Non-Traditional Structural Materials Are Gaining Favor Among Forward-Thinking BuildersConsider the Alternatives

  • By Rich Binsacca

Continued from page 5

ECO-Block ICF expanded polystyrene panels snap together quickly and easily to create walls from 4 inches thick and up in 2-inch increments, the company says.

ECO-Block.ECO-Block ICF expanded polystyrene panels snap together quickly and easily to create walls from 4 inches thick and up in 2-inch increments, the company says. The panels cut into any shape for unique window openings and arches; pre-formed corners also are available. The completed walls can have up to a four-hour Fire Resistive Rating, have an STC rating of 51 for a 6-inch concrete core, and provide an energy savings of up to 50 percent, says the firm. 800-595-0820. www.eco-block.com.
Owens Corning.Fold-Form ICFs can be used to build insulated foundations and buildings with concrete walls from 4 inches to 16 inches thick. The finished walls achieve up to an R-23 insulating value, protect against flying debris from winds of up to 250 mph, and have an STC rating of 44 to 47, compared to 36 for traditional framed structures. Fold-Form can be used with the company's WeatherProtectR self-adhesive membrane to create a complete foundation seal, the maker says. 800-438-7465. www.owenscorning.com.
Fold-Form ICFs can be used to build insulated foundations and buildings with concrete walls from 4 inches to 16 inches thick. The finished walls achieve up to an R-23 insulating value, protect against flying debris from winds of up to 250 mph, and have an STC rating of 44 to 47, compared to 36 for traditional framed structures.

The company's SIPs products are manufactured with recyclable materials and utilize 15-year-old trees that are young and renewable.

Fischer SIPS. The company's SIPs products are manufactured with recyclable materials and utilize 15-year-old trees that are young and renewable. According to the firm, the SIP walls install 30 percent faster than traditional stick framing and lead to homes that are two to three times stronger. Research by the company indicates the product can save homeowners more than 50 percent on energy costs. 800-792-7477. www.fischersips.com.
Premier Building Systems.Premier SIPs provide a 55 percent higher whole-wall efficiency versus traditional 2x6, R-19 construction, says the maker, and can help lower the home's energy costs by up to 60 percent. The OSB portion is manufactured with fast-growing species, and FSC-certified OSB is available by request. The OSB and the polystyrene are made with recycled content and are recyclable, according to the manufacturer. 800-275-7086. www.pbssips.com.
Premier SIPs provide a 55 percent higher whole-wall efficiency versus traditional 2x6, R-19 construction, says the maker, and can help lower the home's energy costs by up to 60 percent.

Consisting of solid one-piece pre-cut SIP units, the Insulspan Structural Insulated Panel System comes ready to assemble as wall, floor, or roof components, reducing construction time and improving efficiency, the company says.

Insulspan. Consisting of solid one-piece pre-cut SIP units, the Insulspan Structural Insulated Panel System comes ready to assemble as wall, floor, or roof components, reducing construction time and improving efficiency, the company says. According to the firm, the system's roof and wall assemblies offer a 40 percent to 60 percent reduction in heat loss, and significantly reduce air leakage. 800-726-3510. www.insulspan.com.
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