Ultra Frame
Frequently Asked Questions
Transcon Steel has compiled a list of some of most commonly asked questions from owners, designers, and builders whom are investigating the use of Ultra Frame for their upcoming project.
1. Why use panelized construction?
Transcon Steel provides a pre-engineered, custom pre-fabricated panel system to decrease jobsite framing construction time, limit construction mistakes, and allows builders to access framing crews from a greater pool of unskilled labor.
2. How are pictures mounted on walls built with Ultra Frame insulated panels?
The best way is to use a magnet to find the stud. Both screws and nails can be used to fasten into the steel.
3. How is wiring and plumbing installed?
A horizontal chaseway is provided through the panel. In locations where there is not a chaseway, a hot knife can be used to cut additional chaseways.
4. How are cabinets installed?
Simply screw horizontal backer boards on to the Ultra Frame panel proir to sheetrocking.
5. What is the R-value of EPS?
The R-Value of the 1.5 pound density foam we use is an R-4.5 per inch. As the density of the EPS increases above about 2 lb/ft3, the convection of heat increases while the R-value decreases. Thus, the most effective use of expanded polystyrene as an insulator is generally within the range of about 0.9 to 2.0 pcf.
Download the whitepaper Understanding R, K, and U-Values
6. Does the insulation value change over years?
No, the EPS retains it’s properties over the years. Aging has no effect upon the insulating performance (R-value) of molded EPS. The R-value of molded EPS is permanent because the closed cell structure of the molded insulation contains only air.
7. What is EPS?
Expanded polystyrene is a closed-cell, lightweight, rigid plastic foam. It is manufactured by one of two basic processes, extrusion or steam molding. The steam molding process was introduced into the United States in 1954 by the Koppers Corporation and is referred to as EPS. EPS is primarily used for building insulation, insulating concrete forms (ICF), Geofoam, flotation, and, because of its unequaled versatility, packaging of virtually anything requiring cushioning or insulation properties. Molded expanded polystyrene (EPS) is manufactured by the expansion and subsequent steam molding of expandable polystyrene. There are two basic types of expandable polystyrene, regular and modified. Transcon Steel manufacturers the modified grades that contain a flame retardant to decrease the potential of fire spread from a small flame source. These grades are specifically tailored to meet the requirements of the various building codes in the United States and Canada.
8. Does the EPS add to the strength of the panel or is it just insulation?
The EPS is structurally rated so that is provides both increased strength and long-term insulation. The process of injecting structural EPS into a structural stud framework produces one of the strongest insulated panels in the industry.
9. Are EPS products resistant to mold growth?
The EPS Molders association (EPSMA) in 2004 contracted SGS US Testing Company to conduct third-party testing of EPS rigid foam insulation in accordance with ASTM C-1338 “Standard Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings”. The results demonstrated that under laboratory controlled conditions favorable for the growth of mold, EPS scored no traces of growth over a 28 day incubation period.
10. Is EPS safe?
Products molded from expandable polystyrene resins are not toxic by contact or ingestion.
11. Is EPS safe during combustion?
Yes, there are currently two recognized tests—one developed at the University of Pittsburgh and the other at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS)—that yield consistent results and are reproducible from one laboratory to another. Both tests are based on the lethal effects of combustion gases on animals (rats or mice).
A literature review of the combustion toxicity of expanded polystyrene by the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) for the Society of the Plastics Industry, suggests that all the studies performed to date indicate that in laboratory tests the combustion products from expanded polystyrene are no more toxic than those from wood.
12. How do I install your panels?
Very simply, just install the track on your foundation and then set the panel in the track, install a few screws, set the top track and your done.
13. Do I need to install plywood sheathing over the steel?
No, The EPS acts as the sheathing. If additioanal shear resistance is required, engineered metal X-strapping or sheet steel can be installed on the exterior face of the panel.
14. Do I need a vapor barrier?
It is a good idea to install a house wrap over the panels. EPS insulation as a closed cell foam permits any water vapor present in wall cavities to escape without significantly affecting the insulation properties and offers a high degree of dimensional stability. Although injection formed EPS has a low water vapor transmission rate, it is not considered a vapor barrier.
Of all the foam plastics used for insulation applications, EPS is among the most resistant to the adverse effects of moisture absorption.
15. Are the panels just for walls?
No, Transcon can engineer the Ultra Frame panel for floor and roof applications as well.
16. How are window and door openings handled?
Transcon Steel will pre-engineer all headers and have the Ultra Frame panel fabricated and cut to the rough openings of the manufacturers door and window requirements.
17. Do I need a special permit to build with steel?
No
18. Do inspectors know what to look for on steel framing?
Inspectors are becoming more familiar with the spec’s on steel building. Attached is an inspector checklist created by the Steel Framing Alliance.
Inspector Checklist
19. Wood headers are easy to make, what about steel headers?
Steel headers are just as easy to build, Take two pieces of track and two studs and connect them with screws. Transcon Steel has also developed "Header Track" that replaces the top track and site built headers with a single header top track for opening spans under 6 feet.
20. How do I attach the bottom track to the foundation?
Foundations can be poured with anchor bolts exposed 3/4" above the finished slab at 4 foot on center spacing. Epoxy anchors can also be set after the pour.
Install foam or liquid sealant along base plate line.
Bolt base track to slab. Use nailed down achors at each track joint.
21. How do I know what Gauge steel to use?
Transcon Steel will work with third party engineers to provide all necessary engineering of the cold formed steel metal products to properly construct your project.
22. How does steel hold up to a fire?
Steel does not feed a fire.
23. Doesn’t steel rust?
Transcon uses galvanized steel to prevent rusting.
24. What do I use on Steel floor joist or trusses to cut down noise transfer?
Plywood decking and sound board works well.
25. Doesn’t steel transfer heat better than wood?
Steel is a good conductor of heat, but Transcon uses the Delta Stud that has a profile that reduces greatly the amount of transfer.
26. If steel studs are lighter than wood, how are they stronger?
A: Because of the profile or shape of the stud it is stronger and lighter.
27. Were can I get training on building with steel?
Contact the Steel Framing Alliance
28. How do I install crown molding, chair rail and shoe molding on a steel wall?
Trim can be install with pneumatic nail guns or screws can be used.
29. Do I need a commercial contractor to build my house with steel?
No, there are a large number of framing crews that can install steel.
30. How is Transcon Steel Green?
Transcon is dedicated to helping preserve our environment; one way is by using steel. Steel is made of up to 60% recycled materials. You will be sending much less waste to the landfill by using Transcon Panels.
31. How do I install stucco over steel panels?
You can very easily install your lath with screws and then stucco.
32. What types of siding can be installed over Ultra Frame?
The Ultra Frame panel allows for any standard veneer application from stone, stucco, brick, vinyl, metal, or wood to easily be installed to veneer manufacturer's specs.
