Building for the future with insulated metal panels

Although ISO core panels perform very well in fire tests and meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM) fire safety standards, panels with a stone wool core are increasingly in demand for their superior fire-resistant properties. Fire-rated stone wool core panels are made from fiber composed of natural basalt and recycled slag. Non-combustible insulated panels can offer 45 minutes to three hours of fire protection rating, depending on panel thickness, making them the ideal choice for government institutions (such as hospitals, schools, and residences), as well as in cities where buildings stand in close proximity to neighboring structures.

These panels are also recognized for exceeding the most stringent building criteria for air and water infiltration. The double butyl gasket (interior and exterior) is factory installed and subject to strict quality control (QC) to guarantee reliably superior sealing and reduce labor on the jobsite. The gasket design features a cavity that simulates a pressure-balanced rainscreen system. As with ISO core panels, stone wool core panels can be used outdoors or indoors, depending on the project’s specifications. Its inorganic natural materials make it an environmentally friendly and fully recyclable panel.

IMPs are a turnkey solution for a variety of venues and applications, including manufacturing facilities, distribution warehouses, equipment maintenance buildings, aircraft hangars, educational or religious facilities, hospitals, sports complexes, aquatic centers, retail venues, agricultural or industrial buildings, supermarkets and convenience stores, hospitality and catering venues, cold storage spaces, and other controlled atmosphere rooms.

Building for tomorrow

A perfect match between strength and beauty, versatility and efficiency, IMPs allows designers to stay ahead of current and future industry trends in a competitive market. They help achieve more with less material and bring the architectural vision to life with boundless design possibilities. With their strict QC and superior airtightness, pre-assembled continuous panels offer peace of mind, from installation to long-term maintenance. The best building design is one that enhances the safety and wellbeing of its occupants, and of the environment, while elevating architecture to new aesthetic heights. IMPs have introduced the industry to a new season—and a new standard—in construction.

Note

¹ See www.greenbuildermedia.com/blog/insulation-r-values-chart.

Author

Alexandre Bélisle is the director of research and development and technical services for Norbec. He joined the company more than 15 years ago after completing a mechanical engineering technology diploma. Being active in different roles within the organization helped him expand his knowledge of insulated metal panels (IMPs), from manufacturing to installation. While working at Norbec, Bélisle attended Université du Québec à Montréal to solidify his management skills and completed his bachelor’s in business administration. He is a current member of the Metal Construction Association – Insulated Metal Panel (MCA – IMP) Committee and has been involved in multiple projects in North America for both walk-in cooler and freezer, and architectural divisions.