The Preferred choice for insulated metal panels.

Preferred Panel is a full-service IMP contractor specializing in cold storage construction, temperature-controlled environments, and commercial building envelope systems.

Services

IMP Installation

Complete wall and roof insulated metal panel systems for commercial, industrial, and cold storage applications. We work with all major panel profiles — horizontal, vertical, and concealed fastener — in gauges and core types matched to your project’s thermal and structural requirements.

Cold Storage & Freezer Construction

Purpose-built cold storage facilities including walk-in coolers, freezers, blast cells, and controlled atmosphere rooms. Engineered for consistent temperature hold, energy efficiency, and compliance with USDA and FDA facility standards.

Building Envelope & Retrofit

Panel replacement, re-skin, and retrofit work for existing structures. We assess current R-values, identify thermal bridging, and install upgraded panel systems that meet current energy codes and performance targets.

Panels are what we’re known for.

Insulated metal panels and cold storage are at the core of what we do — it’s where we built our reputation, and it’s where our crews are strongest.

Manufacturer-Trained Crews

Our installers are trained and certified by leading IMP manufacturers including Metl-Span, Kingspan, and ATAS International.

Safety-First Operations

Full OSHA compliance, site-specific safety plans, and a documented safety record. We carry all required insurance and bonding for commercial and industrial work.

Single-Source Accountability

From panel procurement and logistics to installation and final punch list — one contractor, one point of contact, no finger-pointing.

Precision & QC

Proper sealant application, correct fastener patterns, and verified panel alignment. We don’t leave gaps in your thermal envelope.

Engineering tools, built in-house.

Our proprietary software evaluates wall and roof assemblies before installation — comparing R-values, flagging thermal bridges, and checking joints and penetrations where energy loss actually happens.

Owners, architects, and GCs get clearer answers earlier. Fewer field surprises, better performance.

R-Value Modeling

Assembly-level thermal performance checks for panel systems.

Detail Risk Scoring

Focus on joints, corners, and penetrations before they become field issues.

Build-Ready Outputs

Translates engineering checks into practical install guidance.

About

A legacy of excellence.

More than 25 years ago, Mike Cloonan incorporated Preferred Construction and built it into one of the top general contractors in Illinois, known for high-quality commercial work across the Chicagoland area and beyond.

Over time, insulated metal panels became the fastest-growing segment of the business. The demand was there, the crews excelled at it, and the reputation followed. What started as one part of the operation became the main focus — and Preferred Panel was the natural result.

Today we serve food processing plants, distribution centers, pharmaceutical facilities, and any operation that needs a properly built thermal envelope. If it involves an insulated metal panel, we handle it.

Contact

Let’s talk about your project.

Drop us a message below. Include your name, how you’d like to be reached (phone, email, etc.), and what you need — we’ll get back to you.