Hey everyone, This is my first post, but ive been searching on the site for years getting information. I am a homeowner/builder and am planning a new construction. 1800sqft footprint 2 story home with a full basement. Before I got into the questions let me state that in my area no ones builds green. We are about 25 years behind the times here. Ive been reading about homebuilding for years preparing to build my own home and have seen the other types of systems and thier beneifts. I am pretty much set on using thermasteel for my 1st floor and 2nd floor exterior walls. Its something I can easily do myself with a couple extra hands. Up to this point I planned to use ICFs for my foundation walls. After talking to the Thermasteel sales rep, he suggested I consider using thier system for my foundation walls. He had a lot of good things to say about it, but I am still weary of not having a concrete foundation below grade. Has anyone used Thermasteel below grade? If so, could I get your opinion on it? I have a ton of questions , but I will wait to see if anyone chimes in. Thanks for any help! Tony

Looking through their pictures, I don't see any showing foundation walls. Perhaps that is a hint. An ICF basement is well proven. So is a frost protected shallow foundation (no basement or stem wall).

I came across this earlier.

http://www.thermasteelinc.com/sites/default/files/documents/Foundation%20wall%20section.pdf

Speaking to the sales rep, he said they cover the buried wall with 29g galvined steel sheet, and then they apply a membrane over the sheeting to water proof it.

I have access to a large quantity of aluminum composite panel that I can use in place of the steel. The time savings, and simplicity of install is Very appealing to me. On the other hand I am in my 20s and I don't plan to ever build a house after this one so I want it to last. I know for a fact that concrete will outlast me.

I've been weighing both sides out for awhile and I keep going back to what's proven to work. I'd say your right Jon and go with what works.

Posted By tonyorlo on 01 Mar 2017 02:35 PM
I came across this earlier.

http://www.thermasteelinc.com/sites/default/files/documents/Foundation%20wall%20section.pdf

Speaking to the sales rep, he said they cover the buried wall with 29g galvined steel sheet, and then they apply a membrane over the sheeting to water proof it.

I have access to a large quantity of aluminum composite panel that I can use in place of the steel. The time savings, and simplicity of install is Very appealing to me. On the other hand I am in my 20s and I don't plan to ever build a house after this one so I want it to last. I know for a fact that concrete will outlast me.

I've been weighing both sides out for awhile and I keep going back to what's proven to work. I'd say your right Jon and go with what works.

the detail looks like a bad idea ,
the grace membrane is applied to a thin 29 ga sheet then covered with wire lath ( the only way to attach that is with screws,now you have penetrated the membrane with thousands of screw holes and then they want you to parge with 3/4" cement)
I would love to see the testing for that ,
just because you access to aluminum panels doesn't mean they can be used for a foundation , they may not be structural or the intended use for below grade.
the foundation of a house is not a good place to experiment

Thanks for your input. I was borderline considering it, but I just needed a nudge in the right direction I guess.

Bringing this discussion back up, I've came across a few other manufactures of steel SIPS l or EPS what ever the correct term is.

http://gigacrete.com/gigapanel/

Seems like a very easy system to use. I have not contacted the manufacture with my questions. I do not see much on their site about hanging drywall on the interior and how to finishing the exterior.

http://kwikbuildpanels.com

Just came across these guys, and I still need to contact the company with questions.

Any advice or experience with either system?

I can't believe I signed up just to reply to this thread, but it looks like thermasteel is either lying or mistaken about their insulation. They list almost polyurethane R-values for their EPS panels.

http://thermasteelinc.com/product/thermasteel-composite-structural-insulated-panels

"* Effective R value is based on a calculation of 4.00 x per inch EPS thickness x 1.58 (inertia coefficient)
1.5 HD is 4.17 x per inch EPS thickness x 1.58."

I've never heard of an inertia coefficient and came up with nothing when I searched it. Elsewhere on their site they say "Due to the following factors: Reduction of air infiltration, elimination of thermal bridges, effect of the interior and exterior cladding, effect of ship lap joints, the effective R & U-Values may be 34% over theoretical."
That's crap. The first three things don't gain R value, they just don't lose any. As for the effect of cladding, what type of cladding? Anyway, it's disingenuous to say the least to include the properties of another product, which may or may not be used, on your product's data sheet. Every other SIP I've ever looked at reduces infiltration and eliminate thermal bridging (except Raycore) and half have a panel to panel connection that's at least as good as ship lapping. None of them overstate their R value based on a magic factor (inertia coefficient) or claim 34% over the actual.

Hopefully someone more experienced than me can check this out and see if I've missed something.

JHarsh, sounds hokey to me too ...... there is an online definition for inertia coefficients , but has more to do with liquid movement