FAQ's

What are Greensafe Panels?

Greensafe panels are manufactured by sandwiching Polyurethane foam between two surfaces. Embedded within the panel are structural steel pieces that give tremendous strength to the panel. The panels are joined together by a cam lock system that ensures a tight fit. A typical 4 1/2" (11.3 cm) panel has an R Value of 28. A 6 1/2" (16.3 cm) panel has an R Value of 42. The surfaces can be , Fiberock, OSB, Galvanize, Stainless or FRP Laminated.

The result is a building product that is predictable, resource efficient and cost effective that are used as floors, walls and roofs on all types of buildings.

Why are Greensafe Insulated Panels so much better?

Greensafe panels outperform other building methods in virtually every category because the structural strength, ease of erection and insulation value of the components.

When someone says "R-value", what they're really talking about is resistance to heat flow in a given medium, such as fiberglass insulation. The higher the number, the greater the resistance.

In reality, this reasoning doesn't take into account all the other components that go into making a wall: wood or steel studs ever 16" or 24", bracing, nails or screws, wiring and switch boxes - any number of things that are not insulation, and in all likelihood, have R-values that fall well short of the stated insulation batt.

A new study by the Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL) proves that a 4-inch Greensafe wall outperforms 2"x4" stick and batt construction, and even edges out 2"x6" construction in terms of thermal performance. Because Greensafe panels are the structural elements, there are no studs or braces to cause breaks in the insulative action. The end result is a more comfortable, energy efficient structure that performs up to spec in real-world conditions. Unlike stick and batt construction, which can be subject to poorly installed - even missing - insulation, the nature of Greensafe panels is such that the structural and insulative elements are joined as one. There are no hidden gaps, because a solid layer of foam insulation is integral to panel construction.

The ORNL study found that Greensafe Panels perform at approximately 97% of their stated R-value overall, losing only 3% to nail holes, seams, splines, and the like. Wiring chases are precut or preformed into the foam core, providing a continuous layer of insulation keeping the elements at bay and the interior free of drafts and cold spots.

Why are Greensafe Panels so much stronger?

Greensafe Panels are a structural composite like an "I-beam". The two skins act like the flanges and the rigid core is similar to the web. In short, the three components work together, rather than against one another. This composite assembly yields stiffness, strength and predictable responses. Not only do test results show that sip panels are stronger, but real live natural disasters have proven it time and again. the Great Hanshin (Kobe, Japan) and North Ridge earthquakes, hurricane Andrew, a Colorado tornado, a Portland gas explosion and an Omaha fire, have done more to prove SIP strength to the homeowners than all of the scientific tests. Finally, the Greensafe Panel has addressed headon, one of the weakest points of any structure, by incorporating a (1) piece solid corner in its wall system. By design, these one piece corners have tremendous strength when subjected to hurricane force winds. They also have another feature, that due to their one piece design, you can easily attach adjacent panels because of their stable footprint.

Why do they outperform other houses?

Greensafe buildings are vastly more energy efficient, stronger, more quiet and draft free than older technology systems, like stud framing with common fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is sometimes used for furnace filters because air moves through so freely. Rigid insulation is used as a solid component insulation in almost every industry for its inherent efficiency and lack of air movement. These attributes are built right into the Greensafe wall system. Less air movement or leakage translates into less drafts, fewer penetrations for noise, lower energy bills and a significantly more comfortable and controllable indoor environment.

How are electrical and plumbing installed?

In both residential and commercial construction, wiring is pulled through laid pipe called conduit. There are actually "chases" that are built into the foam cores that work like conduit. Electricians use a fish tape and feed the wires through panels without compressing insulation or drilling through studs. Plumbing is not usually placed in walls, especially exterior walls, but through the floor into the bottom of cabinets. Island vents or loop vents are also common practices and can be found in the plumbing codes.

How do Greensafe Panels react to fire?

Fire requires three components, fuel, ignition and oxygen. Greensafe panels have no 'air' within their solid cores of insulation. The fire cannot "run up the wall" cavity even when balloon framed. Greensafe panels have passed every standard fire test that is required of wood based or Type IV construction. A key element of fire safety is protection of the Greensafe Panel and any other underlying structure with thermal barriers like Fiberock or gypsum wallboard. Greensafe Panels are rated as a Class 1 panel.

Manufactures across North America have proven the fire performance of The Greensafe Panel systems through some of the most extensive fire assembly testing in the construction industry. The results of this destructive testing allow documentation of Greensafe Panels performance under rigorous test standards. National standards like ASTM-E119, ASTM-E84 and UBC 17-5 have been met by protecting Greensafe Panels in a similar fashion as other wood based structures. 'One to Two Hour' fire resistive assemblies are achieved by combinations of underlying structure and protection of that structure by Fiberock or Gypsum Wall Board.

Residential structures are typically required to meet a fifteen minute standard and meet that standard by applying 1/2" common gypsum over Structural Insulated Panels. Fiberock panel meet this standard without additional layers.

Light commercial and multi-family structures can be required to meet the more restrictive one-hour fire resistive standards. Some of these prescriptive assemblies are listed in the UL® Fire Resistive Assembly Manual, but can be summarized as follows:

  1. One layer 5/8" fiber rock panel will produce a one hour fire related wall.
  2. Two layer 5/8" fiber rock panel will produce a two hour fire related wall.

As with any fire resistive issue, the local jurisdiction requirements will vary by region, building classification and structure occupancy. You should contact your local building and fire departments to determine those local requirements and involve the design professional to ensure compliance with local and national codes.

Why are Greensafe Panels more Environmentally Responsible?

Less job site waste means less landfill use. Lower heating bills translates to lower energy (fossil fuel) consumption. Use of fast growth harvested farm trees rather than old growth forests.(OSB) Up to 35% less raw timber use in SIP buildings. Lower reported embodied energy costs. No toxic fumes.

Why Isn't Everyone Using Greensafe Panels?

Because better educated consumers demand more for their dollar, Greensafe Panels are one of the fastest growing segments in the construction industry. Like other engineered building products, time and care have been taken to evaluate and produce a complete systems approach. Since the Mid - 1980's Major Model Building Codes have accepted SIPS Panels as structural building components and systems. Over 20 years of laboratory testing to nationally recognized code standards, along with over 60 years of proof in real life homes and businesses, have proven that Greensafe panels are the best choice for homes and commercial construction.

How about ventilation?

All of the advanced technology building systems require some sort of mechanical ventilation These systems bring fresh air into the home or building. Often they can be combined with filter systems or other fresh air devices. Not only is ventilation practical, but a code requirement in many areas. Many HRV's or heat recovery ventilators are available from your mechanical contractor.

Why have I not heard of this system before and why aren't more construction companies using this type of construction?

Actually the Greensafe System concept is not new. The first instance of this building system dates back into the 1930's. It is only within the last few years that this type of building has emerged due to the energy crisis and the costs of construction in the replacement of homes and businesses ravaged by the forces of hurricanes in Florida and other southern states. The reason more construction companies are not using this method is because most Architects and Engineers have not included them as part of the scope of work - it is as simple as that.

How do I install the panels?

The panels are set in a galvanized receiving channel which is secured to the foundation. As the panels are set in the channel, they are locked together with a special cam-lock system that contributes to the overall ability to install the panels at a rate of 40 lineal feet per hour.

How heavy are the panels and how are they carried?

The total weight of the fiberock outer skins and steel stud frame that are encased in a high density polyurethane foam equal approx. 7.5# per sf of wall, = 4'0" x 8'0" panel = 32 sq. ft. x 7.5 = 240#. Four workers can easily transport and install the panels.

You have said that the walls can be fire rated. Can they be used as a fire separation wall?

Yes they can. When we apply 5/8" fiberock to the panel, the panel not only meets the (1) hour fire separation rating, but due to the inherent strength of the Greensafe Panel, you can directly attach a floor system such as may be needed in apartment and townhouse construction. Your contractor may field apply a second layer of either 5/8" fiberock or 5/8" type "X" drywall to each side and you will have a (2) hour fire separation wall.

The Greensafe wall system sounds great, but what about the rest of the structure? Isn't a chain only as strong as its weakest l

That is certainly true. We believe that the entire building envelope should meet the standards of our Greensafe wall/roof system. As stated on the first page of this Q and A sheet, we will be pleased to meet with you or your architect or provide you our service, insight and experience in providing energy efficient building envelopes.

What are the advantages of using the Greensafe Fiberock Panel?

Besides the fact that they will save 30-50% of your energy costs, are Cat. 4 hurricane rated, have one of the highest resistance ratings for moisture and mildew , and are built on non-combustion able standards, they will expedite your construction time and save considerable labor, plus in a matter of days you are dried in and your building is secure. Additionally you will have minimal waste and cleanup; no concrete block laying around that you paid for and did not use and no termite damage.