b'Two Sides to Using Insulated Metal Panels on Roofs W your views on global warming, hatever the heat is on from both green-minded consumers and new energy-code requirements to build and construct energy-efficient structures. One waytodo that is to use thermalefficient materials such as insulated met-al panels (IMPs). Although more commonly used on walls than on roofs, IMPs are making inroads into commercial roofing market, including for schools, warehouses, and office buildings. Like any product,are two sides to there using IMPs for roofs. According to BrianJaks of Green Span Profiles, Waller, TX, one of about six IMP manufacturers in the United States, the benefits far outweigh challenges. They include that the panelsInsulated metal panels were recently used to reroofeight-building Haughton (LA) Middle School complex. theare energy-efficient. IMPs have two metal skins, an interior and an exterior, which are bonded to apolyisocy Attionlarge p Standard lengths of IMPs range foamDifferen Applica anels. anurate insulation core, making themJaks also noted that the insulated panels arefrom 8-65 ft. highly energy efficient. Initially usedbest used on roofs that have aIMPs can more expensive than other minimum on cold-storage facilities, IMPs have Rnumber of details,as large gable roofsroofing options. ButJaks emphasized that, such values as high as 8inch, comparedthat only have an eave, rake, or ridge detail.just like buying acar, there is a perhybridhigher to 3.7-4.3 per inch for batt insulation,The standard width of an insulated roofpurpose to purchasing anfriendly eco- and Jaks said. IMPs range in thickness frompanel is 42 inches, so itprove cumber energy efficient product. can 2-6 inches.some on smaller "cut up" roof projectsAProjectallow for fast insulation.(5,000-10,000 sq. ft.) that have many hips,Reroofing "[Roofers] can apply that wholevalleys, high-eave parapets, and dormers,JaksRecently, more than 130,000 sq. ft. of IMPs system in one fell swoop becausesaid. However, "it is a great application on awas used to reroof the eight-building Haughthe interior skin, the foam, and thebuilding that is 500-ft-long and 100-ft-wide,ton Middle School complex in Haughton, exterior standing seam all togetherwhere there are no hips or valleys but just aLA. The 2.5-in.-thick panels replaced a in one panel,"said. This makesstraight running gable."10-year-old standing-seam metal roof that Jaks installation "faster, cleaner, and itIMPsare aapplication forwas plagued by problems with leakage and alsonewcondensation. provides less opportunity for [roof]roofers, to a"It\'s the same, but degree.it"The old roof had been a leakage.Itis aprocess and itis different," saidaks as he explained theproblem one-stepJ goes down very easily."short learning curve required to installect for years," said Lauren Marchive, proj are lightweight and aestheticallythese systems. He said that when he helpedarchitect with Newman Marchive Carlisle, Inc., Shreveport, LA.local school b d pleasing. "People like the panelbuild Green Span Profile\'s 70,000-sq.-ft.Theoarbecause it has aappearance,"manufacturing facility in 2011, it took himregarded an IMP system as the best roofing flat solution, but not before considering two oJaks said. "It doesn\'t necessarily haveabout 6to adjust to the insulatedther hoursoptions: removing the roof and installing corrugation and architects like that.panels. "I remember the first half-day whendecking with aover it or using a With askin, it is very hard towe used these panels on the walls and roof. Inew roof single make apanel that doesn\'tthought the world was going to end becausesingle ply membrane system with insulation flathave some type of oil canning. The foamit was very difficult for me to wrap my mindover the existing roof. in IMPs takes away athat."Hearound the differences," he said, "buttheThe board chose IMPs for several reasons, lotby said Marchive,had years earlier adds that IMPs come in aofafternoon, we had it [down]."whosuccessvariety colors and textures, including smooth,He said that with IMPs require applyingfully used IMPs on both the walls and the embossed, and heavy embossed.significant amounts of caulk to form aroof of an office-building project he designed vaporfor Louisiana\'s Department of Transporta are suitable for green building.barrier-something that roofers may not be The metal skins are recyclable andused to. Moreover special lifting equipment,tion and Development. Besides its thermal ,performance, the roof system was available the insulation, while not recyclable, issuch as alift, is needed to install vacuumin red, which matched the original design of reusable. 18www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'