Frequently Asked
Questions ~ (FAQ) |
|
What are the advantages of panelized construction over conventionally
framed buildings? |
|
Panelized homes made from
Sips panels are erected quickly, provide
unprecedented energy efficiency, offers tremendous design
flexibility and are substantially stronger than conventional
framing. In essence, the panelized system is the
construction method of the 21st Century. |
|
|
What holds the house up since framing is not used?
|
|
Structural support is
provided by steel framing members placed 24" on center and screw
connected to steel engines at both the top and bottom of the
panels. This assembly results in a wall exponentially stronger
than a conventional 2" x 4" wall. |
|
|
What are the disadvantages to this type of panelized construction?
|
|
The wall and roof panels are
state-of-the-art construction. As such, many builders may not
be familiar with erection techniques. Fortunately, shell
erection can be handled by an experienced or local
contractor familiar with this type of assembly. Moreover,
techniques required for construction are very easy to master,
and instruction is provided by |
|
|
Is there an advantage to the 7" panel thickness for walls and 12"
panel thickness for the roof? |
|
Yes, indeed. This
construction system provides the highest level of energy
efficiency (4.35 R/1" at 25°F, 3.85 R/1" at 75°F) for a given
wall or roof system available in the industry. Additionally,
because of the design flexibility, the homeowner receives more
living space than in comparatively insulated houses, with the
same outside dimensions, and vaulted (cathedral) ceilings in all
living space directly below roof members. |
|
|
What is the interior layout like in a Sips ? |
|
Because the building shell
provides most of the load-carrying requirements of the house,
there is inordinate flexibility of interior design. In fact,
the improved volume space offered by this system is a distinct
feature favored by homeowners. Users can select a home design, plan the layout themselves, or work
with an architect, builder or
representative to provide for all your special needs. Unlike
most houses, the structure does not constrain your design
flexibility. |
|
|
Sips
Panels |
|
|
What are Sips Panels? |
|
Sips panels are highly insulated building panels which have a
core of rigid insulation supported with exterior and interior
steel framing members made from 1" x 2" 18 gauge galvanized
steel. The steel framing members are joined together with
self-tapping screws to provide a warp-free integral structure.
Adjacent panels are joined with top and bottom 1-1/2" x 1-1/2"
steel angles which are secured with self-tapping screws. |
|
|
What kind of exterior siding can be used on the panels? |
|
Virtually any type of
exterior application can be employed. This would include
masonry, wood, vinyl or aluminum. |
|
|
How are panels made? |
|
Panels are designed, cut
and assembled to very specific tolerances at the plant. Each wall and roof section is custom made for
a specific home. Therefore, both builders and home owners have
confidence that the Sips system is made specifically for their use. |
|
|
Are there problems with dimensional stability of the panels? |
|
Panels are extremely
stable, and while they may expand slightly, the effect is almost
indefinable. |
|
|
Does the R-value of the EPS experience thermal drift? |
|
No, when properly insulated, the R-value of EPS insulation
remains constant because the cellular structure contains only
stabilized air. The R-value of EPS will not decrease with age.
As a result, the thermal resistance, or R-value, may be used
without age adjustment. |
|
|
Why isn't there a vapor barrier in the panel? |
|
The panel itself serves as
the vapor barrier. Most model building codes require a vapor
barrier with a perm rating of 1 or less. The perm rating of the
™
system is less
than 1. Moreover, with a Sips system wall, voids are eliminated and
therefore moisture does not condense. Moisture is not a problem
with this panelized system. The expanded polystyrene (EPS)
material in the panels will absorb and release moisture on a
seasonal basis, but there are no harmful effects from this
cycling. |
|
|
Do I need to add a vapor barrier or use a vapor retardant paint? |
|
No vapor barrier is
required with the panel. The only place where moisture
migration might be a concern is at panel joints; however, these
joints are sealed following installation to prevent moisture
areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, is recommended. |
|
|
Environmental
and Health Concerns |
|
|
What are the physical properties of expanded polystyrene (EPS)? |
|
EPS is an advanced
formulation of lightweight, closed cellplastic foam material
composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. It is derived from
petroleum and natural gas by-products and developed for high
R-value, structural strength, and for safety characteristics. |
|
|
Does temperature cycling affect EPS insulating characteristics? |
|
No. EPS is able to
withstand the abuses of temperature (freeze-thaw) cycling
without loss of structural integrity or other physical
properties, thus assuring long term performance. |
|
|
Is EPS manufactured with chloroflourocarbons (CFCs) or
hydroclorofluoro carbons (HCFCs)? |
|
No. EPS neither contains
nor uses chlorofluorocarbons, usually referred to as CFCs or
hydrochloroflourocarbons, referred to as HCFCs, in its
manufacturing process. |
|
|
What happens when the panel burns? |
|
When the panels burn,
quantities of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are released;
however the volume released is substantially less than that
released by a comparable amount from white oak or Douglas fir.
|
|
|
What is the wall finish rating of our Panels? |
|
ASTM testing by an
independent laboratory showed the wall finish rating of
™ panels can achieve up to a one hour rating with
drywall attached. Complete information on wall and roof
finish ratings is available from |
|
|
What are the building code requirements for panels relative to fire? |
|
Building and fire codes
vary from location to location, however, typically a 15 minute
finish rating is required for light construction.
™ panels, with an interior layer of 1/2" drywall,
significantly surpasses this requirement. Complete
information on wall and roof finish ratings is available from |
|
|
Do I need an air-to-air heat exchanger? |
|
Air-to-air heat
exchangers, and/or other types of mechanical ventilation are
recommended in all tight houses, including those constructed
with our Sips panels. recommends that air-to-air heat exchangers be
incorporated into all of our Sips
homes. |
|
|
Does EPS offer good moisture resistance? |
|
Yes. A study by the
Energy materials Testing Laboratory has show that EPS insulation
does not absorb appreciable moisture, even under conditions
characteristic of prolonged, cold, damp winters. The small
amount of moisture absorbed (an average of 0.02% by weight) has
little or no effect on compression and flexural strength.
Further, the EPS insulation retains between 95% and 97% of its
thermal efficiency. |
|
|
Finishing a Home |
|
|
What skills are required for finishing a
home? |
|
General carpentry skills are all you will need to finish a home
constructed with the ™
panelized wall and
roof system. Skilled homeowners can do most of the work
themselves, subcontracting work requiring specialized skills
such as electrical and plumbing. |
|
|
How is the roof finished? |
|
After panel joints are
sealed, 1/2" OSB or plywood is fastened to the steel structural
members in the roof panels, and then felt paper and shingles are
installed. |
|
|
Can exterior siding be directly applied to the ™ panels? |
|
Generally, yes. Felt
paper and other moisture barriers should not be used between the
panels and siding; however, an air barrier such as Tyvek or
Typar is recommended. |
|
|
How should the siding be applied? |
|
Horizontal siding is
screwed directly to the structural support members of the
panels. |
|
|
Are windows and doors difficult to install? |
|
Windows and doors are
ready to install in a home because of
the exacting standards used to cut rough openings prior to
delivery. After 2"x8" framing, units are set into the openings
and shimmed to level. Then, the perimeters are sealed with
expanding foam sealer, resulting in an energy efficient
installation. |
|
|
How are interior walls installed? |
|
Interior partition walls
are generally constructed of either wood or steel 2x4s and
sheathed with drywall, as in conventional frame construction.
Where an interior partition wall meets an exterior wall, the
edge stud is screwed into a structural support member
pre-designed for that location. |
|
|
How do you run wiring in panels? |
|
Horizontal wiring runs are
engineered into the panels prior to assembly, so field wiring is
simplified. Vertical runs can be field routed with minimal
effort. |
|
|
How are electrical boxes attached to panels? |
|
The boxes are field
screwed to the structural support members in the wall panels. |
|
|
How do you run plumbing in a home? |
|
There will be almost no
difference between plumbing in a home
and plumbing in a conventional framed house. |
|
|
How are walls finished in a home? |
|
Walls are generally
finished with drywall on the interior face. Typically, the
drywall is fastened with self-tapping screws to the support
members of the panel; however, some builders use construction
adhesive in applying drywall to the
Sips panels, enabling them to use fewer
fasteners. |
|
|
What is the best type of heating system for a home? |
|
Any type of heating system
can be used; however, the advantages of this unique, high energy
efficient panelized system will reduce the BTU loading
requirement substantially from what is conventionally expected.
Where gas is available, a 50 GAL hot water tank will meet all
heating and domestic hot water needs. Therefore, work with your
heating contractor, general contractor or Representative for recommendations. |
|
|
For additional information on homes, custom
designs and details on shell erection and finishing, contact at info@advancedstructuralbuildingsystems.org |