Category: Insulated Metal Wall Panels

Metal Panel Thickness

What Panel Thickness Should You Choose?

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Have you ever heard the term “gauge” when referring to metal panels? Gauge is the term used to define the specific thickness of a metal panel. Like all materials used in construction, metal panels come in a wide array of sizes, shapes, colors, and gauges. One of the first decisions a person considers IMPs will have to decide on is what gauge they would like. So what exactly does that mean and how do you determine the right gauge for your project?

Range of Gauges

The thickness of metal panels can range anywhere from 22-gauge to 29-gauge, with 29 being the thinnest and 22 being the thickest. These gauges are associated with a decimal range. For example, a 26-gauge steel panel can range anywhere from 0.0179” to 0.0217.” This also means that a 26-gauge metal panel from one manufacturer may not be the same thickness as a 26-gauge metal panel from another. Although those seem like small numbers, they represent a noticeable difference in panel stiffness and strength.

When to Choose a Thinner Gauge

Almost all homes have a layer of plywood or something similar, covered by a weather-resistant barrier. In this case, the metal panels will be affixed to the sheathing as opposed to serving a structural role. A quality 29-gauge panel is more than adequate for this situation; which is why it’s used on nearly 80 percent of homes with metal panels!

When to Choose a Thicker Gauge

When a building needs to remain structurally sound without the support of sheathing, a thicker gauge is the best option. These gauges are also more forgiving in the event of an installation error, such as over-tightening screws. Thicker trim pieces also lay more accurately. A common combination amongst contractors includes 29-gauge roof and wall panels, accompanied by a 26-gauge trim. However, you can expect to pay more for thicker panels. The cost of a 26-gauge product will be about 15% higher than a 29-gauge with the same profile from the same manufacturer. 

Wondering what gauge of metal panels is right for you? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help you! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Metal Panels and Fire

Fire and Insulated Metal Panels

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Eco-friendly, lightweight, durable, and fire-resistant. Metal panels come with a multitude of benefits. However, one of these benefits is oftentimes misunderstood: a metal panels ability t to resist heat and flames. In order to fully grasp how metal panels can be a superior choice in terms of safety, one must first understand the different fire resistance ratings and capabilities of metal panels themselves.

Building Code Requirements

Safety is number one, which is why building and fire codes have been developed that determine which degree of fire resistance is required based on the situation, building type, and conditions. In the end, every wall within a structure should provide some degree of fire resistance. This gives people enough time to safely evacuate in the event of a fire. An added precaution would be choosing a material which can also help contain the fire. Preventing the spread throughout the building or neighboring structures. When planning for your structure, be sure to identify what the minimum fire resistance requirement is for your exterior and interior walls to be sure you are complying with all legal codes.

Ratings Are Based on Testing

To establish whether or not a wall meets a particular fire resistance rating, a fire test must be conducted in an independent laboratory. For IMPs, that means a manufacturer needs to submit full-size product samples to a lab, which will then carry out a standard test. The procedures and standards are intended to be the same for all similar materials to ensure an accurate fire resistance rating for each. When the products undergo the designated heat and flame under uniform laboratory conditions, then they can be classified based on how well they performed. Some products, for example, may survive the test long enough to qualify for a 1- or 2-hour rating. Others may only qualify for a 30-minute rating before succumbing to the fire.

Selecting A Fire Resistant Metal Panel

Insulated metal panels use thermoset foam cores. These cores don’t melt and have a high degree of fire resistance. With increasing demands for structures that combine contemporary aesthetics, energy efficiency, and safety, insulated metal panels are an effective choice.

Insulated metal panels offer superior fire resistance, protecting a structure’s assets and keeping people safe. Are you considering retrofitting your building with metal panels? Contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Residential Construction

Building a Better Home with Insulated Panels

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Read all about it! Proponents say it’s the best building system you’re not using. Yet only a small number of homes are built with them every year. What are they? SIPs! Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are high-performance building panels that consist of two sheets of OSB and a layer of rigid extruded polystyrene foam insulation in between. So, what are the advantages of using structural insulated panels in your home’s construction? Let’s find out! 

Faster Build

Advocates say SIPs technology is much faster than site-built construction; speeding up the time it takes to complete your residential construction project. Actually, a properly trained SIP installation crew can cut framing time by 55% compared to conventional wood framing! There is also less waste associated with constructing a home from SIPs, resulting in lower overall construction costs. But don’t let the faster construction fool you. SIPs are structurally strong!

Energy Efficient

SIPs also result in a much more energy efficient building. In fact, the inherent energy efficiency of the system is one of the biggest benefits of SIPs! And a high-performance building envelope often allows HVAC equipment to be downsized and ductwork to be minimized. Talk about savings!

Unique Aesthetics

SIPs are manufactured under factory-controlled conditions and can be custom designed for each home. The result is a unique  building system that is extremely strong, energy-efficient and cost effective. These panels can also result in noise reduction thanks to the foam’s ability to absorb sound. Not only will your house look great, but will function well too!

SIPs and Residential Construction

SIPs have recently begun to take off in the residential construction industry. But, it may surprise you that SIPs date back to the 1930s! While the price of SIPs themselves will run you more than traditional building materials, you will spend less on labor and the associated costs with that. Like all materials. SIPs come with their own set of drawbacks. Wiring and plumbing will require more work, and the panels must be kept dry for the structure to last more than 60 years.

SIPs have resulted in better buildings, better designs, greater energy efficiency, and improved standards of living. Would you like to learn more about how metal panels can be used to enhance your building? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Buildings Suitable For Metal Panels

What Types of Buildings Are Best For Metal Panels?

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Insulated Metal Panels are quickly becoming the new buzzword amongst building owners, designers, and contractors. These insulated panels offer a plethora of advantages – from malleable design, ease of installation, and above all, sustainability. But in what building environment do these panels perform best? It may not surprise you to learn the answer.

Insulated Metal Panels are ideal for a wide range of wall and roofing applications. Bringing with them improved energy efficiency, air and moisture control, versatile colors and finishes, and an overall lower cost over their lifetime thanks to their ease of installation and low-effort maintenance. So whether your building is residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural, metal wall panels will bring an attractive and elegant look to your project while providing excellent R-values.

Agricultural Applications

Gone are the days of unsightly agricultural buildings. Aesthetically pleasing and durable agricultural steel panels are a perfect fit for the demanding nature of farm and ranch buildings. Offering resistance and strength under extreme temperatures, as well as temperature control ideal for housing livestock, crops, or machinery. Metal panels can also be used in roll-up doors, arenas, and ranches.

Commercial Applications

Common commercial applications utilizing metal panels include retail stores, auto dealerships and repair shops, banks, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings. And it’s no wonder they are so widely used! What building owner doesn’t love reduced energy costs and lower maintenance requirements? Not to mention the unique shapes, colors, and textures metal panels can provide to the interior of the space.

Residential Applications

The most widely recognized residential application of metal panels would be a metal roof. Ideal for their long lifespan, metal panels make the perfect choice for a residential roof or modern exterior flair. In the unlikely event of a fire, metal panels may also be able to prevent your home from succumbing to the flames thanks to their fire resistant capabilities!

Insulated metal panels have resulted in better buildings, better designs, greater energy efficiency, and improved standards of living. Would you like to learn more about how metal panels can be used to enhance your building? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Top Uses For Metal Panels

What Are the Top Uses for Metal Panels?

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While metal panels used to be shied away from in high end commercial and residential design, these panels are now at the forefront of stunning architectural design. Their versatility, malleability, durability, and lightweight qualities make them an excellent choice for building designers who are concerned with sustainability and longevity. So exactly how are these metal panels most commonly used today?

Metal Wall Panels

Architectural metal wall panels are used on the exterior of the building. These systems can include single skin, insulated, exposed fastener, concealed fastener and interior wall liners. Most of these panels can be installed both vertically and horizontally, providing additional flexibility in design. An added benefit? A room made of metal panels can help contain a fire from spreading, as well as keeping the room cooler in the event of an emergency. These panels can be used for new construction or to retrofit existing buildings. Common applications include retail, educational, self-storage, agricultural, residential and industrial buildings.

Metal Roofing System

Metal roofing panels have been used in a variety of educational, civic, agricultural, residential, retail, industrial, healthcare and recreational applications.. The benefits  of metal roofing include energy-saving technology, a lifespan of over 60 years, low maintenance requirements, and strong weather resistance. The ease of installation, longevity, sustainability, and durability of these panels also make them a cost-efficient investment compared to traditional asphalt roofing. 

Unique Interior or Exterior Design

Metal panels can be used for more than just siding or roofing. These panels can also add incredible aesthetic appeal to your building! Imagine unique textured walls or separators throughout your landscaping. Contrasting elements on the exterior of your building. An accent wall that looks like wood without the threat of rot. A unique kitchen island, ceiling medallion, or molding. Interior or exterior design capabilities with metal panels are nearly endless! And since this material is malleable, it can even be warped to create unique shapes.

Would you like to learn more about how metal panels can be used to enhance your building? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Metal Panels And Agricultural Buildings

Metal Panels And Agricultural Buildings

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We know the many benefits metal panels possess. But what about their practicality? How do you know if a metal panel will suit your commercial or residential needs? Well, in this blog we will explore metal panels practical use in Agricultural Buildings, including those that house cattles, hogs, and poultry.

Why Choose Metal Panels For Your Agricultural Building?

  • Durability: Metal panels are built to withstand even the harshest conditions, such as high wind, heavy snowfall, and hail. Likewise, they stand up well against termites and other insects that may threaten your crops.
  • Longevity: Metal panels last three to four times longer than other roofs. And unlike corrugated fiberglass panels, metal doesn’t get brittle after years in the sun. Add in the fact that these panels are designed to reflect the sun’s heat as opposed to absorbing it, means your plants won’t get overheated.
  • Cost Savings: Wood buildings often need to be replaced and repaired. Metal panels eliminate these costs, and are also much easier to initially install. Not to mention their energy efficiency. The savings that come with metal panels are unbeatable!
  • Sustainability: Metal panels are made of recycled materials, and are simultaneously 100% recyclable at the end of your building’s life. We all know how important sustainable practices are in a World with limited resources.

Can You House Livestock Within Metal Paneled Buildings?

When considering metal panels for a barn or other animal enclosures, you should bare in mind that animal waste has high ammonia content that can corrode metal in as little as five years. With roofs, this corrosion is fueled by airborne fumes. On walls, the culprit is manure or dirt lying against the panels for extended periods. You can minimize both problems with good ventilation and regular maintenance, including keeping the panels clean and immediately repairing any damage.

Ready to explore the metal panel options for your agricultural building? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Why Metal Panels Are Gaining Popularity

5 Reasons Why Metal Panels Are Gaining In Popularity

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A quality rooftop is undoubtedly one of the most important factors when it comes to a building’s features. Your roof is your first line of defense when it comes to bad weather, maintains your home’s temperature, and prevents energy loss. Your roof should stand the test of time. Because of the high demands our rooftops are subjected to, great strides have been made to improve their material’s quality and durability. Enter the metal roof, which since it’s classic use has now been redesigned, streamlined, and optimized for both performance and aesthetics. So why the surge in popularity?

Design Aesthetics: 

Metal’s sophisticated, polished, and modern appearance is likely the biggest reason why it’s become so popular, offering nearly unmatched design choices. Metal roofs come in a comprehensive range of colors and styles. There are even finishes that mimic other materials such as clay! No other roofing material can provide you with the design options that metal can.

Energy Efficiency:

If there is one trend that’s not going away, it’s energy efficiency. And metal roofing is known to be one of the best when it comes to that category. That alone is a large reason why so many homeowners are making the transition to metal rooftops today. And why they will be used so widely in the future.

Solar Ready:

The long term benefits of solar panels are unmatched. Not only do they pay for themselves, but they also put less strain on the Earth’s resources. While solar panels can be installed on any roof, it’s a very complex process to do so. However, metal rooftops are an excellent option for solar panel installation thanks to their natural heat conduction and better structure.

Strength in Tough Weather Conditions: 

A metal roof is built to withstand inclement weather. Seriously. Hurricanes? Wildfires? Tornadoes? No problem. So, if weather is a problem in your area, there are very few options that can compete with metal roofing.

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of metal roofing? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Types of Metal Wall Panels

Types of Metal Wall Panels

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Metal wall panels are one of the most impactful revolutions in the use of architecture today. These panels bring a plethora of benefits, including longevity, weather resistance, and ease of installation. Metal wall panels also possess a high level of design freedom, coming in a variety of styles that bring their own individual benefits. Today we will take a look at some of the available types of metal wall panel systems.

Single Skin Metal

Single Skin Panels are one of the most popular systems in construction for a metal wall. These inexpensive panels come in a wide selection of profiles and design, including concealed or exposed fasteners. Concealed systems provide a clean, modern aesthetic. While the more inexpensive exposed system can be installed quicker. That being said, continuous insulation products must be added to both options to provide thermal protection.

Insulated Metal Panels

Insulated metal panels are known for providing exceptional insulation. These panels streamline the installation process and save money because their interior and exterior faces both act as a finished surface. Their foam cores are responsible for their insulating properties, and IMPs have been used in hospitals, airports, stadiums, and more!

Plate Panels

Plate Panels are one of the most versatile, functional, and high performing systems available. These panels can be manipulated to create one of a kind buildings by manipulating curves, tapers, depths, and more. Plate panels are also highly impact resistant and durable compared to some of the other available systems.

Metal Faced Composite Panels

Metal faced composite panels feature two thin metal sheets attached to a thermoplastic core. While similar to IMPs, metal faced composite panels provide no thermal insulation. They are also not as resistant to impact as plate panels. However, they are a more cost effective solution to alternative panels.

All metal panels boast a wide range of applications and can achieve a number of aesthetic styles. The deciding factor for which panel system to choose will ultimately come down to your requirements and budget. For more information on metal panel systems, contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Tips For Designing With IMPs

Top Tips For Designing With Insulated Metal Panels

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Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) can be used on virtually any type of facility as an exterior or interior cladding system. In terms of design, IMPs offer construction teams numerous benefits! These benefits include easy installation, continuous barrier to the elements, and even the minimization of heating and cooling costs! In order to get the most out of this efficient and cost-effective system, it is important for designers to pay close attention to how the IMPs interface with the rest of the building. In this article we’ve comprised our Top Tips for Designing With Insulated Metal Panels to help your building achieve optimal performance!

Tip 1: Avoid Thermal Bridging

Thermal bridging occurs when one material spanning from the exterior of the wall to the interior of the wall is more conductive than the other materials around it. This displacement creates a bridge through the wall’s thermal barrier, allowing for the accelerated flow of heat, leading to condensation and eventually deterioration. How can one combat thermal bridging? Paying attention to joint detailing, roof to wall transitions, and transitions from IMPs to other materials. 

Tip 2: Select A Proper Sealant

Sealants are a critical component to the overall IMP system. The exterior metal on the IMP will naturally expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can cause panels to bow and shift. A proper sealant will provide durability and flexibility that help withstand this strain on sealant joints. Design teams should carefully consider the climate, solar exposure, wind exposure, and humidity exposure when selecting sealant joints. The sealant should be able to withstand climatic conditions as well as anticipated structural movement.

Tip 3: Seal From Air And Water

Windows and doors provide an opening for air and water to get in. It is essential that these openings are properly detailed to prevent exposure to climatic conditions. Design teams and contractors should also pay special attention to wall to roof transitions and other penetration areas, such as vents, security cameras, etc. 

IMPs are an excellent way to clad a building in energy efficient materials. In order to make the most of this material, designers and contractors should work closely to ensure the quality and integrity of the IMP system. We hope our tips help! For more information on IMPs, contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

architectural-shingles

Top Advantages of Metal Wall Panels

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Metal walls, most often used in commercial construction, are quickly finding unique uses in residential construction as well. This is because they offer an abundance of design capabilities, as well as providing a sustainable barrier to the natural elements. In this article we will take a closer look at metal wall panels, and the many different advantages they offer.

DIVERSITY

Metal wall panels provide a unique and modern aesthetic to the exterior or interior of any building. Metal wall panels can also be customized to any shape or width, color or finish, and can be curved or bent. Their limitless ability to be shaped into different patterns makes creating whatever desired aesthetic you want achievable. 

WITHSTANDS THE ELEMENTS

Metal wall panels are strong! They can help in the event of a fire by acting as a barrier to prevent the fire from spreading and by insulating the affected area. Metal wall panels also act as a barrier to the rain, preventing water leaking to other building materials and subjecting them to mold or decay. Their durability and varying levels of hardness can also stand up to elements such as wind or hail.

ECO FRIENDLY

We’ve said it once and we will say it again – metal walls are super sustainable! This eco-friendly material reduces the stress on earth’s resources, is 100% recyclable, and is great for improving the energy efficiency of your home or business.

AFFORDABLE

Metal wall panels can typically be installed more easily and quickly than their brick or granite counterparts. Metal panels are also lighter, requiring far less support from the overall structure, thus lessening construction costs. Maintaining your metal wall panels is also relatively simple as they keep their durability and color for decades.

So there you have it! Metal wall panels are not only good for the Earth, but they offer affordability, time-proven performance, and endless diverse aesthetic options. These advantages of metal wall panels make them a great decision for any home or business owner to use in the construction or renovation of their building. If you are ready to upgrade the paneling in your home or business, contact our experts at 855.838.9393 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.