Products

The panels use composite technology, so the whole is stronger than the sum of the parts. The manufacturer uses three components: G-90 galvanized steel, special heat-activated glue and Carbon Enhanced Modified (CEM) EPS in a patented molding process (Figure 3-30). The studs are 16 and 14 inches on center. The standard panel is 3¹/₂ inches x 4 feet x 8 feet. You can also get heights up to 12 feet, and standard thicknesses of 4, 5¹/₂, and 7¹/₂ inches. A panel 3¹/₂ inches x 4 feet x 10 feet weighs roughly 48 to 50 pounds. But as Figure 3-31 shows, you still need enough bodies to get a full wall off the decking, even though it's lightweight.

Figure 3-30 (left): Typical Thermasteel Panels Figure 3-31 (right): Raising a Thermasteel Panel
Photo Courtesy of: Thermastructure XT, Corp.		Photo Courtesy of: Thermastructure XT, Corp.

Both sides of the panel have a shiplap joint which reduces air infiltration by 34 percent. The effective R-value is R-16 for a 3¹/₂-inch, R-23 for 5¹/₂-inch, and R-33 for a 7¹/₂-inch panel. The manufacturer indicates a minimum of 33 to 50 percent savings in utility bills by using this system. Using CEM EPS as a major material component gives the panel the following advantages: It's rigid and lightweight (Figure 3-31)

• It has stable R-values due to the closed cellular structure which contains stabilized air

• Insulation values are consistent over the life of the structure

• Contains no CFCs or HCFCs and there's no off-gassing

• Resists fungus, decay, and moisture gain

• Will not rot; highly resistant to mildew

• Environmentally safe

• Eliminates risks of cancer and respiratory and skin irritations you can get from some other types of insulation

• No food for termites and other common wood eaters

ThermaSteel can be ordered as a predesigned package or you can incorporate stock panels into virtually any house or building design (Figure 3-32). The manufacturer can provide premolded electrical chases in the CEM EPS core of each panel, or you can use a hot knife to cut wiring and plumbing chases. And you aren't limited to just walls; you can use this system in roof, floor, or foundation assemblies. Door and window rough openings are premolded to plan specifications.

Photo Courtesy of: Thermastructure XT, Corp.

Figure 3-32: Thermasteel Panels in a house design

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