06.16.2017

Four Common Uses of Insulated Panels

Modern insulation sets contemporary construction apart, even when compared to projects completed just 30 years ago. Insulation enables contractors to control the interior temperature of a space with a higher amount of precision and significantly more energy efficient results.



One of the most versatile types of modern insulation is the insulated panel. In this blog, we explain what insulated panels are, how these building components work, and how contractors may use insulated panels.

What Are Insulated Panels?

Insulated panels, also called structural insulated panels or SIPs, are a composite material used for building. Each panel consists of multiple layers bonded together to create a stronger material that resists heat transfer more efficiently.



Usually, these layers consist of an insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene foam, sandwiched between two pieces of a structural material, such as plywood.

Depending on the exact application, insulated panels may consist of a number of materials. Common insulation materials include:

• Composite honeycomb, abbreviated HSC
• Expanded polystyrene foam, abbreviated EPS
• Extruded polystyrene foam, abbreviated XPS
• Polyisocyanurate foam
• Polyurethane foam

Common structural materials include:

• Cement
• Magnesium oxide board (MgO)
• Oriented strand board, abbreviated OSB
• Strong sheet metals like steel
• Wood, including plywood and engineered woods

These panels may be used either on their own as an alternative to traditional building materials like drywall or along with traditional materials to insulate smaller spaces.

For example, residential contractors may use insulated panels directly on top of framing in home construction. However, in most industrial and commercial settings, insulated panels would be layered over drywall to create cold storage spaces within the interiors of existing buildings.

How Are Insulated Panels Used?

Insulated panels can be used in virtually any sector, from residential to industrial. However, insulated panels are most often employed in the following four industrial and commercial applications.

1. Commercial Building Construction

Commercial buildings, including manufacturing facilities, often have different climate requirements than residential properties. For example, in a manufacturing facility, the consistent use of equipment can raise the ambient temperature significantly to levels that would not be reached in a home.

The use of insulated panels in this type of construction allows project managers to better control the indoor temperature of a facility based on their needs.

2. Pharmaceutical Storage

Pharmacies must follow strict temperature guidelines for many products. If these guidelines are not met, the medication may spoil or lose its potency. This principle is particularly true while medication is in transit or in storage.

The use of insulated panels can keep storage rooms inside pharmacy locations at the proper temperature. Insulated panels are also sometimes used in refrigerated trucks used to transport medicine, food and other temperature-sensitive items.

3. Refrigeration

Insulated panels are an essential building material for large-scale refrigeration. Walk-in freezers and refrigerators are lined with insulated panels to maintain the desired temperature.

These units may be found in restaurants, schools, hospitals, camps, and other locations where the capacity of a standard fridge would not be sufficient enough to keep food or other cold items fresh.

4. Warehouse Storage

In order to protect items in warehouse storage, many warehouses are kept at a cool temperature. These large spaces need adequate insulation because many cooling units could not otherwise maintain a consistent temperature.

Insulated panels are particularly important in cold storage warehouses, which may hold food and other cold items or temperature-sensitive products like electronics.

Do you think insulated panels could improve your building? At A M Refrigeration Service, we offer insulated panels specifically for cold storage. Our panels are appropriate for walk-in freezers or fridges, as well as temperature-controlled rooms industrial, commercial or retail spaces.