SIP FAQ's
General Information About structural Insulated Panels
Thermotech 21™ structural Insulated Panels
What are the advantages of structural insulated panelized construction over conventionally framed buildings?
Homes made from THERMOTECH 21™ structural insulated panels are erected quickly, provide unprecedented energy efficiency, offer tremendous design flexibility and are substantially stronger than conventional framing. In essence, the THERMOTECH 21™ structural insulated panelized system is the construction method of the 21st Century for greater energy efficiency and building greener.
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What holds the house up since framing is not used?
Typically, Techbuilt gable structural insulated wall panels are the same thickness as the exterior walls below them. All necessary structural support for roof load beams, and any openings are incorporated into them. The result is a stronger, more energy efficient structure, with lower long term maintenance costs, savings on heating and cooling, and greener building.
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There are no disadvantages to building with the THERMOTECH 21™ structural insulated wall and roof panels systems. As our system is state-of-the-art construction, many builders may not be familiar with erection techniques. Fortunately, shell erection can be handled by an experienced Techbuilt local contractor familiar with this type of assembly. Moreover, techniques required for construction are very easy to master, and instruction is provided by Techbuilt, Inc. The result is faster construction times, greater site security, higher energy efficiency, and overall savings.
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Is there an advantage to the 7" structural insulated panel thickness for walls and 12" structural insulated panel thickness for the roof?
Yes, without question. This structural insulated panel construction system provides the highest level of energy efficiency (4.35 R/1" at 25°F, 3.85 R/1" at 75°F) for any given wall or roof SIP system available in the industry. Additionally, because of the design flexibility, the homeowner can design more living space than in comparatively insulated houses, with the same outside dimensions. Additionally, vaulted (cathedral) ceilings in all living space directly below roof members create dramatic visual effects.
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What is the interior layout like in a Techbuilt, Inc. home?
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 our structural insulated panel system is a distinct feature favored by homeowners. Users can select a Techbuilt, Inc. home design, plan the layout themselves, or work with an architect, builder or Techbuilt, Inc. representative to provide for all your special needs. Unlike most houses, the structure does not constrain your design flexibility. Additionally, savings are realized in the construction cycle through reduced time and waste streams. The result is improved energy efficiency, reduced costs for heating and cooling, and building greener for the future.
Techbuilt representatives are here to help you.
Call 440-622-3950
Email Info@Techbuilt.com
Sip panel information in an audio format
Environmental and Health Concerns and SIPS
What are the advantages of structural insulated panelized construction over conventionally framed buildings?
Homes made from THERMOTECH 21™ structural insulated panels are erected quickly, provide unprecedented energy efficiency, offer tremendous design flexibility and are substantially stronger than conventional framing. In essence, the THERMOTECH 21™ structural insulated panelized system is the construction method of the 21st Century for greater energy efficiency and building greener..
What holds the house up since framing is not used?
Typically, Techbuilt gable structural insulated wall panels are the same thickness as the exterior walls below them. All necessary structural support for roof load beams, and any openings are incorporated into them. The result is a stronger, more energy efficient structure, with lower long term maintenance costs, savings on heating and cooling, and greener building.
Call 440-622-3950
What are the disadvantages to this type of panelized construction?
There are no disadvantages to building with the THERMOTECH 21™ structural insulated wall and roof panels systems. As our system is state-of-the-art construction, many builders may not be familiar with erection techniques. Fortunately, shell erection can be handled by an experienced Techbuilt local contractor familiar with this type of assembly. Moreover, techniques required for construction are very easy to master, and instruction is provided by Techbuilt, Inc. The result is faster construction times, greater site security, higher energy efficiency, and overall savings.
Call 440-622-3950
Is there an advantage to the 7" structural insulated panel thickness for walls and 12" structural insulated panel thickness for the roof?
Yes, without question. This structural insulated panel construction system provides the highest level of energy efficiency (4.35 R/1" at 25°F, 3.85 R/1" at 75°F) for any given wall or roof SIP system available in the industry. Additionally, because of the design flexibility, the homeowner can design more living space than in comparatively insulated houses, with the same outside dimensions. Additionally, vaulted (cathedral) ceilings in all living space directly below roof members create dramatic visual effects.
Call 440-622-3950
What is the interior layout like in a Techbuilt, Inc. home?
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 our structural insulated panel system is a distinct feature favored by homeowners. Users can select a Techbuilt, Inc. home design, plan the layout themselves, or work with an architect, builder or Techbuilt, Inc. representative to provide for all your special needs. Unlike most houses, the structure does not constrain your design flexibility. Additionally, savings are realized in the construction cycle through reduced time and waste streams. The result is improved energy efficiency, reduced costs for heating and cooling, and building greener for the future.
Call 440-622-3950
Finishing a Home with Techbuilt, Inc. structural Insulated Panel Systems
What skills are required for finishing a Techbuilt, Inc. structural insulated panel home?
General carpentry skills are all you will need to finish a home constructed with the Thermotech 21™ structural insulated panelized wall and roof system. Skilled homeowners can do much of the work themselves, and need only subcontract work requiring specialized skills such as electrical and plumbing.
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How is the structural insulated roof panel system finished?
After panel joints are sealed, 1/2" OSB or plywood is fastened to the steel structural members in the roof SIPS. Once completed, felt paper and shingles are installed.
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Can exterior siding be directly applied to the Thermotech 21™ structural insulated panels?
Generally, yes. Felt paper and other moisture barriers should not be used between the SIPS and siding; however, an air barrier such as Tyvek or Typar is recommended.
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How should the siding be applied?
Horizontal siding is screwed directly to the structural support members of the insulated panels.
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Are windows and doors difficult to install?
Windows and doors are ready to install in a Techbuilt, Inc. 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 and greener building.
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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.
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How do you run wiring in structural insulated panels?
Horizontal wiring runs are engineered into the SIPS prior to assembly, so field wiring is simplified. Vertical runs in the structural insulated panels can be field routed with minimal effort.
How are electrical boxes attached to structural insulated panels?
The boxes are field screwed to the structural insulated support members in the wall panels.
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How do you run plumbing in a Techbuilt, Inc. home built with structural insulated panels?
There will be almost no difference between plumbing in a Techbuilt, Inc. home built with structural insulated panels and plumbing in a conventional framed house.
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How are walls finished in a Techbuilt, Inc. structural insulated panelized home?
SIP 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 structural insulated panel; however, some builders use construction adhesive in applying drywall to the Thermotech 21™ SIPS, enabling them to use fewer fasteners.
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What is the best type of heating system for a Techbuilt, Inc. structural insulated panelized home?
Any type of heating system can be used; however, the advantages of this unique, high energy efficient SIP 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 Techbuilt Representative for recommendations on how to maximize your energy efficiency and long term savings by building greener with structural insulated panels.
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FAQ'S PANELS
What are Thermotech 21™ structural Insulated Panels?
Thermotech 21™ structural insulated 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 structural panels are joined with top and bottom 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" steel angles which are secured with self-tapping screws.
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What kind of exterior siding can be used on the structural insulated panels?
Virtually any type of exterior application can be employed with our SIP system. This would include masonry, wood, vinyl or aluminum.
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How are structural insulated panels made?
Structural insulated panels are designed, cut and assembled to very specific tolerances at the Techbuilt, Inc. SIP plant. Each wall and roof SIP section is custom made for a specific home. Therefore, both builders and home owners have confidence that the Thermotech 21™ structural insulated panel system is made specifically for their use.
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Are there problems with dimensional stability of the structural insulated panels?
Our SIPS are extremely stable, and while they may expand slightly, the effect is almost indefinable.
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Does the R-value of the EPS experience thermal drift when using structural insulated panels?
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. The result is a stronger, more energy efficient structure that is stronger and requires less maintenance for long term green energy savings.
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Why isn't there a vapor barrier in the structural insulated panel?
The structural insulated 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 Thermotech 21™ structural insulated panel system is less than 1. Moreover, with the Thermotech 21™ SIP wall system, voids are eliminated and therefore moisture does not condense. Moisture is not a problem with this structural insulated panelized system. The expanded polystyrene (EPS) material in the SIPS will absorb and release moisture on a seasonal basis, but there are no harmful effects from this cycling.
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Do I need to add a vapor barrier or use a vapor retardant paint with structural insulated panels?
No vapor barrier is required with the structural insulated panel. The only place where moisture migration might be a concern is at panel joints. Therefore, sealing these joints following installation will prevent moisture in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms and is recommended.
Call 440-622-3950
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