DENVER, CO (December 6, 2007)— Insulated Metal Panels (IMP) are becoming the best solution to meet increasing thermal performance standards in the United States due to its thermal efficiency and energy conservation capabilities, as well as its high performance, reduced erection time, and aesthetics. The efforts of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) to expand the use of metal in construction through marketing, technology, and education, has recently taken steps to make architects, architectural students, universities, and builders more aware of benefits of insulated metal panels. With a recent increase in thermal efficiency requirements, solutions such as these are more important than ever.
The 2007 American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1 Standard, scheduled for release, increases insulation efficiency requirements by 10% over the current standard, which was established in 2004.
The new standard breaks the continental United States into three zones—A, B, and C. In 2004, Zone A, which starts at the U.S./Canada border and heads southward, accounted for less than 10% of the U.S. It also had the highest insulation requirement in the country with a necessary R-rating of 15.6. With the new ASHRAE standard, Zone A now covers 75% of the U.S., making it necessary for the implementation of new building materials. Methods and deadlines for adoption of the new standard will vary by state but changes must be made.
The current multi-component practice of insulating walls in a metal stud cavity performs better than walls with no insulation, but they are not energy efficient options. Putting the insulation outboard of the studs isn’t foolproof, as construction clips and brackets can penetrate and jeopardize a wall’s performance. However, using one-piece factory formed systems, such as IMPs, prevents air spaces and thermal bridging which allows for optimal thermal performance above multi-component assemblies.
With energy accounting for approximately 39% of expenses for commercial buildings, thermal efficiency of exterior walls has become a key concern among architects and builders. Insulation placed within the stud cavity can be as little as 33% effective in its thermal efficiency. In contrast, IMPs can provide up to 95% thermal efficiency. A lightweight, single component, factory-foam IMP installed outboard of a building’s metals studs is an excellent alternative.
The single panel system includes an insulated foam core, steel exterior, continuous interior metal liner, double tongue-and-groove joinery and concealed clips and fasteners. The panels can be used for the entirety of an exterior wall or they can be used in conjunction with other wall systems. They are effective in any climate.
MCA spokesperson, Scott Kriner, states, “Now, with new energy codes and moisture control concerns, insulated metal panels provide a unique high performance solution in a compact product, eliminating other materials and reducing field labor.” As ASHRAE improves standards for U.S. building codes, so must architects improve upon material selection to meet these standards. IMPs meet the ASHRAE standards, enhance construction performance, and ensure increased quality in buildings for the future.
ASHRAE is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and “develops standards for both its members and others professionally concerned with refrigeration processes and the design and maintenance of indoor environments.” These standards are used to establish methods useable in commerce, which will guide the industry. ASHRAE publishes three standards: the Method of Measurement or Test, Standard Design, and Standard Practice. ASHRAE.org goes on to explain:
“ASHRAE does not write rating standards unless a suitable rating standard will not otherwise be available. Consensus standards are developed and published to define minimum values or acceptable performance, whereas other documents, such as design guides, may be developed and published to encourage enhanced performance.”
About Metal Construction Association (MCA)
Founded in 1983, MCA strives to expand the use of metal in construction through marketing, technology, and education. As a metal in construction industry organization, MCA’s members can develop and implement both macro and micro programs and activities to promote the use of metal in construction. MCA offers its members a unique opportunity in focusing industry efforts to increase the use of metal through innovation. For more information, visit www.metalconstruction.org.
