Impact Resistant Panels: Building Safety and Durability
Buildings in areas with severe weather need the protection of impact resistant architectural panels. Not only will these panels protect building inhabitants from inclement weather, but they also make buildings more durable and energy-efficient.
Storefronts, hospitals, fire and police stations and other commercial buildings the community relies on should incorporate missile and weather-resistant panels into the design to ensure they can handle anything Mother Nature throws at them.
What Are Impact Resistant Panels?
Impact resistant panels are architectural panels designed for maximum protection from wind, rain, projectiles and debris like tree branches and other weather-related elements that can cause significant damage to traditional panels.
They are carefully tested and made from more robust materials than traditional panels and are layered to provide uniform strength and durability. For example, MapeShield panels are six layers thick with a hardboard substrate so they won’t fail in extreme conditions.
Resistance to Impact
Hurricane-force winds can turn almost anything into a dangerous projectile and slam it into buildings with immense force.
Utility poles, cars, shopping carts, mailboxes, outdoor furniture and more can all be blown directly at buildings during a hurricane. To avoid major damage and possible danger to the people inside the building, architectural panels have to resist the impact of some large and heavy items.
MapeShield panels are tested for hurricane impact resistance and have received Florida Product Approval, which means they are approved for use in high-velocity hurricane zones. The Florida Product Approval also means that these panels meet all Florida codes and regulations for commercial buildings.
Durability Factors
Architectural panels are designed to be durable, but impact resistant panels meet higher durability standards because they must withstand more extreme conditions and last over time.
Using lightweight materials layered for strength makes panels strong without adding bulk. They don’t need any special care to hold up over time, even after exposure to severe weather.
With basic cleaning and maintenance, they can last for decades. For example, MapeShield impact resistant panels have a 25-year lamination warranty.
Materials and Construction
MapeShield impact resistant panels can be made up to six inches thick and composed of six layers. Every panel has:
- Exterior skin
- Layer of high-density hardboard
- Layer of impact resistant 24-gauge galvanized steel
- Insulating core
- Another layer of high-density hardboard
- Interior skin
They can be installed into any impact-rated framing system but must be installed in a 4-sided captured system.
Applications in Various Industries
Architects can integrate this type of panels into most commercial buildings. They are particularly needed in buildings populated during extreme weather, like healthcare and medical facilities, schools and police and fire stations.
Essentially, any commercial building that operates 24 hours a day or is typically used as a shelter for the community in extreme weather should have impact resistant panels.
Construction and Building
Like other architectural panels, architects can customize impact resistant panels to fit a particular aesthetic or style of building.
With the same finishes and many of the same customization options as other types of panels, it’s easy for architects to create strong, durable, resistant commercial buildings without sacrificing aesthetics.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Healthcare and medical facilities particularly benefit from the inclusion of impact resistant panels in their design because of the 24-hour-a-day nature of the facilities.
Architects must prioritize safety and design with panels for the outside of the building, covered walkways and parking structures.
A great example of how Mape panels can fit seamlessly into the design of medical facilities is Shore Memorial Hospital. The hospital has a beautiful, sleek, contemporary design that uses MapeShield panels for safety and protection.
Impact Resistant Panels For Your Next Project
Impact resistant panels are not all created equal. Mapes is a leader in harnessing new building materials and technology to create durable, safe and stylish architectural panels for any commercial building project.
MapeShield impact resistant panels provide industry-recognized impact resistance and style that enhances any design. Contact Mapes today to learn more about MapeShield panels or discuss custom architectural panels for your next project.
You can also check our latest offer to find the best architectural panel solutions for any project.