WHY STEEL SIPS?

Although any SIP construction will save 50 – 60% in energy costs, are 3 times stronger than frame, and are more environmentally friendly. Steel is a better choice for the following reasons

Advantages of Steel SIPs vs. OSB

• Steel will not warp, swell, twist, rot
• Rain during construction do not affect materials in any way
• No cranes needed for installation a steel SIPs are lighter than OSB
• The underside of the roof panel automatically forms an attractive finished soffit overhang or exterior porch ceiling.
• Joints are a T&G friction fit they do not require splines, mastic or fasteners greatly speeding installation time
• Steel is more stable during manufacturing and panels are held to 1/16" tolerance
• OSB is limited to 24ft. in length ...Steel SIPs are available up to 53ft. in length, eliminating butt joints
• Steel panels are manufactured on a continuous line making them available in square pre-cut lengths in ¼ " increments, but only charged to the nearest ½ ft., OSB often rounds up to the nearest 2 ft. increment – making you pay for waste that gets thrown away
• Higher " R – Value" denser foam provides a 4.25 R- value per inch of foam
• No Termites ... Impervious to termites and carpenter ants , steel skin and foam core offers no food value
• No foam grooving is required for window and door openings, after cutouts are made, openings are simply "picture framed" with 18.ga. steel channels
• The steel skin is the "vapor barrier" on walls no additional covering is required before siding is applied
• Eave overhangs can be 4 feet with no additional support
• Sound Control – utilizing a 1-1/2" steel furring strip creates a dead air space for improved STC ratings.
• Wiring – utilizing that same air space, wiring is much easier than fishing wire thru OSB and any future retrofit wiring is easier.
• Will not support mold growth – painted galv. steel skins are UDSA approved
• Indoor air quality is better due to the tighter and cleaner construction material of the interior
• Any steel building is safer from lightning strikes
• "Monocoque construction" All connections and attachments are with screws having greater pullout strength than nailing
• For economy or insulated utility buildings, steel SIPs have been left exposed as the finished siding and roofing.
• Properly grounded steel buildings are safer than wood in lightning storms
• Zurich Ins. In partnership with the Steel Framing Alliance offer reduced builders risk insurance premiums
• In the Gulf Coast Region and other hurricane prone regions Steel SIPs are 30% less to insure that block/truss and 53% less to insure than wood frame construction
• LEED points easily attained as steel skins are made from recycled steel , are recyclable and EPS foam core is recyclable