Technical Info

Insulation R-Values

-R-Value is the measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry

Lumber	Steel/Polystyrene Panel	“True” R-Value	“Effective” R-Value
2×4	3-5/8”	R-14	R-30
2×6	5-1/2”	R-24	R-36
2×8	7-1/4”	R-30	R-40
2×10	9-1/4”	R-38	R-50
2×12	11-1/4”	R-44	R-50+

Our R-Values last the life of the product, and don’t diminish over time

Thermal Bridging

Our 7-1/4″ – 11-1/4″ walls have a built in thermal barrier using the polystyrene

Our 5-1/2″ have no issues with thermal bridging if a 1″ polystyrene is applied to the exterior of the wall, commonly used for stucco applications.

STC-Sound Transmission Class

-An integer rating of how well a building partition attenuates airborne sound.
-A single number quantifier used to rate partitions (walls), doors, and windows for their effectiveness of blocking sound

EPS	STC Rating
3-5/8”	36
5-1/2”	40
7-1/4”	48
9-1/4”	54
11-1/4”	58

Wood framing with drywall on both sides and fiberglass batt has a 34 STC Sound rating.

Expanded Polystyrene

-Treated with natural pesticides

-Meets ASTM C578 Specifications

-Flame Spread is 15#

-Smoke Developed 150#-300#

Drywall Attachment Details

Drywall attachment on 7-1/4”- 11-1/4” walls
-The drywall is attached using a self tapping screw to 20 gauge steel tracks which have rounded edges which is screwed to the steel studs through the polystyrene. Behind the drywall attachment track is an electrical chase.

Drywall attachment to 3-5/8”- 5-1/2” walls
-Drywall is attached to the framing members using self-taping screws.

Steel componnent Design and Assembly

All components comply with ICC Report 4943P and the AISI Specification for the Design of Cold Formed Steel Members - ASTM C-955 and ASTM C-1007 Assembly of strctural components complies with the 2006 International Residential Code. Headers comply with the North American Steel Framing Alliance L-/shaped Header field guide.

Wind and Load Bearing

Wind and load bearing requirements are per structural engineer and are dependent on the local codes. Virtually all wind or load bearing requirements can be accommodated in both residential and commercial structures up to four stories in height.

 Steel Attachment Details

Track attachment detail -Most commonly 18 gauge -Studs attach to the track using #8 self-drilling screws through the stud Flange and rack leg

Header attachment -Headers are used commonly in structural steel framing. -Light weight and very strong -Steel gauges range from 12-20 depending on load and opening sizes -Steel L-headers consists of two “L” shaped, light gauge steel angles. The shorter leg of the angle is about 1-1/2 inches wide, and the longer leg ranges from 6 to 10 inches long.The short leg rests on the wall’s top track and the longer leg extends down toward the window or door opening. Steel thickness typically ranges from 12 to 20 gauges.

Headers can either be single (one side of the wall only) or double (both sides of the wall). They have demonstrated structural adequacy for residential buildings in areas of low to moderate wind speeds. L-headers are also suitable for use in wood-frame buildings.

Corner Attachment -Assembled using typical three stud corner design making the framing strong in even the most demanding conditions

Simpson SH2.5 Roof Attachment -SH2.5 are seismic and hurricane clips. -The SH2.5 is a twisted strap tie that is used to attach a rafter to the side of the  top plate. These ties are shipped in equal quantities of separate rights and lefts. -Use of a wood top plate allows for easy truss attachment

Simpson STHD10 Embedded strap -The STHD10 is a steel strap that is embedded into the stem wall. -There is a minimum 6” stem wall requirement -Can be attached to stud or an 18 gauge steel plate spanning structural studs w/ self-tapping screws