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Construction Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Labor Efficiency… All in One STEP
Over the past few decades, the quest for more efficient building envelopes has
produced significant developments in structural wall panel systems, but few
provide the energy efficiency, construction efficiency and labor efficiency of
the
accel-E™ Steel Thermal Efficient Panel (S.T.E.P.) wall system.
accel-E™ S.T.E.P. panels are fabricated using a proprietary technology
that fuses cold-formed steel framing members and expanded polystyrene (EPS)
insulation. Thus, framing and insulation are contained in a single system – and
installed in a single step.
Thermal slots in the specially shaped steel studs optimize structural and
thermal performance, and the panels themselves lock together to minimize air
intrusion and insulation gaps. Window and door openings are pre-cut, and
pre-punched openings simplify installation of electrical, plumbing and
mechanical systems.
 S.T.E.P.
Energy Efficiency
Tests have shown the effective R-value performance of a conventionally installed
wall system can be significantly below the stated R-value of the insulating
material. The loss of insulation efficiency is due to various factors such as
framing members in the open cavity, air infiltration, moisture impact and
insulation irregularities, installation flaws and gaps.
By fusing framing members and insulation together into a continuous system,
accel-E™ S.T.E.P. panels provide superior energy efficiency while
greatly reducing air infiltration. In addition moisture absorption problems are
also avoided, since the steel framing and EPS insulation are non-porous, and
resistant to mold and mildew. The result is greater thermal efficiency. In fact,
the
accel-E™ S.T.E.P. wall system is so thermally efficient, it exceeds
ASHRAE 90.1 2007 and 2009 IECC requirements.
Construction Efficiency
By combining framing, cavity insulation and rigid foam insulation into a single
installation process, the
accel-E™ system can reduce labor costs by up to 50 percent over
conventional framing.1 Panels are pre-cut to each project’s exact
specifications and are available in heights up to 48 feet – and higher. Open
cavities and pre-punched knockouts provide easy access for electrical and
plumbing mechanical trades. And, because of the panels’ light weight, cranes and
other specialized equipment are usually not needed.
The
accel-E™ S.T.E.P. wall system offers exceptional flexibility, and is
well-suited to a wide variety of design situations including structural, curtain
walls and demising walls. Panels can be finished in virtually any exterior
cladding material.
The Green Choice
Reduced jobsite waste and exceptional thermal efficiency are key aspects of the
accel-E™ S.T.E.P. wall system’s green appeal. As a result of these and
other factors, the accel-E™ panels can contribute points to as many as four LEED®
categories – an increasingly important factor in both residential and commercial
markets.
By reducing labor costs, enabling a shorter and simpler construction cycle,
minimizing waste, and offering superior energy-efficiency, the
accel-E™ S.T.E.P. wall system is an innovative and effective answer to
many of the most critical challenges that will face the design and construction
industries in the years to come.
The
accel-E™ panels are manufactured by ACCELERATED Building Technologies,
LLC - a company formed by two leading building materials manufacturers,
combining the talent, resources and knowledge of Dietrich Metal Framing and NOVA
Chemicals. ACCELERATED Building Technologies maintains ownership under SYNTHEON,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVA Chemicals, Inc., for the building and
construction industry. For more information, call 888-922-2353; or visit the
company’s Web site at www.accbt.com.
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