If you are interested in installing a metal roofing system, you might have come across the term, insulated metal panels. If you are one of the homeowners intrigued by this, keep reading as we provide you with a comprehensive explanation of these metal panels. True to their name, insulated metal panels offer a unique blend of durability and energy efficiency to residential and commercial property owners. Continue reading till the end to have a complete understanding of insulated metal panels.
What Are Insulated Metal Panels?
Before we dive deeper into the advantages of insulated metal panels, our first approach will be to explain what they actually are. Insulated metal panels, as the name suggests, come with a thick layer of insulation sandwiched between the two sides of the metal panel. With an exterior made of aluminum or steel and an insulated core, insulated metal panels create a barrier against water and air, saving you money on energy consumption and unnecessary roof repairs.
This state-of-the-art technology is a unique blend of durability and longevity, insulation and energy efficiency, aesthetics, and practicality. If you are a commercial or residential building owner who is tired of roofing materials providing insufficient insulation, insulated metal roof panels are a good choice. Though they can cost you more initially, their longevity and energy efficiency significantly reduce the maintenance and clean-up costs in the long run.
How Insulated Metal Panels Are Manufactured
Insulated metal roof panels are commonly manufactured by filling the cavity between two metal pieces with polystyrene, but the type of insulation will typically depend on the manufacturer. With a difference in types of insulation, you’ll typically find that insulated metal panels come in various thicknesses.
Why Would You Want To Install Insulated Metal Panels?
Along with their insulation and energy efficiency, insulated metal roof panels come with numerous advantages for home and commercial building owners.
1. Offers A Sleek And Finished Look
Besides their insulation and durability, one of the main advantages of insulated metal roof panels is that they offer a sleek and finished look to the home exterior. Offering a variety of designs, a number of colors, and distinct textures, these panels suit any architectural property designed for energy conservation purposes. Moreover, these pre-engineered panels come in a wide range of colors that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the building.
2. Versatility
These panels are versatile and can be used in various applications, including commercial buildings, industrial facilities, cold storage, and residential structures. They are available in different thicknesses and sizes, allowing for customization based on specific project requirements.
3. Durable And Long Lasting
Insulated metal panels boast remarkable durability. The combination of sturdy metal layers and the protective barrier of insulation makes these panels resistant to various weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and hail. This durability ensures that your roof remains intact, requiring minimal maintenance over its lifespan.
4. Energy Efficient
Insulated metal roof panels are an excellent choice for an energy-efficient roofing material. The layer of insulation between the panel layers prevents heat transfer between the interior of your home and the outside, saving property owners a significant amount of energy usage. Though they can be an initial investment, they pay for themselves in the long run by saving you money on your energy bills.
5. Virtually Maintenance Free
One standout feature of insulated metal panels is their maintenance-free nature. Unlike some traditional roofing materials that may require regular inspections and repairs, these panels are designed to be hassle-free. The robust construction and materials used make them resistant to corrosion and degradation, ensuring that your roof remains in top condition with minimal intervention.
Insulated Metal Panel Manufacturers
If you are thinking about installing insulated metal panels, the following are some manufacturers that you should consider.
1. Metal Sales™
Metal Sales is a company that specializes in manufacturing metal roofing, siding, and building components for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. They offer a wide range of products, including their SR2 standing seam roofing system from their IMPower Series™.
The SR2 standing seam metal roofing system combines the classic appearance of a trapezoidal metal standing seam roof with a built-in insulated core. The trapezoidal rib design enhances strength and makes it more resistant to foot traffic, unlike other standing seam metal roofing systems.
One of the advantages of the SR2 roof system is its ease of installation. The panels arrive on-site in one piece, making the installation process pretty simple compared to other metal roofing panels.
2. Metl Span®
Metl-Span® is a leading North American manufacturer of insulated metal panels for commercial and industrial applications. The company has been providing state-of-the-art insulated metal panels and building materials to clients across North America since 1968.
Their LS-36™ Insulated Roof and Wall Panel, with an exposed fastening system, can be used for a variety of commercial and industrial applications as both a roofing panel and siding panel. Because of the panel’s lap joints, it can be quickly installed on walls or roofs, resulting in lower labor costs and quicker project completions.
The Limitations of Insulated Metal Panels
Though insulated metal panels seem like the best option on the market for energy efficiency, they do have some limitations that can limit the ability of some home and business owners to install them.
Here are some of the limitations:
1. High Upfront Expense
Insulated metal panels can have a relatively high upfront cost compared to traditional building materials. The cost of the panels themselves, as well as specialized installation, can make them the least cost-effective options for some projects. Generally, the upfront cost of insulated metal roof panels is around $14 to $30 per square foot.
2. Limited Contractors Available
Insulated metal roofing systems are specially installed by experienced roof installers. Since insulated panels aren’t as popular as other roofing materials, it can be difficult to find a contractor who has experience installing them on homes and commercial buildings.
Talk To Metal Roofing Experts In Tulsa, OK.
If you want to install a metal roof, or need any other roofing services in Tulsa, or the surrounding area of Oklahoma, A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing is the contractor for you. Our team has experience handling all types of commercial and residential roofing needs. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to speak with one of our experts and discuss your metal roof installation.
