard stabilizers sandwiching polyisocyanurate (ISO), such as Laminators’ Omega Foam-Ply, the R-value is 5.26, nominal.
By comparing these two R-values, it is evident that the stabilizer plays an important role in the insulating qualities of the metal wall panel. The panel with the corrugated polyallomer stabilizers holds a higher R-value than the hardboard stabilizers due to the airspace created by the corrugations in the core. There are several applications for insulated metal wall panels today. Available in a variety of standard finishes and colors, including designer wood grain and slate finishes, the most common applications include curtainwall and storefront projects that require a highly decorative look with excellent insulating properties. Insulated metal wall panels are also recommended for opaque glazing, schools, spandrels, soffits, partitions and sunrooms.
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Installation techniques
Insulated metal wall panels are lightweight, easy to handle and quick to install. Panels can be fabricated on-site using standard carpentry tools or factory cut to meet the customers’ exact specifications. Some manufacturers also offer panned edge insulated metal wall panels to save fabricators the hassle of wrapping the edges for butt-glazing applications. This provides the perfect solution for installation-ready panels into a 1-inch curtainwall or storefront extruded molding system. When installing insulated metal wall panels with hardboard stabilizers, it’s important to maximize the panels’ performance by preventing water intrusion.
Without a proper seal, the hardboard stabilizers as well as some foams, will absorb water causing unsightly swelling, corroding of face metals, and a loss in R-value. This can be prevented by following typical glazing practices during the installation process. The corrugated polyallomer stabilizers are water resistant and do not require caulking prior to installation. There are many variables to consider when choosing the best insulated metal wall panel for your project. The construction of the panel, environment, R-value and installation method all play an important role in the selection process. It’s also important to note that when installing insulated metal wall panels, electrolysis can occur if dissimilar metals come in contact with one another. Therefore, it’s imperative to provide adequate separation between the face and backer of the aluminum panel and other metals.
Jessica Olff is the marketing communications manager at Laminators Inc., Hatfield, Pa. For more information, call (800) 523-2347 or visit www.laminatorsinc.com.
