Burnsville, Minn. USA March 4, 2024 – Protean Construction Products has promoted custom fit IMPs as a more economical and sustainable alternative to ACM panels. This stance has been viewed with skepticism by some in the industry. Protean put that skepticism to the test seeking a Third-party endorsement.
NCLOSE, a building envelope consultancy based in Portland, OR performed independent research and published a Technical Recommendation for Insulated Metal Panels (IMP) vs. Aluminum Composite Material. The research included building code compliance, subcontractor cost estimates and sustainability factors.
The Technical Recommendation concludes Custom-fit IMP should be considered to leverage less layers (furring and exterior insulation) in comparison to an “ACM with an exterior insulation / furring” assembly. Custom-fit IMPs can offer a higher R-value per inch, saving space which may make the building slightly smaller or potentially allow more usable space. IMPs offer a faster construction schedule due to a lower number of layers, and also provide for lower fire hazard and higher recycling potential.
The recommendation includes cost estimates showing custom fit IMPs installed direct to stud without furring is 30% lower in cost than ACM panels with furring and mineral wool insulation. These estimates were derived from interviews and quotations from building envelope subcontractors.
The recommendation also includes a simple summary of the pros and cons of the wall assemblies researched relative to cost, constructability, water resistance, air tightness, vapor control, thermal resistance, recyclability, lifespan and fire retardance.
Since 1989, Protean Construction Products (www.protean.com) has provided commercial architects and builders unlimited design possibilities with their high-tech architectural metal wall panel systems. Durable, sustainable and competitively priced, Protean’s panel systems can be custom designed to fulfill any creative vision. Protean continues to be a leader in the industry because they offer clients the full package: the broadest portfolio of options, deep knowledge from an experienced team of industry specialists, and unparalleled support through every stage of the design and installation process. Only Protean provides the design freedom needed to achieve a vision’s potential and assure its legacy.
NCLOSE (www.nclose.us.com) provides Architects, Contractors, and Building Owners with Enclosure Consulting from Programming to Post-Occupancy. NCLOSE also provides enclosure manufacturers with product evolution, documentation, and research services. NCLOSE leverages 30 years of enclosure experience, and is the only ESB / COBID / HUB enclosure consultant on the US West Coast. Only NCLOSE offers an Enclosure Process saving teams significant fee and time, one business day responses, enclosure code reviews, and lower cost due to lower overhead.
