MCA conducts many technical studies and research projects in partnership with member and industry partners. These studies include bulletins, white papers, manuals and reports that ensure that metal is at the forefront of innovation, and proactive with codes and standards.
IMP panels are required to be tested in accordance with NFPA 285 and specific IMPs have been tested and meet the conditions of acceptance of NFPA 285. Since every variation of a wall system cannot be tested,if the “basic” IMP panel system meets NFPA 285, minor variations in items can be allowed without retesting or an analysis.
5-Part Video Series
Whether you are new to the industry or a veteran IMP installer, sharpening your knowledge in IMP installation best practices will lead to advantages in everything from material selection, installation and the bottom line. Watch now >
The basis for passive fire protection in fire safety regulation, particularly in US codes, is that all products used in construction must comply with some appropriate fire test suitable for the application. This recognizes that the key means to ensure fire safety is to assess the way in which a product performs in a fire situation rather than to use requirements based on composition, particularly composition of product components (such as non-combustibility). US codes also tend to require that the fire tests incorporate every one of the components of composite products, with the same layout as the product to be used in the field, instead of testing individual components only.
Though building and fire codes primarily address structural and fire performance of Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) cladding materials, other performance indicators are often used in the construction industry to define an “acceptable” application. The primary indicator discussed herein is the visual appearance of the cladding system. Visual appearance is generally based on architectural requirements and there are no specific criteria within the code that quantify an “acceptable” installation.
Since the 1960s, contractors and designers of commercial, industrial and refrigerated buildings have relied on Insulated Metal Panels (IMP) for their aesthetics, excellent thermal efficiency, ease of installation and overall structural integrity. IMPs in their most general form are rigid insulation sandwiched between two facings of coated metal...
Download PDF >
Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) perform very well at resisting transversely applied loading. This type of loading is applied normal to the face of the panel and includes wind loading, as well as live/dead/snow loading – for roof panels. Being separated by an insulating core, IMPs also resist thermal loading that can be induced when the face and liner sheet are at different temperatures.
Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are one of only a few types of building products that can provide an entire building enclosure in one prefabricated product. However, despite their use for several decades in North America, there remains confusion about how IMPs manage rain water penetration, control air leakage, and act as continuous insulation.
Environmental Product Declarations provide LCA-based information and details about the products’ environmental aspects and assist purchasers and users in making informed comparisons between products. This industry Insulated Metal Panel EPD contains valuable information about product definition, building physics, the basic material and its origin, product manufacture and processing, in-use conditions, life cycle assessment results, and testing results and verifications.