Often Asked Questions

What kind of foam core should panels have?
There is no right answer - it depends on the needs of the customer. There are two main types of foam cores in use today, both offered by Winter Panel. Polyisocyanurate, a special formulation of polyurethane, has the advantage of a higher R-value per inch, about 7, which allows you to obtain a greater degree of energy efficiency without the special trim details required with alternative wall systems up to 10" thick. Polyiso also better retains its structural integrity in fire situations. Expanded polystyrene (EPS), on the other hand, is less expensive per inch of foam. Both products are environmentally friendly, durable and backed by Winter Panel's 10 year limited warranty.

How energy efficient are panels?
The Department of Energy recently spent $80,000 to carefully monitor the energy performance of two new identical homes on adjoining lots - identical except that one was built with foam core panels. the conventionally framed house was very carefully built for maximum tightness, and had a nominal R-value equal to that of the panel house. Result? The foam core panel house cost less to construct, and cost 20% less to heat through a heating season.

How do panels do it?
R-values don't tell the whole energy story. First, consider that a standard "R-11" 2x4 stick-framed wall is only R-11 between the studs. But the studs may comprise up to 20% of the wall area. The actual performance of that wall is closer to R-9! A 4.5" urethane panel, on the other hand, carries an R-value of 25, and has that R-value through virtually the full surface of the wall.  A second major factor in energy efficiency is air infiltration. Because of the positive foam seal between panels and around window and door openings, panel homes regularly turn in record low infiltration values in blower door tests. Duplicating this degree of "tightness" with conventional systems is inevitably more expensive. Your customers will appreciate your ability to offer them an extremely energy efficient home at a reasonable price.

Will I have any problems getting a permit for construction with panels?
You shouldn't. Most building inspectors have become very familiar with panels, and are accepting of them. For structural applications, however, many will still require an architect or engineer's stamp on the drawings. Please let us know if your inspector has any questions - we can often answer them over the phone, or can supply him with additional test data to reassure him.

Are there any health risks to building with panels?
No. Neither urethane nor EPS core panels contain any formaldehyde, CFCs or other harmful or dangerous gases. In fact, when properly ventilated (usually through bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, but sometimes including full air-to-air heat exchanger systems), foam core panel homes are more healthful than conventional homes. Because panel homes are so tight, it is relatively easy and economical to maintain healthful temperature and humidity levels. it is possible to have a home that is too tight, however, so some attention should be paid to factors such as sources of moisture and indoor pollutants when designing the home's mechanical systems.

How do I wire and plumb a panel house?
Both plumbing and wiring are simple, and really no different than in any other house. Winter Panel can provide horizontal electrical chases through the panels to facilitate running wiring through the exterior walls (keep in mind that all interior walls are conventionally framed). In addition, we have developed a number of simple techniques for running wires to switch plates, wall mounted fixtures, etc., which are covered in our Wiring Guide. With panel homes, as with stick-framed homes, we always try to keep plumbing out of the exterior walls. In situations where this is not possible, we again have a number of simple techniques for introducing plumbing into a panel wall. Call us and ask.

What do I do next?
Let us know what you need. We can offer you whatever level of service makes sense for you and your project. We can work from your plans, offering free estimates, or can work with you to develop a completely new plan. We can supply anything from blank panels for you to cut and erect in the field to completely fabricated, engineered and erected panelized structures. If you're not quite ready to begin, you might consider purchasing our Design Portfolio or Construction manual, to give yourself more valuable information about our system and standard plans. Whatever it is you need, ask us. We'd be proud to be associated with your project.