What are the advantages of panelized construction over traditional framing?
Panelized projects are erected quickly, saving time and money. Designs are limitless, anything you can do with wood, we can do better and straighter. Panel design is 2 ˝ times stronger than wood and straight.
What sizes do panels come in?
Panels are specifically designed for each project and panel sizes vary depending mostly on window and door sizes. Generally, 8 ft widths for ease of shipping and installation, but it is often necessary to produce larger panels for larger openings.
What is included in panel purchase?
The panelization of your project using proprietary computer software. Additional engineering may be required depending on the project size and it may be necessary to contact the project engineer. Details for tie down and J-bolt locations are supplied as well as all erection instructions. Panels are delivered to the jobsite with all the track, over-track connectors and screws
What heights can me made?
Panels are built to guidelines outlined in the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC), walls will be assembled to the specified requirements. For example, stud spacing for a tall wall carrying a heavy load for a large roof span may require smaller spacing, as required by the 2003 IRC. In general, heights of 20 ft or less are common for one panel. Exceeding certain heights will be engineered accordingly
How are the panels wired and plumbed?
Plumbing and wiring is simple with our assembly method. Channels are placed in panels for running all wiring in exterior walls. This makes wiring easier than wood since electrical contractors no longer have to drill through each stud to run wiring. Plumbing allowances are made at locations specified in the project’s plumbing details
What gauges of steel are used in your panels?
Standard panels are assembled using 20 gauge structural steel components. For larger spanning headers and taller walls, heavier gauge steel such as 18 gauge or 16 gauge is used.
Do houses made of steel rust?
No. Panels are made with G-90 galvanized steel. This galvanizing process makes the steel resistant to rust.
Does the Styrofoam used to insulate the panels emit harmful gases?
The EPS Styrofoam that is used is manufactured to strict guidelines outlined by the IRC with the use of their ICBO standard testing. All Styrofoam is graded to be used for insulation in wall cavities and is treated to eliminate any off-gassing. No chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) or hydrochloroflorocarbons (HCFC’s)
How are trusses attached to the panels? Do they need to be made with steel as well?
Trusses are attached using the method specified by the design. This means that all hardware and strapping components will comply with the engineers’ specified hardware. Trusses do not need to be constructed with steel; however the attachment detail for wood to steel attachment must be followed.
How are the walls finished?
Walls are easily finished with any material that can be used on traditional wood framing. Finishes are attached using self-tapping hardware, such as self-trapping drywall screws.
Can I install panels myself or do I need a contractor?
The system is so simple that anyone can put it up. It’s necessary to follow all instructions carefully, and a framing inspection is still required, but erecting the panels yourself can save valuable time and labor cost.
Is permitting more difficult when using panelized construction?
The panels system uses the guidelines outlined in the 2003 IRC, permitting is much easier than with other panel systems. It may still be necessary to perform additional engineering for special attachments, but generally the 2003 IRC guidelines will outline these attachments.
Will my home look different than others in my development?
No. Once a house is finished, there is no difference between a steel home and one built with wood, in fact the steel home will remain straight and true long after the wood house has warped over time.
Do I need any special HVAC equipment?
Air exchangers are required to allow the home to “breathe”. Our homes are virtually airtight therefore needing fresh air to be introduced to the home.
How are windows and doors installed?
Are panels are made to exact measurements based on you window and door selection. Once we have received your dimension, panels are produced accordingly making the installation of windows and doors smooth. Very little shimming is required if at all.
Panelized projects are erected quickly, saving time and money. Designs are limitless, anything you can do with wood, we can do better and straighter. Panel design is 2 ˝ times stronger than wood and straight.
What sizes do panels come in?
Panels are specifically designed for each project and panel sizes vary depending mostly on window and door sizes. Generally, 8 ft widths for ease of shipping and installation, but it is often necessary to produce larger panels for larger openings.
What is included in panel purchase?
The panelization of your project using proprietary computer software. Additional engineering may be required depending on the project size and it may be necessary to contact the project engineer. Details for tie down and J-bolt locations are supplied as well as all erection instructions. Panels are delivered to the jobsite with all the track, over-track connectors and screws
What heights can me made?
Panels are built to guidelines outlined in the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC), walls will be assembled to the specified requirements. For example, stud spacing for a tall wall carrying a heavy load for a large roof span may require smaller spacing, as required by the 2003 IRC. In general, heights of 20 ft or less are common for one panel. Exceeding certain heights will be engineered accordingly
How are the panels wired and plumbed?
Plumbing and wiring is simple with our assembly method. Channels are placed in panels for running all wiring in exterior walls. This makes wiring easier than wood since electrical contractors no longer have to drill through each stud to run wiring. Plumbing allowances are made at locations specified in the project’s plumbing details
What gauges of steel are used in your panels?
Standard panels are assembled using 20 gauge structural steel components. For larger spanning headers and taller walls, heavier gauge steel such as 18 gauge or 16 gauge is used.
Do houses made of steel rust?
No. Panels are made with G-90 galvanized steel. This galvanizing process makes the steel resistant to rust.
Does the Styrofoam used to insulate the panels emit harmful gases?
The EPS Styrofoam that is used is manufactured to strict guidelines outlined by the IRC with the use of their ICBO standard testing. All Styrofoam is graded to be used for insulation in wall cavities and is treated to eliminate any off-gassing. No chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) or hydrochloroflorocarbons (HCFC’s)
How are trusses attached to the panels? Do they need to be made with steel as well?
Trusses are attached using the method specified by the design. This means that all hardware and strapping components will comply with the engineers’ specified hardware. Trusses do not need to be constructed with steel; however the attachment detail for wood to steel attachment must be followed.
How are the walls finished?
Walls are easily finished with any material that can be used on traditional wood framing. Finishes are attached using self-tapping hardware, such as self-trapping drywall screws.
Can I install panels myself or do I need a contractor?
The system is so simple that anyone can put it up. It’s necessary to follow all instructions carefully, and a framing inspection is still required, but erecting the panels yourself can save valuable time and labor cost.
Is permitting more difficult when using panelized construction?
The panels system uses the guidelines outlined in the 2003 IRC, permitting is much easier than with other panel systems. It may still be necessary to perform additional engineering for special attachments, but generally the 2003 IRC guidelines will outline these attachments.
Will my home look different than others in my development?
No. Once a house is finished, there is no difference between a steel home and one built with wood, in fact the steel home will remain straight and true long after the wood house has warped over time.
Do I need any special HVAC equipment?
Air exchangers are required to allow the home to “breathe”. Our homes are virtually airtight therefore needing fresh air to be introduced to the home.
How are windows and doors installed?
Are panels are made to exact measurements based on you window and door selection. Once we have received your dimension, panels are produced accordingly making the installation of windows and doors smooth. Very little shimming is required if at all.