Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Jun 09, 2015 05:37am | #1

   Brian,
   Panels from ThermaSteel are mentioned in this GBA article: Solar Decathlon 2011: Team New York’s Rooftop Haven.

   I wrote an article for the March 2007 issue of Energy Design Update that mentioned ThermaSteel panels. In that article, I wrote in part:

   "ThermaSteel, formerly known as ThermaStructure, manufactures wall and roof panels in Radford, Virginia. The panels are available in three thicknesses: 3 ½ ” (R-16), 5 ½ ” (R-25), and 7 ½ ” (R-35). Panels are 4 feet wide, and are available in heights up to 12 feet. Roof panels can span up to 16 feet.

   "Structural loads are carried by 24-gauge steel studs, installed in two parallel rows, 16 or 24 inches on center. The top and bottom plates can be either steel or wood.

   "Whereas most other skinless panel manufacturers start with blocks of EPS, routing out channels in which steel studs are inserted and glued, ThermaSteel uses a different approach: after steel studs are placed in the EPS mold, the foam is formed in place around the studs. Adjacent panels overlap with a shiplap joint secured by screws. According to John Downes of ThermaStructure, the New England distributor of ThermaSteel panels, “One man can lift a 5 ½ -inch thick ThermaStructure panel, which weighs much less than a SIP.”"

2. 
   jackofalltrades777 | Jun 09, 2015 09:09pm | #2

   I would conclude that ThermaStructure is NOT a SIP, hence the reason they make the statement of, "One man can lift a 5 ½ -inch thick ThermaStructure panel, which weighs much less than a SIP."

   They are comparing ThermaStructure panels vs SIPs.

3. 
   morganparis | Jun 11, 2015 07:46am | #3

   I've been looking at thermasteel for a small studio project. They are structural panels, and they are insulated so I guess they are Structural Insulated Panels. I guess the manufacturer was trying to draw a distinction with 'conventional' SIPs. They seem to have fewer thermal bridges than conventional SIPs, just the top and bottom plate as the panels are joined laterally without bridging.

4. 
   mkbuilds | Aug 15, 2017 02:27pm | #4

   Is it possible to get a copy of Martin's article for Energy Design Update? Their site does not seem to be live anymore.

5. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Aug 15, 2017 02:37pm | #5

   User-6902297,
   Here is a link to a copy of the relevant issue of Energy Design Update.

   .

   
6. 
   mkbuilds | Nov 13, 2017 07:41am | #6

   Martin Holladay-
   Thank you for the article link. One more request - the article references a previous article on these panels in EDU, July 1995. Would you be able to provide a link to that one as well?