These pre-insulated, light guage steel framing panels are 100% recyclable (galvanized steel and expanded polystyrene) and are utilized in foundation, floor, wall, roof and ceiling applications for residential, commercial and industrial projects as well as infill or curtain for high-rise construction. They are Energy Star certified and provide LEED Credit-Opportunity Contributions for Energy Performance, ControlLability of Systems - Thermal, Thermal Comfort - Design, Recycled Content, and Innovation & Design. Due to the prefabricated nature of their construction the panels complete four functions at once: framing, insulation, sheathing, and vapor barrier. Window and door rough openings can be pre-molded as well. They have higher "R" values due to greater thermal efficiency, are quickly installed, have good wind resistance, and produce very little job site material waste.
This product, manufactured by ThermaSteel Corporation, was deemed a 2009 award winner by Green Building Pages and rated highly in the following areas: no outputs on toxic chemicals lists, no ozone-depleting gases used or emitted, no off-gassing during installation, use and maintenance, no packaging used, no machinery required for installation, no toxic or carcinogenic materials required for installation, life expectancy of product is greater than 50 years or 100% biodegradable after product renewal, no diminution of performance over time, 71% of product can be reused, and 100% of product can be recycled.
It also uses 90% post-consumer recycled content in its production, the average distance from supplier to manufacturer is l01-500 miles, the average distance from manufacturer to distribution is 501-1000 miles, the product can be easily disassembled for alternative disposal, and no animals or animal by-products used in any product or process.
Steel framing can also provide the following benefits over traditional wood framing: warranty call-backs are minimized because steel does not shrink, split, or warp and as a result, there are no nail pops or drywall cracks to fix after the structure is completed. Consistent quality of material means that scrap is drastically reduced (2% for steel versus 20% for wood). Steel framing is easier to handle because steel studs weigh 1/3less than wood studs, and can be installed at 24” on center. Long term maintenance costs are reduced because steel is resistant to rot, mold, termite and insect infestation and provides good indoor air quality because steel does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Also, in most residential applications, additional plywood or OSB is added as sheathing. With steel panels sheathing is not required on the exterior walls. Any exterior cladding can be used which reduces material costs for items that are not needed. Steel panels also reduce the time it takes to build as it is lighter and you can move the material around easier. With most stick framing, a builder has to cut the lumber to size, frame, drill holes for wiring, insulate, and sheath. Steel panels are custom made based on a set of architectural drawings and arrive at the job site cut to the correct heights, framed, have pre-molded wire chases, and are pre-insulated. Many steps are eliminated lowering the cost of labor and time needed to construct. Additionally, using EPS (expanded polystyrene) as an insulator reduces air leaks and is recyclable. Using a steel insulated panel with EPS has its own built in vapor barrier which allows the panel to breathe but also eliminates the cause of molding. Also, there is no wood for the invitation of termites and other wood-boring insects.
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