As you know, in Wisconsin, our weather doesn’t cut us any slack. From humid summers to freezing winters with snow, Wisconsin has it all. Running a warehouse in Wisconsin weather means spending plenty on energy bills to keep temperatures stable in every season. However, you don’t need to worry because insulated metal panels provide comfort, reduce energy bills, and offer a durable, long-term roofing solution.
At Superior Roofing Company, Wisconsin’s trusted Wisconsin Metal Roofing Contractors and roof insulation specialists, we have seen plenty of Wisconsin residents and warehouse owners happy with the use of IMPs. It truly upgraded the game of warehouse roofing across Wisconsin.
Today, we explore how insulated metal panels improve energy efficiency and why they are becoming the standard for high-performance warehouse roofs.
What are insulated metal panels?
Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are most commonly also known as sandwich panels. There are two metal sheets that are tough, with an insulating foam core sandwiched between. The internal core is typically polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam, which is the thermal barrier that retains the heat where it is required. They are sometimes referred to more descriptively as:
- Composite metal panels
- Foam-core metal panels
- Structurally insulated metal panels
In the case of Wisconsin warehouses, it means reduced heat loss in the winter and reduced cold air loss in the summer. These panels are available in different thicknesses; therefore, you can decide the amount of thermal protection required by your building, depending on the design and the energy objectives.
Key Features of IMP Roofing
- The panels lock together securely. This tight locking creates an insulated surface with no air gaps.
- The IMPs are available in different finishes, so you can choose the right one that best suits your warehouse exterior and theme.
- Panels are made of metal, which helps reduce the risk of corrosion and leaks.
Note: IMPs are distinct from Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), which typically use oriented strand board (OSB) or similar facings rather than metal. IMPs are specific to the metal roofing version. Due to their excellent thermal performance, airtightness, and quick installation, they are widely used in commercial applications such as cold-storage building envelopes.
How Insulated Metal Panels Improve Energy Consumption?
Saving on the energy bills aspect is something every warehouse owner has to take into consideration. Installing insulated metal panels in your warehouse roofing means you are creating a barrier between the inside and outside temperatures. It’s just like wrapping your entire building with a thick blanket.
How IMPs Lower Energy Bills
- Longer HVAC Life: Air conditioners and heating systems no longer need to work as hard as before when you install IMPs. Therefore, they indirectly help in lowering energy bills and prolonging HVAC life.
- Low Heat Gain and Loss: Traditional roofing systems always need separate insulation layers, which can result in gaps and leaks. IMPs are pre-insulated and form a tight seal to keep the indoor temperature in control.
Many Wisconsin warehouse owners report up to 30% reductions in heating and cooling costs after switching to insulated metal panels.
Case Study: Wisconsin Warehouse Energy Savings
Last winter, one of our warehouse clients in Appleton, WI, switched from an aging single-ply roof to 3-inch IMPs. Their January energy bill dropped by 27% in the first month, and their HVAC run-time decreased by almost one-third, without changing any equipment.
This kind of improvement is typical for IMP installations in cold-climate states like Wisconsin.
Durability to Cater to Wisconsin’s Weather
Honestly speaking, roofs in Wisconsin are called upon to do a great deal of heavy lifting. Materials continuously expand and contract between loads of snow, freezing rain, and fluctuating temperatures. This is why durability is no less important than insulation.
Insulated metal panels are constructed precisely to meet this type of climate. The core of the structure is made of rigid foam that allows all the panels to be stable, and the panels resist bending or cracking under normal conditions. The metal skins on the outer part of the structure withstand shock and corrosion.
These durable roof panels are also interlocked, hence providing tight seals, and therefore leaks and moisture have no chance. These panels are highly resistant to damage from freeze-thaw cycles, which can affect traditional materials with time, and the outer coatings prevent rusting and UV rays. Repair remains low; no regular patching, sealants, or recoating is required.
How IMPs Stack Up Against Built-Up and Single-Ply Roofing?
| Roofing System | Insulation Quality | Durability | Installation Speed | Energy Savings |
| IMPs | Excellent (built-in core) | High | Fast | High (up to 30%) |
| Built-Up Roof (BUR) | Moderate | Medium | Slow | Medium |
| Single-Ply (TPO/PVC) | Moderate | Medium | Medium | Moderate |
Advantages of Installation for Wisconsin Warehouses
You know what one of the best parts about insulated metal panels in roofing systems is? It is how straightforward they are to install. All panels are factory-made to fit, so they just need to be installed in the right place when they come to your warehouse. There is no debris or mess on the site during the installation of these energy-efficient panels.
That means:
- Faster project timelines
- Fewer labor costs
- Consistent quality
Roofing contractors at Superior Roofing Company have installed numerous IMP roofs across Wisconsin and surrounding areas. And every time our client feedback is positive.
Ready to Upgrade Your Warehouse Roof?
If you want to upgrade your warehouse roofing and reduce energy bills, insulated metal panels are one of the best solutions for you. Their easy installation and efficient thermal performance make them a top choice for warehouse owners looking for long-term value.
Contact Superior Roofing Company today, Wisconsin’s IMP experts, and we will give your warehouse a roof that works as hard as you do.
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References
Metal Construction Association. (n.d.). Insulated metal panels. https://www.metalconstruction.org/insulated-metal-panels
Metal Construction Association. (2017). Selection guideline for insulated metal panels. https://www.atas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMP-Selection-Guide.pdf
Eco-Insulated Panels. (2025, January 28). Insulated metal panels: Energy efficiency & style. https://www.ecoinsulatedpanels.com/blog/2025/01/28/insulated-metal-panels-energy-efficiency-style/
Structural Panels Inc. (2025, September 29). The role of insulated metal panels in cold storage warehouses. https://structuralpanels.ca/the-role-of-insulated-metal-panels-in-cold-storage-warehouses/
Astute Analytica. (2024). U.S. insulated metal panels market size, share | Report [2024-2032]. https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/us-insulated-metal-panels-market (Note: References U.S. Department of Energy projections for up to 30% energy reductions with superior insulation.)
NAIOP Research Foundation. (2023, Fall). The benefits of insulated metal panels for cold storage facilities. NAIOP Magazine. https://www.naiop.org/research-and-publications/magazine/2023/fall-2023/development-ownership/the-benefits-of-insulated-metal-panels-for-cold-storage-facilities/
Eco-Insulated Panels. (2023, July 29). Transform your warehouse professional insulated metal panels for optimal efficiency. https://www.ecoinsulatedpanels.com/blog/2023/07/29/transform-your-warehouse-professional-insulated-metal-panels-for-optimal-efficiency/
Metal Construction Association. (n.d.). Insulated metal panel IBC specifications for roofs and walls. https://www.metalconstruction.org/index.php/online-education/imp-ibc-specifications-roof-and-wall
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