Insulated metal panels, also commonly known as IMPs, are popular within many applications and industries for cold storage warehouses. With varying insulated metal panel types to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, it is crucial to identify your project requirements to select the best insulated metal panel for your project. To compare insulated metal panels, one must take multiple factors into consideration.
In this blog we explain the different types of insulated metal panels, their advantages and disadvantages and a comparison to help you make an informed decision about what IMP panel is best for your project.
What is An IMP?
Insulated metal panels or IMPs are versatile insulated building panels used in a wide range of industries to meet the need of many applications, often being used for refrigerated warehouses.
IMPs are manufactured with two steel skins that sandwich an insulated core made from either expanded polystyrene, polyurethane or mineral wool.
IMPs are used in interior and exterior applications as they are versatile and can serve various projects. Insulated metal panels can span further than framed panels making them more suitable for large scale applications such as refrigerated warehouses, food processing and large-scale controlled temperature facilities.
Insulated Metal Panel Types
There are three insulated metal panel types that are common among most industries and applications, these include EPS Panels (Expanded Polystyrene), Polyurethane IMPs and Mineral Wool IMPS.
EPS Panels
Expanded Polystyrene panels are manufactured with two metal skins and an insulated core comprised of expanded polystyrene. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels offer a thermally efficient foam-to-foam contact with a tongue and groove joint.
These panels are manufactured in a range of thicknesses to meet the need of cold storage project specifications ranging from 2” to 10”.
EPS cores can span longer distance without structural support compared to other metal panels making them a smart choice for interior applications such as:
- Horticulture Rooms
- Clean Rooms
- Plasma Banks
- Controlled Environments
- Distribution Warehouses
- Food Processing Facilities
EPS Insulated Metal Panel finishes are offered in a 26 gauge or mesa profile and are recommended based on project cost requirements. With EPS Insulated Metal Panels manufactured to length, cuts in the field are required during the installation process.
Advantages of EPS Panels
- Customization: Multiple thicknesses and sizes are available to meet project specifications.
- Lightweight: EPS Panels are lightweight compared to other panel options available, making them easier to handle and install.
- Versatile: Expanded Polystyrene Panels can be used as walls and tops.
Disadvantages of EPS Panels
- Thermal Capacity: While EPS Panels offer good thermal efficiency, projects that require higher R-Values may shy away from EPS Panels as they do not offer the best R-Value per inch of foam compared to other panel cores.
- Fragile: Compared to other panel types, EPS panels are considered fragile and more susceptible to dents and dings.
Polyurethane IMPs
Polyurethane IMPs are manufactured with a steel skin and a Class 1 Urethane core. They are well-suited for exterior/interior walls and ceiling applications. The lightly corrugated profile on both faces creates symmetry on the outside of the building and room to room within. The minor rib provides a flattened appearance.
Polyurethane Insulated Metal Panels are ideal for cold storage, commercial, scientific, and industrial applications. Insulated metal panels are not prefabricated to exact dimensions therefore cuts in the field are required and will increase installation cost.
Advantages of Polyurethane IMPs
- R-Value: Highest R-value Per Inch over other IMP options offering the superior R-value of 7.08 and 7.48
- Customization: Polyurethane IMPs are available in various thicknesses and metal options.
Disadvantages of Polyurethane IMPs
- Not Prefabricated: Polyurethane IMPs are not manufactured to exact dimensions which means they require field-cut installation.
Mineral Wool IMPs
Mineral Wool Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are panels specifically designed for fire resistant wall applications and thermal efficiency.
Compared to other foam core IMPs, these have a mineral wool core that is designed for increased fire-resistance for 1-hour, 2-hour and 3-hour fire rating.
Advantages of Mineral Wool IMPs
- Mineral Wool insulated metal panels are available at a higher level fire-rating than other insulated metal panels.
- Excellent moisture barrier, so in the case of water entering the IMP, the core mineral wool insulation is water repellent.
Disadvantages of Mineral Wool IMPs
- Lower R-Value Than Other Solutions
Cam-Lock Panels
Cam-Lock Polyurethane Insulated Panel systems may not be considered an IMP however they are used similarly in cold storage, warehouse, and large-scale applications.
Cam-Lock insulated panels are manufactured with wood-framed or polyurethane framed and filled with poured-in-place polyurethane foam resulting in a higher R-value than traditional IMPs.
Cam-Lock panels are designed with exact dimensions to meet project requirements with tongue and groove frames that allow for fast on-site assembly.
While Cam-Lock panels require a higher investment upfront, the ease of installation, R-value, and customization options available make these a smart choice for a wide range of projects.
Advantages of Cam-Lock Panels
- Built To Exact Dimensions: Cam-Lock insulated panels are built to spec.
- Easy Installation: Cam-Lock Fasters make for quick installation.
- Thermal Performance: High R-value per inch of 7.19 for cooler panels and 8.06 for freezer panels.
- Ability to disassemble to expand or retract Space
Disadvantages of Cam-Lock Panels
- Higher Investment Up Front
Comparison Of IMPS
Below is a breakdown of the three primary types of insulated panels in our industry including EPS, IMP and Cam-Lock panels. It is important to identify the application that best fits the project specifications required.
As shown in the insulated panel comparison chart below, it is important to consider the different variables including R-value, span length and applications of each insulated panel type when analyzing options.
Contact KPS Global For All Of Your Insulated Metal Panel Needs
Reach out to cold storage experts at KPS Global to discuss the best product or combination of products for your application. When you choose KPS Global, you are choosing more than one product.
You are choosing our expertise, broad product offerings, in-house design and engineering teams along with five strategically placed locations for quick lead times. This is why dealers work with KPSG repeatedly.
