The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has published a new white paper, “Fire Safety of Insulated Metal Wall Panels.”
The document contains detailed information on the efficacy of insulated metal panels (IMPs) for insulation and fire safety requirements in the U.S. and other countries. IMPs are lightweight composite exterior wall and roof panels with two layers of coated thin sheet metal (typically steel or aluminum) wrapped around a rigid foam core to form a stiff composite.
They are tested for fire, structural, thermal transmittance/resistance, foam core properties, water leakage, and air pressure differential. “In some cases, each component of a product can get good fire test results while the entire assembly burns vigorously, and vice versa,” according to a MCA news release. “Therefore, U.S. codes typically require composite assemblies to be fire tested both as a complete assembly and as separate components, particularly foam plastic insulation materials.”
"It's a misconception that non-combustible materials are always preferable to foam plastic materials in exterior claddings,” said Marcelo Hirschler of GBH International, a company specializing in fire test instruments and consulting services, in the release. “IMPs can be used safely in exterior claddings and should continue to be a significant part of building construction.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings
Designed to balance with preservation requirements.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2016
Canadian city fines itself for failing to get a building permit for building renovation
Guelph, Ontario, will pay a $1,125 fine to the province.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2016
Construction trade groups sue OSHA over silica rule
Cite concerns about technological and economic feasibility.
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2016
New LEED 2009 projects will have to meet increased minimum energy performance
New requirements went into effect April 8.
Wood | Apr 8, 2016
New LEED Pilot ACP designed to help eliminate irresponsibly sourced materials
Illegal wood is primary target to restrict illicit material in the supply chain.
Lighting | Apr 5, 2016
Lighting requirements for high-rise dwellings proposed for energy standard
The requirements would effectively eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs.
Steel Buildings | Apr 4, 2016
AISI publishes Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide, 2016 Edition
Updates 2007 edition; includes five comprehensive design examples.
Data Centers | Apr 1, 2016
ASHRAE releases publication on the impact of IT equipment on data center design
The book offers advice for designing structures in the fast-changing data center industry.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2016
Occupant egress simulations that impact codes fall short, researchers say
Building evacuations in emergencies are too dangerous as a result.
School Construction | Mar 28, 2016
National report on school buildings reports $46 billion annual funding shortfall
Millions of students said to be learning in obsolete facilities.