By Andy Claypole, President, Accelerated Building Technologies

Building systems that capitalize on the advantages of steel and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam have become increasingly popular. The newest EPS and steel technology takes these two proven components a step further, fusing them together in a proprietary process that produces an alternative to conventional building techniques.

The new Steel Thermal Efficient Panel (STEP) wall system fuses cold-formed steel framing members and EPS foam together in a way that eliminates air gaps, which can diminish the insulation efficiency of other panel systems. As a result, STEP wall systems - such as Accelerated Building Technologies’ accel-E STEP system - offer tested insulating values that surpass other panel systems, as well as traditional framing techniques.

However, while STEP systems offer excellent performance on traditional measures such as R-value, these measures do not fully reflect the even greater advantages that become apparent when the big picture is considered. For example, most conventional wall assemblies use batt insulation between the studs. The R-value of the batt is reduced in the wall assembly in two ways: First, wherever there is a stud, the R-value is much lower. Second, since the batt insulation is installed between the studs, any gapping or missed areas during installation will reduce the overall performance of the wall assembly. In addition, batt insulation often settles over time. Recent tests show that when batt insulation settles by even 5 percent, the effective R-value of the wall may be reduced by up to 50 percent. STEP wall systems, which use EPS foam insulation, are not susceptible to settling.

STEP panels also have an open cavity for mechanical, electrical and plumbing system components, so there is no need for on-site cutting or routing, which can greatly reduce R-value and overall insulation effectiveness.

Of course, green building means a lot more than just R-value alone. When all factors are considered, STEP systems are dramatically more resource friendly in a variety of ways - both initially and over the long term. For example:

EPS foam’s superior insulating properties result in decreased energy usage for both heating and cooling over the long term.

A STEP building panel’s steel framing can be manufactured from recycled materials, and the panels themselves are 100 percent recyclable. This combination makes the accel-E system a potential contributor to LEED points, to cite just one example.

The components of a STEP system are typically customized to each building’s specifications, which dramatically reduces on-site waste (and disposal costs).

In addition to these environmental advantages, STEP building systems also contribute to more efficient construction. Because the lightweight panels are easy to handle, with all window and door openings precut, contractors can reduce labor costs while shortening the construction cycle. STEP panels’ stiffer, more rigid structure also reduces construction defects, resulting in fewer callbacks.

Because of both their immediate benefits and their long-term efficiency, STEP systems are proving to be increasingly popular among designers, builders and owners who look beyond the immediate energy savings or traditional efficiency measures, instead taking into account the overall long-term environmental impacts of their buildings.

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