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Insulated Metal Panel Walls vs. Insulated Curtain Walls

 

Insulated metal panel walls are commonly used for many applications, but insulated curtain walls are a more economical and effective solution for dividing coolers and freezers. Here are some of the ways you can save on floor space, insulation, installation, and expenses with insulated curtains.

More Available Floor Space Than Insulated Metal Panel Walls

The traditional method for closing off freezer floor space is a system of insulated metal panel walls. Unfortunately, these walls typically require the installation of a base to hold them in place, which can take up to 24″ of floor space in the form of a concrete curb and cast. The longer the wall, the more floor space a facility will need to support it, which can significantly reduce available space for equipment.

Insulated curtain walls aren’t as thick, and they utilize a support system connected to the ceiling, without the need for any base foundation. They also don’t need vertical steel columns to hold them in place, unlike insulated metal panels.

Sufficient Insulation

Another benefit of insulated curtain walls over insulated metal panel walls is the improved efficiency of insulation. R-values for insulated curtains normally range from 6.0 for a single thickness curtain to up to 10.0 for double curtains, without any requirement for foundations.

Easier Installation

The lack of hardware compared to insulated metal panel walls allows for easier installation of insulated curtains. Racking doesn’t require as much movement with insulated curtains, just enough to allow for the placement of a scissor lift. Again, the base curb and foundation that metal panels need are absent from insulated curtains, keeping installation simpler and less disruptive.

Lower Costs

Insulated curtains can help facilities save a lot of money compared to insulated metal panels, both in installation and energy costs. Unlike metal panels, insulated curtains are also capable of trimming around conduits, pipes, and other types of fittings and equipment. Insulated curtains also allow for the installation of special materials that are resistant to heat, light, and other elements that differ from the rest of the freezer space. They are also capable of accommodating for sloped roofs, and facilities can split them into different areas. These types of installation specifications are unavailable for insulated metal panel walls, which aren’t as flexible.

Get Insulated Curtain Wall Panels for Your Facility

If you want to benefit from lowered costs and more installation versatility, consider installing a system of insulated curtain walls instead of insulated metal panels. At Steel Guard Safety, we can help you determine the best configuration of insulated curtains for your facility, with a cost-effective solution that decreases energy costs while increasing available floor space in freezer areas.

You can call us at 1-800-347-8368, or contact us online to request a quote based on your project specifications before getting started. We’ll help you decide on the best curtain materials and hardware to provide you with the most effective curtain system.