Tag: metal panels

Alternative Uses for Metal Panels

Using Metal Panels Outside of Roofing

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The material that has been taking the construction industry by storm! Metal panels have become quite the buzzword lately – especially in farmhouse and industrial style buildings. Coveted for their strength, versatility, and energy efficiency, metal panels are being used more and more as an alternative building material. Forget asphalt shingle roofs and plaster drywalls. Metal panels can be used for both! And oh so much more:

Metal Moulding

Used for more than roofing, metal panels also make excellent fifth walls! You can use metal panels to create an industrial style ceiling, or along the edges of the ceiling and wall for contrast. You can even use metal panels to create focal points over lighting fixtures or delineating spaces in buildings with open floor plans. Add strips of LED lighting for extra pizazz.

Metal Accent Wall

What better way to create contrast or texture than with a metal panel? These panels can be used to create backdrops in gardens or other outer areas of a structure. While colorful panels can be used to add pops of color in open spaces. Coming in a variety of styles and finishes, some panels can even be used to mimic other materials, such as wood.

Metal Wainscoting

Nothing adds a modern touch quite like metal wainscoting! This interior accent has become increasingly popular in commercial and restaurant spaces, especially those in more heavily developed towns. When used in small spaces, this design technique can make the room appear larger than it is.

Paneled Kitchen Island

Islands already make a statement. Make a bigger one by using textured or sleek metal panels along your kitchen island! They can even be used in commercial kitchen applications due to their impermeable surface. Other interior applications using metal panels could be a kitchen or bathroom backsplash, or metal cabinetry.

While these are just a few ideas, the true possibility of metal panels are endless! If you can dream it up, a metal panel can likely make it happen. Are you ready to utilize metal panels in unique and exciting ways within your building? Contact our team today to learn more. We will be happy to answer any of your questions at info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com or 1.855.838.9393.

Which Projects Are Best For IMPs

Which Projects Are Best For IMPs?

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Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are the ultimate option for a single step, factory insulated, energy saving construction material. IMPs are an all-in-one single element panel system that can be used for walls, partitions, ceilings, and even roof applications. The leading innovative structural material, metal panels are durable, economical and quick to install. So which construction projects find themselves utilizing IMPs the most?

Commercial or Industrial Buildings

Recreational buildings, manufacturing facilities, even institutional and government buildings are all excellent candidates for construction with IMP. Large schools or retail centers can directly benefit from the excellent insulation and energy efficiency of IMPs. The ease of installation means these buildings can also be completed more quickly than when using traditional construction materials. 

Architecturally Unique Buildings

From an architectural design standpoint, IMPs offer a superior advantage. With these panels, architects can incorporate tailored shapes, unique colors or finishes, and an endless array of custom fabrication. This can mean curved panels, trimless ends, or unexpected integrated materials. When incorporating IMPs, you are also incorporating multiple applications and design opportunities. Designers and architects everywhere can truly create one-of-a-kind buildings.

Climate Controlled Facilities

IMPs are considered the ultimate solution for climate-controlled facilities. Whether that’s a greenhouse, storage building, distribution facility, or a manufacturing plant. IMPs have the ability to meet your specific thermal performance need. Aside from varying thicknesses, high performance coatings can be applied to improve the buildings energy efficiency. For buildings dealing with perishable items, special panels and joint designs can be utilized to meet hygiene and contamination requirements.

Insulated Roofs

Roofs constructed with IMPs provide the greatest insulation, simplest maintenance, and longest life. Add in that roofs also boast the quickest installation for commercial and industrial roofing applications. The essentially two-step installation process speeds means less labor and reduces the materials required for construction; lowering the overall carbon footprint of the roof.

Top of the line insulation, accelerated construction timelines, and environmentally responsible; there really is no building project that wouldn’t benefit from utilizing Insulated Metal Panels. Are you considering IMPs for your next building project? Contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Metal Wall Panels

How Metal Panels Reduce Construction Costs

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With their simplicity of concept, design flexibility, efficient construction, and long-term performance, it is easy to see why metal panels are the superior choice for today’s buildings. In fact, metal panels have even proven themselves to reduce construction costs. Why are these metal panels so much more cost effective than other building materials? Let’s find out!

Quicker To Assemble

A building constructed using metal panels can be erected far quicker than buildings using timber or concrete. The panels arrive pre-manufactured and pre-engineered for construction. Meaning they are both easy to place and precise in measurement already. There will be no unexpected surprises or adjustments needed to be made. You can expect construction time of a building utilizing metal panels to be reduced, both by time and by dollars, by about 20% to 40%.

Metal Panels Are Cost-Effective

Metal panels are all around more cost effective than other building materials, hands down. Since they are pre-fabricated, there is very little waste leftover. Compared to the many pieces of wood or gallons of concrete leftover on some job sites. Since the panels are so lightweight, less labor is needed to erect the structure. Compare this to the many men and pieces of machinery required to assemble other buildings. Metal panels provide the opportunity to save money at every stage of the construction process.

Metal Panels Are Strong

Metal panels are strong and durable; able to withstand strong winds, repel water, and contain fire. Traditional buildings made from wood or brick, however, encounter many repair needs throughout their lifetime. Especially when faced with mold, rotting, warping, pests, and extreme weather. Metal panels also deteriorate far less quickly than brick or wood. Your metal panel structure will save countless dollars over the long term without the need for sealing, caulking, re-roofing, painting… The list goes on.

Higher Energy Efficiency

Metal buildings have been designed with keeping energy efficiency in mind. Features such as cool metal roofs help in preventing the rise of heat. Reducing the heat island effect produced by concrete and other traditional roofing material. Improving indoor air quality, increasing efficiency, and reducing the need for electricity when paired properly with windows and skylights. All of these steps lead to substantial energy conservation and cost savings in the long term.


Metal panels are the building material to choose if you want a long-standing foundation that will cost you fewer resources and money over time. Are you interested in learning more about your metal panel options? Contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Why Choose Insulated Panels For Roofing

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Once used primarily for commercial projects, metal is now one of the fastest-growing materials used for residential roofing. The Metal Roofing Alliance estimated that 750,000 metal roofs were installed in 2015 and it’s only increased since then. It’s easy to see why. Metal roofs are durable, reliable, beautiful, and they will likely last the rest of your life. Need more reasons to choose metal for your roof?

Long Life Span

A traditional asphalt shingle roof will last between 10 and 20 years. A metal roof will last at least three times that. This makes it a great choice for your forever home. It also has great resale value, so whether you’re planning to stay in your home forever or sell soon – it still makes a valuable investment.

Eco Friendly

Nothing beats metal roofs when it comes to sustainability. They are manufactured with 25-95% recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. Meanwhile, 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are sent to U.S. landfills every year.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat. This means that heat is not absorbed into your home, and your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool. Reducing cooling costs by 10 to 25%…sometimes more! Talk about efficiency.

Resale Value

Metal roofs may end up paying for themselves! Homes with metal roofs have higher resale value. This is generally because of the longevity of metal roofs, and the increased value they bring to your home.

Maintenance

Metal roofs are simple. You can rest easy against wind, hail damage, and even fire. While you should continue with your annual inspections, they don’t require as frequent maintenance as other roofing materials do.

Safety

Metal roofs are virtually indestructible and will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike. They can also stand up against other elements of Mother Nature, such as high wind, extreme temperatures, or snow and ice buildup. 

Metal Panel Thickness

What Panel Thickness Should You Choose?

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Have you ever heard the term “gauge” when referring to metal panels? Gauge is the term used to define the specific thickness of a metal panel. Like all materials used in construction, metal panels come in a wide array of sizes, shapes, colors, and gauges. One of the first decisions a person considers IMPs will have to decide on is what gauge they would like. So what exactly does that mean and how do you determine the right gauge for your project?

Range of Gauges

The thickness of metal panels can range anywhere from 22-gauge to 29-gauge, with 29 being the thinnest and 22 being the thickest. These gauges are associated with a decimal range. For example, a 26-gauge steel panel can range anywhere from 0.0179” to 0.0217.” This also means that a 26-gauge metal panel from one manufacturer may not be the same thickness as a 26-gauge metal panel from another. Although those seem like small numbers, they represent a noticeable difference in panel stiffness and strength.

When to Choose a Thinner Gauge

Almost all homes have a layer of plywood or something similar, covered by a weather-resistant barrier. In this case, the metal panels will be affixed to the sheathing as opposed to serving a structural role. A quality 29-gauge panel is more than adequate for this situation; which is why it’s used on nearly 80 percent of homes with metal panels!

When to Choose a Thicker Gauge

When a building needs to remain structurally sound without the support of sheathing, a thicker gauge is the best option. These gauges are also more forgiving in the event of an installation error, such as over-tightening screws. Thicker trim pieces also lay more accurately. A common combination amongst contractors includes 29-gauge roof and wall panels, accompanied by a 26-gauge trim. However, you can expect to pay more for thicker panels. The cost of a 26-gauge product will be about 15% higher than a 29-gauge with the same profile from the same manufacturer. 

Wondering what gauge of metal panels is right for you? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help you! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Metal Panels and Fire

Fire and Insulated Metal Panels

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Eco-friendly, lightweight, durable, and fire-resistant. Metal panels come with a multitude of benefits. However, one of these benefits is oftentimes misunderstood: a metal panels ability t to resist heat and flames. In order to fully grasp how metal panels can be a superior choice in terms of safety, one must first understand the different fire resistance ratings and capabilities of metal panels themselves.

Building Code Requirements

Safety is number one, which is why building and fire codes have been developed that determine which degree of fire resistance is required based on the situation, building type, and conditions. In the end, every wall within a structure should provide some degree of fire resistance. This gives people enough time to safely evacuate in the event of a fire. An added precaution would be choosing a material which can also help contain the fire. Preventing the spread throughout the building or neighboring structures. When planning for your structure, be sure to identify what the minimum fire resistance requirement is for your exterior and interior walls to be sure you are complying with all legal codes.

Ratings Are Based on Testing

To establish whether or not a wall meets a particular fire resistance rating, a fire test must be conducted in an independent laboratory. For IMPs, that means a manufacturer needs to submit full-size product samples to a lab, which will then carry out a standard test. The procedures and standards are intended to be the same for all similar materials to ensure an accurate fire resistance rating for each. When the products undergo the designated heat and flame under uniform laboratory conditions, then they can be classified based on how well they performed. Some products, for example, may survive the test long enough to qualify for a 1- or 2-hour rating. Others may only qualify for a 30-minute rating before succumbing to the fire.

Selecting A Fire Resistant Metal Panel

Insulated metal panels use thermoset foam cores. These cores don’t melt and have a high degree of fire resistance. With increasing demands for structures that combine contemporary aesthetics, energy efficiency, and safety, insulated metal panels are an effective choice.

Insulated metal panels offer superior fire resistance, protecting a structure’s assets and keeping people safe. Are you considering retrofitting your building with metal panels? Contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Metal Panels in 2022

Why Insulated Metal Panels Are A Great Choice In 2022

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There’s no doubt about it. Metal panels take your building to the next level. IMPs have proven to be the ultimate choice in terms of durability, versatility, and efficiency. Not only that, but IMPs come with the added benefit of sustainability. As we continue to look at how the decisions we make have lasting impacts, it would be far more surprising to not choose insulated metal panels moving into the new year. What else makes insulated metal panels a great choice for your structure in 2022?

Design Flexibility

IMPs are available in a variety of flat and corrugated surfaces suitable for exterior walls, interior walls and roofs. They come in multiple profiles that can be used in either horizontal or vertical designs and also boast a full range of colors and detail accessories that can support or enhance any design. IMPs can even come with applied finishes that create a stucco, wood or other similar aesthetic. If you’re looking for something unique, look no further than IMPs.

Environmentally Friendly

It is common for a significant portion of the steel used in IMPs to come from recycled materials. Further, the insulating properties of IMPs with significant R-values can exceed energy codes and contribute towards LEED credits. That means more efficient heating and cooling, lower bills, and the kicker? You can recycle the entire building again at the end of it’s lifespan!

Quick Construction Time

Most insulated metal panels are attached with a concealed fastener system that streamlines their installation. This allows them to be quickly installed in a single step, significantly reducing construction time. That sounds like a win-win for everyone.

Longevity

Metal buildings using IMPs have been shown to last quite well as evidenced by decades of use. Withstanding weather, fire, and, in some cases, harsh operating conditions. Depending on the local environment, their projected life could span 50 to 60 years or more.

With their simplicity of concept, design flexibility, efficient construction, and long-term performance, it is easy to see why insulated metal panels are the superior choice for buildings in 2022. For more information on IMPs, contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Why Use Metal Panels For Greenhouses?

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Greenhouses require a few things to function efficiently. Including open space, temperature control, durability, and more. Metal panels not only meet, but exceed these needs. Making them the perfect option for a greenhouse building.

Metal Panels Are Durable

The interior of a greenhouse is often humid, leading to building systems breaking down prematurely. Luckily, a galvanized metal building can stand its own against the moisture and the day to day rigors of a commercial growing operation.

Metal Buildings Are Column Free

Greenhouses need wide, open spaces to effectively support crops and store water. The column-free interior of a metal building allows all of these functions to take place while simultaneously providing flexibility in the layout of the space. 

Metal Panels Are Easily Adapted To Let In Sunlight

It goes without saying that the more sunlight, the better the crops. Glazing panels can easily be integrated with the profiles of a metal building structure to allow more natural light in.

Metal Panels Are Great For Temperature Control

While the areas facing the sun are glazed, other areas may need to be insulated to protect the plants from unwanted heat and cold. Rather than just relying on a supplemental heating or cooling system, the opaque areas of a greenhouse can be designed and installed using insulated metal panels to provide a durable and energy saving component that helps keep temperatures in check.

Not only are metal panels easy to install, but easily expandable as well! As your plants and your business continue to grow, so can the building. These eco-friendly panels are an exceptional option when it comes to your greenhouse structure. Have more questions? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help you! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Are Metal Panels Energy Efficient?

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Among the top priorities for the majority of residential and commercial building owners? Energy efficiency. Whether it’s an effort to become more eco-friendly or simply reduce heating and cooling costs, ensuring your building is as energy efficient as possible is very important. How can building owners enhance the energy efficiency of their structure? By utilizing metal panels!

Metal Roof Panels

Due to their reflective qualities, metal roofing panels are extremely energy efficient. The material reflects the sun’s UV rays, unlike shingles or asphalt which absorb them. Despite this reflection, with proper underlay and insulation the roof can also act as an incredible insulator during the winter. On average, metal roofs can actually save homeowners 10 to 25% on their annual heating and cooling costs!

Longevity and Sustainability

Metal roofs can last between 40 and 70 years! Not only that, but the material can be recycled at the end of its lifetime. Due to their longevity, durability, and environmental performance, metal roofs are a great choice for those looking to be more energy efficient and sustainable.

Solar Panel Friendly

Nothing screams energy efficiency quite like solar panels! Metal panel systems are solar panel friendly – boasting the ability to withstand the weight of the solar system that far outweighs that of other roofing materials. Solar panels are also easier to install on a metal roofing system. Solar panels are a perfect option for building owner’s to reduce their environmental impact, increase its value, and increase its energy efficiency. 

If you’d like to learn more about how metal panels contribute to energy efficiency, check out our other blogs and more information here. Our panels are 100% recyclable at the end of their life, and constructed using 30% recycled steel. Ready for a quote? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help you! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Can Metal Panels Be Painted?

Can Metal Panels Be Painted?

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Most metal panels these days come pre-finished. And many of us have been told that these surfaces never need to be painted. Although the factory coatings on these surfaces are typically very hard, they can chalk and erode, leading to fading of color and a loss of gloss over time. In extreme cases, the underlying metal can be exposed and rusting may occur. If your metal panel is in need of some retouching, Insulated Eco Panels has the solution.

Surface Preparation

As with all exterior projects, proper surface preparation is paramount. Begin by thoroughly cleaning your metal panels of all loose dirt, chalk, and other contaminants. This can be done by hand washing with warm, soapy water or with the use of a high-pressure washer. 

Apply The Paint

There are many different types of factory applied coatings used on metal panels. Most generally wear down to a surface that will allow repaint coatings to adhere to the surface. A test patch is recommended before applying your paint to the entire surface.

You can use acrylic latex paint or oil-based alkyd paint; just make sure you buy one that is specifically designed to paint a metal panel. Sometimes you may need to prime the surface, which will ensure that rust will not creep through and that the paint will stick. 

You may need a roller designed for corrugated panels, or to make things easy an airless paint sprayer will apply a clean, even coating of paint along the entire surface. A sprayer will also get the job done in a fraction of the time and use less paint as well.

Now that you have all of the information you need, it’s time to begin the painting process. Either hire a professional to help you out or grab a friend and the necessary supplies, and you can get started. Need more guidance when it comes to your metal panels? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help you along the way! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.