Attention to Details with Insulated Metal Panels

In the last three articles, I discussed several important considerations for Insulated Metal Panels; Importance of Sealants, Proper building locations to reduce IMP damage, and Future Planning and Design Considerations.

All of these are about getting the details right.  The right design, the right location and the right sealant.  Although all are important for a successful IMP project, attention to details is the critical point.  What does this mean?  Attention to details requires manufacturers to produce a complete detail package; showing how components go together, how to achieve complete water and air tightness for those components, and to ensure constructability on site.  But attention to details also includes the installer on site to follow and execute the manufacturers details and drawings.  This includes the proper placement of sealants and tie ins, flashing and trims installation methods, panel attachment and steel framing alignment.

This requires a collaborative approach to create a comprehensive detail package – we, as a manufacturer can draw complex or simple details, but they must be interpreted and executed by the crews installing the product.  Manufacturers must listen to experienced installers who’s job it is to ensure a proper building envelope for the client.  Adjusting our details to match what is constructable and practical in field to ensure best practices is of paramount importance.  This attention to detail on site becomes critical.  This is why we recently held an IMP Installer Clinic at our facility with a large group of highly experienced IMP installation crews, supervisors and project managers.  We reviewed best practices from both the manufacturers and drafting side, as well as the installation crews’ point of view and experience.  This allows us to put best practices to work and the required attention to detail, to ensure we, as an industry have a comprehensive detail and installation package available for our projects.

Best practices, design consideration, proper planning and attention to details – before and during construction will ensure a properly sealed building envelope and components for a successful project.

It’s all about the attention to details.