Best Practices IMP Installation Projects
Key Guidance for Owners, GCs & Panel Installers
Introduction: IMP Installation Best Practices
Implementing any IMP installation is a high-stakes undertaking with tight tolerances, logistics challenges, and performance expectations. Done right, insulated metal panels (IMPs) deliver a durable, energy-efficient, weather-tight building envelope. Done incorrectly, the project risks leaks, misalignment, thermal bridging, and lengthy delays. This article outlines the best practices and pitfalls that owners, general contractors, and panel installers should know.
1. Early Planning & Preconstruction Alignment
Stakeholder Coordination
Hold a pre-installation kickoff meeting with the owner, GC, structural engineer, architect, IMP manufacturer, and installation subcontractor. Align on tolerances, attachment points, sequencing, flashing details, and interfaces.
Review structural drawings, panel connection details, anchor patterns, and structural loading ahead of installation start.
Panel Layout & Joint Coordination
Design the layout so that significant openings (doors, windows) fall at panel joints, reducing the need for field cuts.
Avoid splitting major penetrations through panel runs; offset penetrations so they fall in panel or joint zones.
Include panel surplus (typically 3–5%) in the procurement. (mbci.com)
Tolerance & Framing Requirements
The underlying steel frame must be built within the panel manufacturer’s specified tolerances.
Verify planarity, plumbness, and alignment prior to panel install.
2. Panel Procurement & Specification Strategy
Manufacturer & Product Selection
Choose manufacturers that provide full technical support, installer training, and warranties.
ArchSolar offers IMP systems engineered for clean rooms, cold storage, labs, utilities, etc. (archsolar.net)
PermaTherm offers its PermaCore poly-iso panels with hidden fastener and cold-storage joints. (permatherm.com)
Other leading manufacturers:
Kingspan (kingspan.com)
Metl-Span (metlspan.com)
MBCI (mbci.com)
Centria (architizer.com)
Brucha America (brucha.us)
All Weather Insulated Panels (mbci.com)
FALK (falk.com)
Industry directories (arcat.com)
Jointing, Sealants & Thermal Strategy
Specify joint type (tongue & groove, cam-lock, Z-lock, etc.) based on performance needs.
Ensure butyl sealant beads are dimensioned and located per manufacturer instructions.
Require foam-to-foam compression for insulation continuity.
Account for expansion gaps and thermal bridging.
Delivery & Scheduling
Limit time panels sit on-site; prolonged exposure risks damage. (robertsonbuildings.com)
Sequence deliveries to installation phases.
Use spreader bars and straps when unloading long bundles.
3. On-Site Handling & Quality Controls
Receiving, Inspection & Storage
Inspect bundles for dents or delamination at delivery.
Store panels on sloped racks, off the ground, with drainage. (crcon.ca)
Cover bundles if exposure is expected.
Unloading & Lifting
Use proper rigging: spreader bars, straps, or vacuum lifts.
For long panels, use two forklifts or crane + spreader bar.
Follow manufacturer installation manuals.
Layout, Squaring & Setting
Start with a control panel and confirm plumb before continuing.
Use shims or blocks for alignment.
Check engagement of joints continuously.
Fastening & Attachment
Use correct fastener length and pattern.
Avoid overtightening—maintain torque values.
Ensure clip alignment and avoid interference behind panels.
Sealant, Flashing & Terminations
Install flashings before panels where possible.
Use pig-tail or “marriage bead” techniques at horizontal joins.
Seal all terminations with proper sealants and gaskets.
Limit field cuts and use recommended blades.
4. Testing, Inspection & Commissioning
In-Process QC
Inspect joints, fastener torques, and sealant continuity at intervals.
Perform pull tests, deflection checks, and air/water infiltration tests if required.
Final Checks
Verify flashing continuity and finish.
Run water tests on critical joints.
Confirm warranties and punch lists.
Maintenance & Warranty Readiness
Provide owners a maintenance plan (sealant inspections, cleaning).
Include spare panels for repairs.
5. Key Roles and Responsibilities
For a large-scale IMP installation to succeed, every stakeholder must understand their role and execute it with precision. Clear responsibilities and coordination reduce errors, improve efficiency, and ensure long-term panel performance.
Owner / Developer
Responsible for approving design decisions, budgeting for contingencies, and requiring documentation. Best practices include insisting on comprehensive warranties, scheduling post-occupancy inspections, and maintaining spare panels for future repairs.Architect / Engineer
Provide detailed coordination drawings, tolerances, and penetration layouts. To reduce costly field modifications, they should design openings that align with panel joints and incorporate movement joints into the plans.General Contractor (GC)
Oversees site readiness, ensures structural tolerances are met, and manages logistics. The GC should coordinate all trades, sequence deliveries with installation, and confirm that framing is aligned before panels arrive on site.Panel Installer / Subcontractor
Executes the physical installation while managing on-site quality control. Following manufacturer installation manuals, continuously inspecting joints and fasteners, and documenting any deviations are essential for performance and warranty compliance.Manufacturer / Supplier
Provides panels, technical support, and warranty coverage. Leading manufacturers should also deliver BIM/CAD resources, offer installer training, and ensure strict quality control before shipment.
6. Top 10 IMP Manufacturers
ArchSolar – archsolar.net
PermaTherm – permatherm.com
Kingspan – kingspan.com
Metl-Span – metlspan.com
MBCI – mbci.com
Centria – architizer.com
Brucha America – brucha.us
All Weather Insulated Panels – mbci.com
FALK – falk.com
Industry Directories – arcat.com
7. Why TCG is the Preferred Nationwide IMP Installer
When it comes to large-scale IMP projects, choosing the right installation partner can make the difference between a smooth, on-schedule build and a costly, error-ridden process. Terrapin Construction Group (TCG) has established itself as a preferred nationwide IMP installer by combining national reach with specialized expertise.
Proven Experience Across Sectors
TCG has delivered insulated metal panel solutions for projects ranging from cold storage and food processing facilities to healthcare, higher education, and retail distribution centers. This cross-sector experience means the team understands the unique performance requirements of each industry and can anticipate potential challenges before they impact cost or schedule.
Nationwide Footprint and Flexibility
With a broad geographic presence, TCG can mobilize teams quickly to projects across the country. This scalability allows national developers, brands, and general contractors to rely on a single trusted partner for multiple sites, ensuring consistent quality and seamless communication regardless of location.
Technical Expertise and Quality Control
TCG’s in-house project managers and field teams are trained in manufacturer-specific installation methods, ensuring strict adherence to tolerances, fastening patterns, and sealant details. By combining technical expertise with disciplined quality control, TCG reduces rework and guarantees performance that meets or exceeds warranty standards.
Lean Operations, Real Cost Savings
Owners and GCs regularly benefit from TCG’s lean operating model, which reduces overhead and delivers competitive pricing—often saving clients 10–15% compared to traditional large-firm approaches. TCG’s transparent cost structure and efficient project management model ensure clients maximize value without compromising speed or quality.
A Trusted Long-Term Partner
Beyond installation, TCG supports clients with preconstruction planning, manufacturer coordination, and post-installation maintenance guidance. The goal is not just to complete a project but to build lasting relationships as a trusted GC and specialty installer for insulated metal panels nationwide.
Conclusion
IMP installations are precision-driven. Success depends on planning, tolerances, logistics, and disciplined execution. By following these practices, owners, GCs, and installers can minimize risk, avoid costly rework, and deliver high-performing buildings.
