What Are Metal Wall Panels

What Are Metal Wall Panels?

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Thanks to their many benefits, metal wall panels have seen a huge surge in popularity over recent years. Knowing what these panels are, the various types available to you, and how they are used can help you decide if metal panels are right for you.

What Are Metal Wall Panels Made Of?

One of the more popular metals used in commercial construction is steel, but wall panels can be made from a variety of materials, including: Aluminum, Copper, Stainless Steel or Steel, Titanium, and Zinc. Each material comes with it’s own pros and cons. For example, copper fares well in areas with high exposure to saltwater.

What Are The Specific Types Of Metal Wall Panels?

  • Single Skin Metal Panels:
    • Single skin metal panels are a single interlocking layer of metal that has been roll formed or preformed into the desired profile. Single Skin Panels offer quicker installation than other metal panel systems, and can be insulated as well. However, since they are less rigid than other types of metal wall panels, they are still very susceptible to damage, especially at ground level.
  • Metal Composite Material (MCM) Metal Panels:
    • MCM panels are formed by bonding two metal skins to a core. The end product is a metal/plastic composite with greater benefits than just using a solid metal panel of the same thickness. They are more balanced than other panels, and retain their shape even after installation. MCMs are also versatile, with the ability to be curved in different shapes and used on multiple types of buildings.
  • Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs):
    • As the name suggests, this metal wall panel is made with an insulating foam center that is surrounded by two aluminum or steel panels. IMPs tight seal makes them an excellent choice for climate-controlled facilities. Like other panels, IMPs come in numerous colors, widths, and finishes while also providing superior energy-efficient insulation.

We hope that this gives you a better idea how metal wall panels are used, why they might be a better option to use in certain situations, and which type might best suit your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our qualified team for answers. We can be reached 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.

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs

Pros And Cons of Metal Roofing For Homes

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Your roof may be in need of a total makeover, or perhaps you are choosing roofing for a newly constructed home. Either way, there are many materials available to you. Metal is one of the most attractive roofing options for residential homes today. This is due to their longevity, minimal maintenance and energy efficiency. What other advantages come with metal roofing? 

Advantages of Metal Roofing

  • Metal roofs come in a wide variety of styles and materials to suit any design preference. Material choices include steel (galvanized, galvalume or weathering), aluminum, copper, zinc, or tin. Style choices allow you to have the look of shingles, slate, tile, shakes or vertical panels.
  • Metal roofs have an unbeatable lifespan, often lasting anywhere from 50 to 100 years. By comparison, asphalt roofing materials have an expected shelf life of 12 to 20. This means more maintenance, or more replacement, and more money spent. That being said, the roof should be inspected periodically to ensure everything is in good condition.
  • Metal panels are one of the most durable materials out there. They undergo rigorous standards for impact resistance, can withstand high gusts of wind, and fluctuate more easily with changes in temperature. 
  • Metal panels are environmentally friendly. They are both made from recycled materials and 100% recyclable. On top of that, metal panels are energy efficient. They can result in a 10% to 25% reduction in cooling costs. 

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

  • While metal roofs come with a host of advantages, there are some potential drawbacks. These include:
  • High Initial Cost. Metal panels are an investment. They are best suited for your “forever” home, as the cost benefits work out over time. 
  • Noisy. Metal roofs are noisier than other materials, mainly during rain or hailstorms. Choosing an insulated panel can help with this. 
  • Inconsistency. Oftentimes panels experience slight variations in color. This is especially true if you need to repair a hole years later – it may be difficult to find an exact match. 

With a full list of pros and cons, you can more easily make a decision on whether or not a metal roof is suitable for your home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our qualified team for answers. We can be reached at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Insulated Metal Panel Benefits

Benefits of Insulated Metal Panels

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Insulated metal panels are an excellent investment for modern construction projects. These panels offer an abundance of design capabilities, contribute to higher building energy efficiency, and last for decades. Wondering what other benefits insulated metal panels can bring to your home or building? Read on to find out!

Durable

IMP’s are EXTREMELY durable. They often withstand impacts from hail, handle temperature fluctuations well, and are not susceptible to damage from high heat or fires. Their sealing system is excellent at preventing damage from water, and their neutral nature makes them unattractive to pests, such as termites, who would otherwise pose a threat to the materials integrity.

Eco-Friendly

IMP’s are often made from recycled materials, while simultaneously being 100% recyclable. Meaning overall making and using these metal panels puts less stress on the Earth’s resources. They also contribute to better energy efficiency of a building, making it easy to acquire those LEED Certifications and save on energy costs! 

Wide Variety

IMP’s wide variety of colors, finishes and profiles offer a generous palette of design choices. Whether you’re going for copper or zinc will depend on your climate, budget, and personal taste. But whichever material you use, you can bet it will look great for decades! 

Long Lasting

Because insulated metal panels are so durable, they can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years! This makes them a great investment compared to other materials which may only last 10 to 20.

Easy To Install, Easy To Maintain

These panels are easier to install than other materials, especially ones which require drywall. Similarly, they are also easy to maintain. Insulated metal panels should undergo cleaning and inspection at least once per year. But general maintenance includes wiping the surface and checking seal areas for weakness.

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

Hole Repair In Metal Roof

Can a Hole in a Metal Roof Be Repaired?

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Your metal roof panels have an expected lifespan of 50 to 100 years – a shelf life that is unrivaled in the roofing material industry. But like most materials which are consistently exposed to weather and the elements, metal roofs eventually require maintenance and repair. Over time you may find yourself dealing with deterioration, rust, or unforeseen accidents such as a branch falling on your roof. If you find yourself dealing with a hole in your metal roofing, rest assured that this problem IS fixable! When done properly, repairs can last as long as the roof system itself. To ensure a job well done, our experienced team of professionals have put together a step by step process for repairing holes in your metal roof yourself.

Prior To Beginning Repairs

Underlying structural issues can be indicated by a hole in the system. Be sure to complete a thorough under-deck safety review and roof analysis before attempting repairs. You should also be sure to match the patching material with your existing metal roof to prevent cracking and splitting. Using the same materials will ensure the panels have the same rate of contraction and expansion, avoiding stress on the repair site.

Pre-Clean The Repair Area Before Scuffing

The first step to any good repair is cleaning the area with a cleaner that a residue free cleaner.  After the panels are free from dirt, film, or algae growth, use a wire brush to scuff the repair area. This will help the sealant bond to the metal. Make sure to avoid scuffing other areas of the roof, as this removes the protective coating from the panel’s surface.

Measure, Cut, Round

You will need to measure the repair area so the patch can easily cover the hole as well as overlap 2” in all directions. After the sheet metal patch has been cut, round the corners with a file or emery cloth. This prevents corners from catching snow, ice, or other debris which can damage the structural integrity of the repair.

Install The Patch

Liberally apply a urethane sealant to the surface of the panel being repaired, leaving no gaps. Press the patch over the damaged area, being sure to squeeze sealant from the edge of the patch along all sides. If there is an area without sealant, moisture can penetrate under the patch. Secure the patch into place using pan-head sheet metal screws. The screws should be placed 1″ inside the patch from the edge, and every 3-4″ around.

We hope you found our tips for repairing holes in metal roofing useful. For more DIY tips, contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Basics of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

The Basics of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

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Long gone are the days of asphalt shingles being the only available, and affordable, roofing material on the market. Enter Standing Seam Metal Roofs! Once confined to commercial buildings or coveted by luxurious residential structures, standing seam metal roofs are now widely available to consumers. So what is this up and coming roofing material of choice? In this article we will cover the basics of standing seam metal roofs, and how they compare to their asphalt counterparts.

How Do Asphalt Shingles Compare? 

Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials available. However, since these shingles are derived from petroleum, their cost is largely dependent on oil prices. Secondly, asphalt shingles are by far less durable than Standing Seam roofing. The mineral based service decomposes with every season, and actions such as power watching speed up the process. Standing seam metal roofs are a completely different material. The initial difference in cost is easily made up by the metal’s durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

What Is A Standing Seam Metal Roof? 

Standing seam is a specific type of metal roofing that raises the seams above the level of the roof. The majority of metal roofs you see tend to be standing seam. In this style, continuous panels run from the ridge of the roof to the eaves, connected by raised fasteners. Keeping these seams above water level, as opposed to flush-mounted panels or asphalt shingles, is a top advantage of this style. Standing seam metal roofing also uses fewer seams because the metal panels run uninterrupted from the top to the bottom of the roof.

Durability is also a key factor in standing seam metal roofing. However, these panels are not impervious to damage. Fallen limbs and other high impact dents can cause holes which will need to be repaired. However with the proper maintenance, these roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Other benefits include metal panels ability to prevent solar heat absorption, as well as provide a sleek and modern aesthetic with an array of color choices.

This roofing material is not without it’s disadvantages. Standing seam roofs cannot be used on flat roofs due to the flat pitches. Metal is also considered a more expensive material than it’s asphalt counterpart.

Looking to upgrade your roofing system to a more durable material? Contact our qualified team of professionals 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.

Metal Roof Upgrade

Can Roofing Be Upgraded With Metal Panels?

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If you need to repair or replace a damaged roof, you may be wondering if upgrading to a metal roofing system is the answer. We’re here to tell you it is! In this article we will discuss the advantages of metal panels when it comes to restoring your building’s roof and what options are available to you.

1. Cost Effective

If you are avoiding replacing your roof due to the cost of removing the existing one, we have good news! There are metal panels specially designed to be installed directly over an existing roof. This retrofit system is not only cost-effective. but the need for fewer construction components also saves on installation time. Did we mention the new roof warranty? An advantage to consider when thinking of repairing versus replacing.

2. Variety of Options

Worried about the aesthetic of your building when considering a new roof? Don’t worry! These versatile metal panels come in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. With endless options available, you can be sure to find a panel that suits your taste.

3. Conserve Energy

Another advantage of upgrading to metal roof panels is energy conservation. Metal roofs are known to keep buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This benefit can be enhanced when adding insulation during your upgrade. Sub-purlins can be installed that not only support a new layer of roofing, but also eliminate the need to remove an existing roof, all while improving the energy performance of the building.

4. Ability to Alter the Roof Slope

Metal roofing systems are by far the most economical choice if you need to alter the slope of your roof. The existing structural system will play a role in determining the geometry and shape of the new roof, however, improving the drainage system and overall appearance of the roof is more than possible.


All of these options are available to be used over an existing roofing system and provide energy benefits, making metal panels a superior choice when it comes to replacing your roof. For more information on metal roofing panels, contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

How To Prevent Rust On Metal Roof

How To Prevent Rust On Metal Roofing Panels

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Metal panels are one of the most popular options for roofing materials today. They are durable, long lasting, and relatively maintenance free! However, metal panels also come with a risk of rusting or corroding when they have been exposed to oxygen and humidity. Luckily, you can prevent your metal roof from succumbing to unwanted damage with a few simple actions. Let’s take a look at how to prevent rust on metal roofing!

Invest In High Quality Panels

The first step to preventing rust or corrosion on your metal roof is to invest in a high quality panel that is made with a certain level of zinc. Zinc will provide the panels with protection against rust, rain, snow, and even heat. 

Hire A Professional Team For Installation

Choose a reliable and professional team of roofers to take care of the installation. Ideally the installation team should examine the panels upon arrival at the job site for any signs of damage, discoloration, or rust. A trusted installation team knows that small details will make a difference! Such as avoiding writing on the panels with pencils and removing the leftover metal shavings after drilling. 

Paint Or Coat Your Metal Roof Panels

Painting your metal roof with a primer that contains at least 80% zinc is a great way to ensure your panels will not rust. You can also can create a barrier that seals your panels using an elastomeric coating. Both paint and elastomeric coating come in a variety of colors to choose from, making them extremely versatile options for any home! Galvanizing your panels with liquified zinc is another option for preventing rust and corrosion, as well as extending the life of your panels.

Avoid Contact With Dissimilar Metals

Did you know the condensation from your HVAC unit can react negatively with your metal panels? Runoff and contact with other metals – such as copper in roof jacks or lead in pipe flashing – can also cause damage to your roof. Carefully consider how objects such as metal signage and solar panels are attached to your roof, if they need to be at all.


With proactive selection, installation, and maintenance, you can be sure your metal roof panels will stay rust-free for many years to come! For more information, contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.