IMPs: A Cost-Saving Alternative to Traditional Insulation

The construction industry is continuously evolving to meet the growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective solutions. The answer for many? Insulated metal panels (IMPs). This building material is gaining traction as a strong alternative to traditional multi-layer wall and insulation systems.

Traditional wall assemblies in construction require multiple components, including sheathing, insulation, vapor barriers and exterior cladding, each doing its individual part in achieving a complete air-water-vapor-thermal barrier necessary for effective building envelopes. Not only does this increase material and labor costs, but it also adds complexity and the potential for failure points where moisture can creep in, compromising the integrity of the building. Failures in multi-layer systems can potentially lead to mold, mildew and long-term structural damage.

That’s where IMPs come in. These panels integrate all these essential components into a single system. Comprised of a high-insulating foam core sandwiched between two durable metal skins, these panels provide an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for additional barriers. This allows contractors to streamline their processes, reducing labor, complexity and costs.

Savings During Construction

IMPs can help keep construction timelines on track, providing immediate cost savings. As a pre-engineered, prefabricated product, IMPs arrive on-site ready to install, requiring just one crew rather than multiple trades.

According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry will need to hire 499,000 more workers in 2026 as construction picks up in response to expected lower interest rates. Research also shows that weather-related delays extend construction timelines by 25.7% on average and drive-up project costs by 23.8%.

The quick installation of IMPs helps minimize costly delays, particularly in the face of a tight labor supply or weather-related disruptions.

In fact, time-lapse studies show that the installation of IMPs can take just half the amount of time to install as traditional multi-component wall assemblies. With faster dry-ins, contractors can move on to interior work sooner, helping meet project deadlines and improve overall project efficiency.

Additionally, IMPs are lighter weight and easier to handle compared to heavier materials like precast concrete, helping reduce transportation and labor costs.

The need for fewer trades during the installation process can translate to reduced risk of construction errors. With IMPs, contractors avoid the complexities of multi-component assemblies, which can lead to mistakes during installation. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of costly rework, ensuring the project stays on track and within budget.

Savings After Construction

The cost savings don’t stop once the building is complete. IMPs continue to deliver value throughout the lifespan of the building, offering operational and long-term financial benefits. One of the most notable advantages of IMPs is their energy efficiency. With R-values of up to 8.0 per inch, their high thermal performance reduces the need for additional insulation and helps maintain stable indoor temperatures. This continuous insulation minimizes thermal bridging, which can help lower energy costs for heating and cooling.

The durability of IMPs is another area where they shine. These panels are designed to last for decades with minimal maintenance, standing up to extreme weather conditions while maintaining their air and water-tight integrity. Projects installed with IMP walls can also secure weather-tight warranties, a feature not necessarily available for other wall types.

In addition, many IMP manufacturers offer warranties on paint finishes. This contrasts with the frequent repainting – typically two to three times over 20 years – and repairs required for traditional concrete walls, which can add significant long-term costs.

For building owners, these long-term savings are a significant factor in the overall cost-effectiveness of choosing IMPs.

Conclusion

IMPs have been shown to reduce installed costs by up to 25% compared to traditional tilt-up and precast concrete in the U.S., with even higher savings in areas with high labor costs. IMPs can also potentially reduce construction schedules and sequencing, allowing buildings to be handed over to owners sooner and start generating revenue more quickly. The financial benefits are clear – these immediate and long-term savings make IMPs an excellent choice for contractors and building owners seeking to streamline construction processes and reduce overall costs. As the demand for more efficient, sustainable building materials continues to grow, IMPs stand out as a solution that helps save both time and money throughout the entire lifecycle of a building.