HighLine™: Insulated Metal Panels for Commercial Roof and Wall Applications

Every commercial building project begins with a series of decisions. Before anyone orders materials or schedules deliveries, the project team is working through questions that will affect the building long after construction is complete. How will the building be used? What performance expectations does the owner have? How much flexibility is there in the budget? Which products will help achieve those goals?

Those conversations often include the owner, architect, engineer, general contractor, and specialty contractors. Each brings a different perspective, but they're all working toward the same objective: selecting building systems that make sense for the project. By the time the roof and wall system is being discussed, the team isn't looking for the newest product on the market. They're looking for the product that best supports the owner's priorities.

If those discussions lead to an insulated metal panel, the next step is evaluating which product is the best fit. That's where understanding HighLine becomes important.

What Is HighLine?

HighLine is an exposed-fastener insulated metal panel manufactured by Green Span Profiles®, a McElroy Metal joint venture company. Designed for commercial roof and wall applications, it combines an exterior steel face, a factory-foamed polyisocyanurate insulation core, and an interior steel liner into a single factory-manufactured panel. Installing all three components at the same time is one of the many reasons IMPs continue to be a popular choice for commercial projects.

HighLine features a 36-inch coverage width and is available with insulation thicknesses from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. The exterior face is offered in 26-, 24-, and 22-gauge steel, while the interior liner is available in 26-gauge steel. Panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 75 feet and are available in a variety of factory-applied colors and coatings.

Those options give the project team the ability to select a panel that fits the building rather than trying to make the building fit the panel. Whether the project calls for a roof system, a wall system, or both, HighLine offers the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of commercial applications.

Where Does HighLine Make Sense?

Every commercial building has a different set of requirements. A warehouse may prioritize energy efficiency and long-term operating costs. A manufacturing facility may need a durable roof and wall system that performs well in a demanding environment. An equipment storage building may have different priorities altogether. That's why product selection always begins with the project rather than the product itself.

HighLine is commonly used on warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, equipment storage buildings, agricultural structures, utility buildings, and a variety of other commercial buildings. It's a good fit for projects where thermal performance, durability, and long-term performance matter.

Understanding the product is only part of the recommendation process. Before specifying HighLine, it's also important to understand where it performs best and the project conditions it's designed to address.

What Should You Evaluate Before Recommending HighLine?

Before installation begins, review the manufacturer's installation requirements and make sure the panel layout has been finalized. Verifying dimensions, openings, and panel placement before work starts is much easier than making adjustments after installation is underway.

HighLine is available in a variety of panel lengths, so it's also important to think through how the panels will be delivered, unloaded, staged, and moved around the jobsite. Those logistics can significantly impact installation speed, particularly on larger projects.

Once installation begins, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for panel attachment, fastener placement, sealants, flashing, trim, and joint details. Those details help the completed roof or wall system perform as intended.

Is HighLine Right for Your Project?

HighLine is one of several insulated metal panel systems available for commercial construction. Whether it's the right choice depends on the goals of the project, the building itself, and the performance the owner expects from the finished system.

Understanding how the panel is built, where it's commonly used, and the available options makes it easier to determine whether HighLine is the right fit before the project moves from specification to installation.