FAQs

Blisters on insulated metal panels are typically more of a cosmetic concern than a structural one. Technically, a panel with blisters can perform comparably to one without, with minimal impact on the overall thermal efficiency of the building. More significant thermal losses generally occur through doorways and other intentional openings in a building rather than through blistered panels. However, blistering can worsen over time due to temperature changes. If a blister enlarges to cover more than 30% of a panel's surface area, FALK recommends addressing the issue. Such extensive blistering would be eligible for warrantable repair, replacement, or other corrective actions, provided that improper installation or site-specific factors did not cause the problem.

FM Global, a leading industrial property insurer, conducts thorough testing to ensure products meet specific standards. FALK has had numerous insulated metal panels tested to secure the appropriate FM certification. You can view the certifications here.

Yes, insulated cold storage panels are designed to be robust and can support the weight of heavy refrigeration equipment and shelving systems used in cold storage facilities.

Yes, exterior panels made of metal are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, wind, and temperature extremes, due to their durability and corrosion-resistant coatings.

Yes, FALK can supply panels with a flat, smooth surface upon request. However, customers must acknowledge by signing a form that such flat panels are more prone to an effect known as "coil canning" compared to those that are embossed or have profiles. Coil canning is a visible waviness in the flat areas of metal panels.

IMP roof panels are engineered to withstand heavy snow loads and high winds due to their strong interlocking seams and robust anchoring systems, making them suitable for harsh weather conditions.

Standing seam roof panels are engineered to withstand heavy snow loads and high winds due to their strong interlocking seams and robust anchoring systems, making them suitable for harsh weather conditions.

Currently, FALK does not have a Contractor Certification Program. Nonetheless, they do offer onsite training for installers who need guidance on best practices for insulated metal panel installation. FALK also supplies installation guidelines for all their products and provides support to address any questions during regular business hours.

Yes, FALK offers pre-installation, interim, and final project inspections. These services are available for a nominal fee, which is determined based on the specifics of each project.

Yes, FALK offers delivery services across North America, courtesy of its growing collection of over-the-road semis and trailers. Their logistics crew operates with extended load trailers, enabling them to transport panels as long as 82 feet.

Yes, FALK provides Weathertight warranties for roofing when installation is carried out by select, approved installers who adhere to enhanced weatherization standards. FALK conducts interim and final inspections to ensure compliance with specific detailing requirements. If these standards are met, a warranty is issued. The costs for inspection and warranty are included in FALK's quotation.

Yes, FALK provides coating warranties that can last up to three decades. For a detailed look at the warranty coverage for each type of coating, you're welcome to explore our coatings & colors warranty section here.

While we offer expediated manufacturing for customer provided cut lists, FALK does provide shop drawings for more complex projects.  

FALK does not supply factory caulk for its wall panels because they come with a pre-installed gasket. This gasket provides the same sealing benefits as caulk but without any mess involved in the application process.

To reduce any sound reflection on the inside of the building, we recommend installing sound-absorbing elements in the room. This includes furniture, curtains or sound-absorbing ceiling panels.

Cold storage insulated panels, including cold room insulation panels and cold storage insulated wall panels, have a high-performance insulating core that restricts thermal transfer, helping to maintain stable temperatures and reduce energy use.

Exterior metal wall panels offer a sleek, durable surface for outdoor paneling, combining modern aesthetics with functionality and contributing to the thermal and structural performance of walls.

For attaching insulated metal panels, we consistently advise the use of stainless-steel screws to avoid rust stains on your work. Moreover, screws come in a variety of drill points, lengths, and colors. They can be matched with the insulated metal panels, or the flashing used in your project. If you have any questions about this, our technical team is ready to help and provide guidance!

Insulated metal panels are fastened using custom-designed panel screws that are driven through the panel to connect with the underlying steel or wood framework. FALK provides these unique stainless-steel screws tailored for insulated metal panels. They also offer to match the screws with a drill bit in the same hue as the panels for a seamless, barely visible installation. For insulated metal facade panels, it's common to employ a pressure distribution plate that helps to evenly distribute the load on the screw.

FALK provides a complete trim and accessories package tailored to your project needs. Currently, they work with a curated group of third-party suppliers for these components. However, in 2024, FALK plans to open its own trim and fabrication facility to directly manage these production aspects for customers.

Once your order is confirmed, FALK will reach out to discuss the preferred delivery details. You have the option to specify how each panel should be packaged. Typically, we deliver the panels to the site with positive stacking. This method is advantageous because it allows the panels to be installed onto the roof immediately without the need to flip each one over first.

When addressing the repair of blisters in insulated metal panels, it's a task that typically requires professional intervention. Options for fixing damage to such panels include applying a localized patch, overlaying with a new skin of metal insulated panel, or outright replacing the damaged panel. In cases where the panel skin detaches from the insulation layer, possibly due to external thermal influences, professional repair services may opt to replace the cladding and flashing if repair isn't feasible.

As a characteristic of insulated metal panels, the metal skins can expand with heat, leading to potential bowing. This is part of the normal behavior of these materials due to their construction of two metal skins and a closed-cell foam core. If there's a hole or a localized defect, it might be repaired with a patch secured by pan-head sheet metal screws, placed strategically around the patch. Moreover, for issues like water penetration, it's advised to clean the top of the panel and remove the foam, then apply sealing tape and a distance strip to prevent further ingress.

In your specific case, where back drilling is mentioned as a potential solution, it would be prudent to first consult with a specialist who can assess the situation on-site and provide tailored advice. The repair approach would depend on various factors, including the panel type, dimensions, and any modifications made during installation. If water is found upon back drilling, a review of installation practices is recommended to prevent future occurrences. Blister repairs are considered a warrantable repair by FALK.  

Insulated metal panels are excellent insulating products that seamlessly interlock. With these steel insulated metal panels, you can construct a highly insulated shell for your building's roof or exterior. However, the overall insulation depends on more than just the insulated metal panel; it involves the complete construction finish. The areas where the roof meets the facade, ridge details, the underside of the insulated metal panels, along with window and door frames, are critical points. For achieving an airtight—and consequently, well-insulated—structure, FALK's website offers numerous detailed solutions.

Insulated cold storage panels are highly energy-efficient, providing significant insulation that minimizes thermal bridging and reduces the cooling systems' workload, leading to energy savings over time.

FALK was established in 2007 in the Netherlands and swiftly extended its services to include the local market and neighboring countries. The company further expanded by opening operations in North America, specifically in Walker, Michigan, in 2018.

Cold storage insulated panels are specialized insulated metal panels (IMPs) designed for the construction of refrigerated storage facilities. These panels, often referred to as cold room panels or cold storage panels, are essential components in creating controlled temperature environments for the storage of perishable goods.

Insulated exterior wall panels are composite elements consisting of a layer of insulation material sandwiched between two metal skins, designed for external wall applications to provide energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Insulated metal roof panels, also known as IMP roof panels or insulated roofing panels, are advanced building materials that provide superior insulation for roofing systems. Comprising metal roof sheets, these panels feature a core of foam insulation that ensures energy efficiency and fire safety, serving as a thermal break and reducing energy flow. Insulated metal roofing is designed to meet stringent fire ratings, often being integral to firewalls in shared spaces like apartments and office buildings.

The benefits of installing standing seam roof panels include a reduction in the potential for leaks, a modern aesthetic, durability against extreme weather, and compatibility with a variety of architectural styles.

The benefits of utilizing metal insulated roof panels in construction are numerous. These roof metal panels, often referred to simply as metal roofing panels or metal roof panels, are recognized for their quick installation and minimal maintenance requirements. They are constructed using a process that continuously pours insulation in place, eliminating gaps and ensuring a consistent R-Value. This energy-efficient design is not only cost-effective but also contributes to the long lifespan of the roofing system, distinguishing them from traditional metal roof sheets and insulated roof sheets.

Besides creating a separation between tenant spaces, a demising wall plays a crucial role in fire safety by preventing the spread of fire from one private space to another. They are often referred to as firewalls and are constructed following strict guidelines to achieve a certain fire rating. Insulation in these walls can also aid in energy efficiency and soundproofing between tenant spaces. 

1. Contamination of the Steel Substrate: Water-soluble salts like chlorides, sulfates, and nitrates on the steel surface can lead to osmotic blistering. These contaminants are typically invisible and require specific analytical methods to detect their presence in the liquid within blisters.
2. Trapped Water-Soluble Solvents: Solvents that remain trapped within the applied coating can cause blisters. The presence of these solvents is sometimes noticeable due to their odor and requires laboratory methods such as gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy for confirmation.
3. Thermal Gradients: Temperature differences across the coated surface, known as the “cold wall effect,” can lead to blistering when warmer water molecules penetrate the coating film and condense at a cooler interface, accumulating enough pressure to form liquid-filled blisters.
4. Improper Application Conditions: Coating applied in direct sunlight or thicker than recommended can bubble due to rapid surface drying. This prevents solvent from escaping from the lower levels, causing vapor pressure and bubble formation. Similarly, cooler temperatures or high relative humidity during application can slow the drying and curing, trapping solvents and later forming bubbles when conditions warm up.
5. Porous Substrates: Applying coatings on porous materials like concrete can trap air or moisture, which expands under heat, increasing pressure and causing bubbles.
6. Internal Bubbling: Bubbles can also form within the coating or on the backside, often in moisture-cured urethane coatings or aliphatic polyurethanes that react with moisture during application, leading to trapped CO2 gas and a Swiss cheese-like appearance when viewed microscopically.
7. Reaction Between Components: In two-part aliphatic urethanes, the reaction between polyol and isocyanate in the presence of moisture can cause foaming, with fine bubbles forming at the interface of the coating layers, which can disrupt adhesion.

FALK offers two distinct coating options for its insulated metal wall and roof panels. One is Colorcoat HPS 200 Ultra™ from Tata Steel, which is a pre-finished steel product known for its exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, making it especially suitable for coastal and industrial environments. The other options include PVDF, SMP, and PE-based coatings supplied by Sherwin-Williams, all of which meet or surpass the strictest ASTM performance standards.

FALK insulated metal panels come in a variety of colors. Our standard exterior coating is Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® by Tata Steel, although other coatings are available upon request. Our interior coating is PolyPREMIER® by Sherwin-Williams, with the standard interior color being Dutch White. You also have the flexibility to pick a personalized color from our color library. View all colors and request a color sample here!

A demising wall is a partition that separates one tenant space from another, typically used in buildings with multiple tenants like office buildings, apartment buildings, retail strip malls, or commercial buildings. These walls can extend from the concrete floor to the underside of the tenant structure or roof deck and may run horizontally to exterior walls or other rated partitions. Demising walls are also known as separation walls, fire walls, party walls, divider walls, common walls, or occupancy separation walls. 

A standing seam metal roof is a type of roofing system where panels are joined together along raised seams that stand above the level of the roof's flat surface, offering superior weather tightness and durability.

Insulated metal panels (IMP's) are composed of two layers of thin-gauge steel that encapsulates a core made of insulating foam, frequently utilized in the construction of roofs and walls.

FALK's insulation option features a core of polyisocyanurate foam, also known as PIR, PolyIso, or ISO.

Blistering refers to the formation of raised areas on the surface of building panels, such as exterior walls, façades, or less commonly, roofs. This often happens on parts of a structure that receive the most sunlight, particularly with darker exterior coatings that absorb more heat. Excessive heat can cause the steel in the panels to expand and potentially delaminate from the insulating foam core due to increased tension. Blisters may also form because of poor adhesive properties or incorrect installation procedures. High temperatures can exacerbate the issue by causing off-gassing, which contributes to blistering.

The locking mechanism on the FALK CSW 44 insulated metal panel is specifically engineered for the cold storage sector, which demands exceptional insulation values, airtightness, and cleanliness. A look at the panel's cross-section will reveal how the lock aids in upholding these high standards.

Polyisocyanurate, commonly known as PIR, polyiso, or ISO, is a type of thermoset plastic foam widely utilized in the construction industry. It's highly regarded for its insulating capabilities, attributed to its superior R-Value, which measures thermal resistance.

An interior wall dividing one occupant from an adjacent occupant on the same floor or mezzanine. A “Demising Wall” is any interior wall dividing one separately leased or occupied portion of a building from another. 

The durability of any construction material, including insulated metal panels, heavily relies on various factors. These include the quality of the materials, the assembly process, and the environmental conditions where the panels are utilized. Based on building regulations, structures are expected to have a minimum lifespan of 50 years, and insulated metal panels are designed to meet or surpass this requirement.

Insulated panels for cold storage, including cold storage roof and wall panels, are designed for quick installation using an interlocking tongue-and-groove system, ensuring a tight seal and thermal efficiency.

The maximum length of the FALK CSW 44 insulated metal panel is up to 82 feet. This dimension allows for both vertical and horizontal installation and comes with a box profile for exterior and interior applications. This panel has a working width of 44 inches. Note that special transportation arrangements may be necessary due to the size of these panels.

The maximum length for the FALK HFW 40 insulated metal panel is up to 82 feet. This panel can be installed either horizontally or vertically, and it has a working width of 40 inches. It's suitable for a variety of projects, including agricultural, industrial, and residential applications. Note that special transportation arrangements may be necessary due to the size of these panels.

The FALK RRP 40 insulated metal panel can reach a maximum length of up to 82 feet. This panel features an overlapping joint configuration with foam set in place from the factory, along with exposed fasteners to ensure a strong connection. This panel has a working width of 40 inches. Note that special transportation arrangements may be necessary due to the size of these panels.

The maximum length of the FALK SSR 42 insulated metal panel is up to 82 feet. This panel is designed to cover extensive distances and comes in various insulation thicknesses ranging from 3 inches to 6 inches, with a working width of 42 inches. Note that special transportation arrangements may be necessary due to the size of these panels.

The FALK WRP 40 insulated metal panel can reach a maximum length of up to 82 feet. This panel features an overlapping joint configuration with foam set in place from the factory. This panel has a working width of 40 inches. Note that special transportation arrangements may be necessary due to the size of these panels.

The minimum length of the FALK CSW 44 insulated metal panel is 10 feet. This dimension allows for both vertical and horizontal installation and comes with a box profile for exterior and interior applications. This panel has a working width of 44 inches. 

The minimum length for the FALK HFW 40 insulated metal panel is 10 feet. This panel can be installed either horizontally or vertically, and it has a working width of 40 inches. It's suitable for a variety of projects, including agricultural, industrial, and residential applications.

The FALK RRP 40 insulated metal panel can reach a minimum length of 10 feet. This panel features an overlapping joint configuration with foam set in place from the factory, along with exposed fasteners to ensure a strong connection. This panel has a working width of 40 inches.

The minimum length of the FALK SSR 42 insulated metal panel is 10 feet. This panel is designed to cover extensive distances and comes in various insulation thicknesses ranging from 3 inches to 6 inches, with a working width of 42 inches. 

The FALK WRP 40 insulated metal panel can reach a minimum length of 10 feet. This panel features an overlapping joint configuration with foam set in place from the factory. This panel has a working width of 40 inches.

The Polyisocyanurate foam used by FALK boasts an R-Value, a measure of thermal resistance, averaging 7.5 per inch. This figure comes from independent testing conducted by several third-party laboratories.

FALK's range of panels is rigorously tested by independent third-party labs to ensure they meet building code standards and hold up under various product approval listings. These panels are assessed by organizations such as Factory Mutual, QAI, Intertek, and Encon, among others, to fulfill a range of requirements from ASTM, NFPA, ANSI, UL & ULC, FM, and the Florida Building Code, to name a few. For the latest test results, check out FALK's website.

FALK provides Galvalume coated steel for both the exterior and interior faces of its panels, available in thicknesses of 22, 24, and 26 gauge. Roofing typically uses at least 24 gauge for the exterior and 26 gauge for the interior. Customers can customize the thickness combination to suit their specific project requirements. For the best results, FALK recommends consulting with a structural engineer or design professional to determine the optimal steel thickness for your project.

FALK's insulated metal panels are available in an array of thicknesses, from 1.5 inches up to 8 inches, catering to a range of insulation and structural requirements. For specific panel types and to find the best fit for your project, it's best to consult FALK's Product Showcase or Product Datasheet.

In North America, FALK utilizes polyisocyanurate foam for their insulating cores, which is also known as PIR, PolyIso, or ISO. Additionally, they provide a Rock Mineral Wool core option, which is available through internal company exchanges or via collaborations with other manufacturing partners.

The names often get swapped out for each other. Insulated metal panels, or IMPs, are frequently referred to as sandwich panels due to their structure: a layer of foam insulation nestled between two metal sheets. These panels serve as the outer walls and roofs of buildings and consist of a solid layer of insulation sandwiched between two sheets of metal, typically aluminum or steel. The insulating material is injected between these metal sheets and then cut to the required lengths.

Insulated metal panels are versatile and find application across various industries. They're key in maintaining controlled temperatures in places like cold storage and freezer spaces and are also used on agricultural properties for keeping livestock. Retail spaces, commercial warehouses, and manufacturing plants often incorporate these panels for insulation purposes. Educational buildings and performance halls also benefit from their architectural utility. Lately, even residential structures like barndominiums and lakeside cabins are using insulated metal panels.

FALK supplies insulated metal panels (IMPs) to a diverse array of sectors. They serve agricultural, industrial, and commercial structures such as warehouses, distribution hubs, and logistics centers. Additionally, their panels are used in educational buildings, office complexes, and retail and leisure facilities, among others.

For any issues or queries regarding FALK panels or during the installation process, FALK has a team ready to assist you. You can reach out to their customer service by calling 616.541.4500 ext 105, where a Customer Service Representative will be available to help you.

FALK embosses their panels to both improve their appearance and add structural strength to the metal. This practice is common among insulated metal panel manufacturers, as embossing and adding profiles to the metal surfaces help reduce the likelihood of oil canning, which is the distortion that can occur in flat metal surfaces.

FALK offers TATA Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra™ due to its proven track record in Europe, particularly in projects close to the sea where conditions can be extremely challenging. This product has stood the test of time in these harsh environments, showcasing superior performance. FALK brought this high-performing coating option to the North American market, where it has been well-received for delivering the performance qualities of PVDF coatings but at an SMP coating price point.

IMPs are chosen over drywall partitions for several reasons, particularly in the context of energy efficiency. They deliver substantial cost savings thanks to their insulating foam core and superior thermal properties. They are also more efficient in terms of installation and energy use compared to conventional light gauge framed wall systems.