Insulated metal panels are commonly used within commercial, industrial and institutions. They offer a structural, thermal, and external protective element. Insulated metal panels will effectively function when they are installed with good joints. This will ensure that there are no air leakage issues, moisture concerns, thermal efficiency, structural stability and aesthetically pleasing joints. Contractors will need to know what technical requirements are needed to install the joints. By taking care when installing joints, such as panel profiles, sealants, fixings and tolerances, we can ensure that we have reliable joints that meet the project requirements.
Understanding Panel Joint Configurations
Depending on the type of insulated metal panel, you will use different types of joints. Common joints we use are tongue and groove, hidden fixings and mechanical fixings. Review manufacturers technical data to understand how the joints work, where sealants should go and how to secure the joint. Taking into consideration the purpose of the building, external exposure and architectural requirements will help to determine the correct joint.
Panel sizes can impact how well the joints work. This can be due to different thicknesses, panel shapes and tolerances. Before installation, we should ensure that the panels received match the approved shop drawings and that the joint profiles will work. This will ensure that we will not face any issues when fitting the joints.
Maintaining Structural Stability
Joints will provide structural stability to the insulated metal panel. Fixings will transfer the load from the panel to the structure. The panel can experience pressure through wind, suction and other loads. If the joints are not fixed correctly or do not suit the fixing system, then the individual panels can move or separate too much. Ensure you understand the structural requirements within the project documents and that your joints are installed according to the engineering requirements.
Fixings can impact how joints are secured. If not installed correctly then you can have a weak joint, uneven pressure against the panel edge or damage to the panel. Ensure you use the approved fixings and that they are spaced to the requirements. Do not assume you can use fixings from previous projects. Pay special attention to corners, roof edges and areas that may have increased wind pressure. This may require specific fixing details.
Ensuring Air Barrier Continuity
The joints should ensure that there is good air tightness throughout the building. If there are small gaps between panels, air can enter or conditioned air can escape. This can affect the comfort within the building, increase your energy usage and cause condensation within hidden areas. Review how the joints will help to ensure air tightness. Are there any additional gaskets, sealants or transition pieces needed?
Ensuring that panels are correctly interlocking will help to prevent any unwanted air movement. Ensure that the joints have been fully engaged and that the sealants used are in the correct position. If gaskets have been damaged, sealants have moved or joints have not been fully engaged this can cause leakage. If you are connecting insulated metal panels to windows, doors and structural elements you should ensure that there is good air tightness. Ensuring the joints are coordinated will prevent any issues.
Managing Moisture at Panel Joints
Rainwater can get into the joints due to rain being blown into the panels, run off and poor transitions. If water gets into the joints and cannot drain away then this can contribute to corrosion, damage to surrounding materials and damage to surrounding elements. Understand if there are any specific features within the chosen system to manage water, such as drainage, weather seals and pressure management.
When installing, make sure that you are not damaging the moisture protection within the joints. Sealants should only be used in the correct position and that they are compatible with the panel. Using too much sealant or blocking drainage areas can cause issues. Check horizontal and vertical joints to ensure that they are correctly engaged and that flashings are directing water away from vulnerable areas. Follow manufacturer instructions.
Accounting for Thermal Movement
IMP panels will expand and contract depending on the temperature. Insulated panels will have been designed to work within varying environmental conditions but the joints will need to allow for movement. If the joints are too stiff then this can cause pressure on the panel edge, fixings and sealants. Check the design requirements to understand where there will be movement and how joints will allow for this.
The size of the building, panel orientation, temperature exposure and installation conditions can all impact how much thermal movement there will be. A large commercial building can experience more movement due to having more external area. Do not adjust joint spacing or fixings without the design team. Using the correct amounts of clearance and flexible sealants that are compatible will help to allow for movement. Pay special attention to corners, expansion joints and areas where multiple assemblies meet.
Joint Material Compatibility
Ensure that the joint materials are compatible with the surrounding elements. Gaskets, sealants, tapes, closures and fixings all play a role. If you do not consider the chemical properties, temperature resistance and adhesion properties then you may find that your materials deteriorate too quickly. Ensure all joint materials are compatible with the manufacturer recommendations.
Depending on the environment your building is in, you may need specific materials. If your building is in a high humid area, industrial area, coastal area or has large temperature changes then you should use materials with specific durability. Fixings should be compatible with the panel face and structure to prevent corrosion. Sealants should remain flexible and adhere to the requirements. Using the same approved products will prevent issues.
Coordinating Installation Procedures
It is important to coordinate with panel suppliers, construction managers, structural contractors and installers. All will need to understand what joints are required and the order of installation. Some joints may require the structure to be checked or adjusted before panels are fitted. Some sealants will need to be fitted before panels are fully fixed. If you do not install in the correct order then you will struggle to access key areas of the joint.
Review shop drawings and installation instructions with your workforce. This will ensure everyone knows what orientation the panels are, where joints are, what fixings are needed and transitions. Any differences should be addressed before installation. Having good communication will prevent clashes with electrical, mechanical and plumbing. Having good processes in place will prevent any rework.
Conducting Joint Inspections
Regular inspection will help to identify any issues with your joints before they impact the building envelope. Visually check that panels are aligned, fixings are in the correct position, gaskets are in the correct position, sealants are in place and there are no gaps. Pay special attention to corners, roof to wall, window areas and areas where multiple building elements meet. These areas will often have more detailed installation and can be prone to mistakes if time is tight.
If you have specific requirements for air tightness or water penetration then additional checks may be needed. Depending on your building design you may want to do building envelope testing, controlled water testing or other approved tests. Any issues should be recorded and fixed according to the manufacturers guidelines. Having records will be useful for future maintenance and to ensure that your system meets the required standards.
Conclusion
The design of insulated metal panel joints will impact many aspects of commercial buildings. Understanding the joint design and ensuring you use the correct fixing, sealant and installation order will ensure that your joints are working. Choosing the correct materials and regularly inspecting will help to prevent issues. Coordinating all aspects will help to give reliable joints.
