When using IMPs, there may be times when freezing temperatures or high winds pose limiting construction factors; however, in most cases, this building material allows a structure to be erected quickly, allowing other trades to start working inside a sheltered space. Of course, the timeline depends on the building type, size, design, panel detail, quantity of materials. Once installed, these panels require little maintenance. They can be easily washed without fear of damage from cleaning materials and/or chemicals.
Manufacturers have also expanded their offerings to include more profiles, colours, and textures, to provide architects and building owners with more attractive options. A better esthetic enhances a structure’s appearance, making IMPs a desirable option for architects who are designing commercial buildings and need to meet city guidelines. These panels are available with a smooth or stucco-like finish and offer flexibility, as they can be installed horizontally or vertically with interchangeable profile joinery, which offers unlimited design possibilities. The tongue and groove fastening of IMPs is consistent from profile to profile, allowing the owner and design team to detail panels and interchange profiles to achieve a desired esthetic.
Mike Weaver, CSI, CDT, is the eastern regional sales manager for Metl-Span, a manufacturer of insulated building panel products in Lewisville, Texas. He has been with the company for more than four years and is currently responsible for direction and management of all sales and business development operations. He can be reached via e-mail at meweaver@metlspan.com.
Michael Moore is the president of Architectural MetalReps LLC, a commercial and industrial manufacturers’ representative firm based in Atlanta, Ga. He started the company in 1992 after serving as an inside sales representative for a manufacturer of architectural roofing and wall systems in Dallas, Texas. In 2013, he took over Metl-Span’s commercial and industrial territory in the southeast U.S. He can be reached via e-mail at moore@metalreps.com.
