Residential Insulated Steel Panel Construction

Goals of Innovation: To apply Energy Star concepts and innovative applications to achieve a high-performance (energy efficient) home in Florida.

Description: Steel panels insulated with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam have been produced by a Georgia manufacturer primarily for cold storage and food processing facilities. Marquis Construction and Development, Inc. has expanded the application to residential construction which meets Energy Star ratings.

The insulated steel panels are a perfect fit for high-performance, airtight construction. A crew can construct a home faster and easier than with stick frame construction. Since the panels are premanufactured to length, there is less waste on-site. And the waste that is generated can be easily recycled. The panels are termite resistant, lightweight yet strong, and increase hurricane resistance. In addition, the skin is manufactured of galvalume steel, which is corrosion resistant, and pre-finished in white. The finish on the outside could be the final surface. The finish on the inside is mold resistant and approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, although drywall is typically used in residential applications.

Obstacles: In general, construction using steel panels is quicker and easier. Yet, electrical work is a little different animal than with stick-frame residential construction and requires a bit of a learning curve. Wiring is similar to commercially built projects. Electrical boxes (4" x 4" x 1-1/2" deep) with a plaster ring are surface mounted to the interior skin. Some branch circuit wiring uses a little more romex than a stick built homes.

Cost Information: Initial cost is approximately 2 percent higher than conventional framing costs. The savings result from a home approximately forty percent more efficient and a smaller HVAC system.

Additional Benefits/Drawbacks: In Florida, hurricane insurance adds up. Insulated steel panel construction is considered to be 3 times stronger than wood and the insurance companies takes notice. The homeowners received a savings of fifty-three percent for reporting that their home was made of insulated steel panels and steel studs.