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 | Nov 15, 2021
Intl. Code Council and Modular Building Institute release new off-site construction standards
‘Will create consistency for off-site construction; accelerate the industry’.
Codes and Standards | Nov 12, 2021
GSA will likely shrink federal office space post-COVID
Agency also needs to address maintenance backlog.
Codes and Standards | Nov 10, 2021
Los Angeles launches fast-track office tenant improvements program
Red tape to be cut to make interiors healthier and safer.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2021
Florida state building professionals call for mandatory high-rise building inspections
Group recommendation comes in wake of Surfside condo collapse.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2021
Dept. of Energy to fund 10 pilot smart building projects
Connected communities will accelerate renewable energy adoption and grid resilience.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2021
Fact sheets offer strategies to improve indoor air quality in schools
Center for Green Schools at USGBC document for people without a technical background.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2021
Rapid acceleration of affordable housing development expected over next five years
Federal government programs will spur construction.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2021
New bird-friendly technical design guide released
National Glass Assn. document offers design and installation best practices for glazing.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2021
World’s first chief heat officer tackles how to protect Miamians from extreme heat
Focus on chronic exposure for outdoor workers and for those that can’t afford AC.
Codes and Standards | Oct 28, 2021
Design competition launched to show role of mass timber in decarbonization
Forest Service and Softwood Lumber Board will award $2 million in grants to winning teams.