With an IMP, the outer steel is adhered to the foam core, making the panel thicker. The stress from the fastener, which would cause surface distortion, does not have an impact because the concealed fasteners are attached to the assembly rather than to a singular layer of steel. The possibility of oil canning is rare if not eliminated, and the panels maintain their appearance for the entire lifespan of the building.
Additionally, IMPs integrate seamlessly with windows, louvers, and roofing, delivering an unbroken exterior appearance. Specifying IMPs means the option to select integrated windows, and they eliminate thermal breaks using the same joints as the panels. The integrated windows minimize thermal conduction and deliver a fully sealed joint to guarantee weathertight performance. For contemporary new construction and modernizing retrofit projects, IMPs offer durable aesthetics with finishes fit for the surroundings.
The need for sustainability
Achieving greater efficiency and sustainability on construction projects starts with a system designed to stand the test of time. IMPs address stringent codes by providing superior continuous insulation (ci) while offering desired design flexibility. With R-values up to R-70, IMPs easily meet energy codes requirements for every North American climate zone.
Depending on the application, the increased insulation and reduced air leakage for IMP assemblies can achieve significant energy savings as high as 22 percent, according to manufacturer tests. Regulating the four control layers of water, air, vapor, and thermal, is critical to high performance.
The airtight, watertight systems mean aggressive heating and cooling systems are not needed to maintain comfortable interior temperatures. In addition, most standard color options for IMP roof panels meet or exceed Solar Reflective Index (SRI) requirements to reduce the Heat Island Effect. The Heat Island Effect occurs in urbanized areas experiencing higher temperatures than outlying areas, due to structures such as buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorbing and remitting the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes, such as forests and water. IMPs are available in colors with paint formulations containing infrared reflective pigments, providing solar reflectance on low or steep slope applications.
Moreover, according to IMP Alliance, steel is the most recycled material in the world, and more than 35 percent of IMP steel is recycled. The high thermal efficiency of IMPs further reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and contributes toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits. The panels can also be disassembled, moved, and reused, meaning less material waste in renovations or expansions. All these qualities lead to a lower embodied carbon footprint, and reduced transportation emissions, when compared to concrete and mineral wool.
