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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Thermopanels structural?
A: Yes, Yes and Yes. Thermopanels are completely structural in nature.
Q: Do Thermopanels have studs in them?
A: No, Thermopanels do not have studs in them but boy are they ever strong. Thermopanels utilize
the same construction principles found in steel I beams. The foam core and the two skins form an I
beam matrix. This matrix creates an extremely strong and light weight building component.
Comparatively, Thermopanels are 2-3 times stronger than today's stick built walls. In addition,
Thermopanels utilize unique tongue and groove joints much like those found in floor systems.
This unique joinery locks the entire house together making it a structural system rather than
separate wall sections.
Q: Who can I get to install my panels?
A: Thermocore has it's own install crew that travels the country installing our panel system.
Thermocore only requires that the sub-floor or slab be in place before our crew arrives. Once
installation is complete, you will be given a check list that will be reviewed by you and our lead installer.
After, and only after, you have approved our install will our crew move on to the next project.
Q: What happens if Thermopanels are to burn?
A: Thermopanels have a fire retardant incorporated into the foam. This retardant gives Thermopanels
a class 1 fire rating, the highest rating for residential construction. Unlike other panels that start to melt
at approximately 175 degrees, Thermopanels maintains their structural integrity up to 750 degrees.
This higher standard of fire resistance should allow you to lower your homeowners insurance
premiums and create peace of mind.
Q: Can Thermopanels be used with any house design?
A: Yes, virtually any house design can be built with Thermopanels. Having said that, there may be
incidences where it makes more building and economic sense to do the roof conventionally. The staff
at Thermocore would be happy to discuss your house design with you and come up with the best
overall method to construct your home.
Q: Does Thermocore need detailed house plans to quote from?
A: No. What we do need is the footprint of your home, the wall heights, the pitch of your roof, and any
dormers you may have. From this information we should be able to come up with a very accurate
quote. Thermocore can also work with you on creating a design for your new home.
Q: Can Thermocore panels come with dry wall attached?
A: The short answer is yes. The long answer is that it is not a practice we recommend for the
following two reasons: often the drywall is damaged during install, and secondly and most importantly, it
is never a good practice to have a seam in an interior finish line up with the seam of a panel. What we
do recommend is to place spacers between the timber frame and our panels creating a space to slide
the drywall into. The drywall seams then run perpendicular to the panel seams creating a very stable
matrix. There are instances, such as high ceiling, that we can and will pre-apply drywall.
Q: Can we apply tongue and groove to our panels?
A: Again the short answer is yes. The long answer is that we do not recommend applying T&G
directly to our panels for three reasons: first, it is much more stable to apply the T&G to the timber
frame itself, (and structurally better too). Secondly, applying the T&G to the frame allows you to match
and sort pieces as they go up creating a much cleaner look and also prevents damage during install.
Lastly, that it is a poor practice to have the tongue and groove run over an exterior wall and onto an
eve overhang. This can create serious moisture and air infiltration problems.
Q: Can I use standard window jambs with the Timberpanel?
A: Yes, in fact Thermocore's Timberpanel is the First production panel that can be used with standard
window jambs. Timberpanel does this while still offering the highest "R-Value" per inch in the industry
and eliminating the need for costly window jamb extensions associated with EPS panels.
Q: Do Thermocore Panels have an insect retardant built into our panels?
A: No, we do not put a chemical insect repellent into our panels for the following reasons: Thermocore
panels have a fire retardant built into our foam that gives us a class 1 fire rating, the highest residential
rating you can get. Adding additional chemicals will alter our fire rating. Currently, fire is the greatest
enemy to a home and we will not risk lowering our fire rating to decrease the chance of insects.
Secondly, an insect repellent in our panel will not guarantee that you will not have insects. You still need
to take the same precautions that you would when building with lumber.
Q: Does Thermocore make a curtain wall?
A: No. Thermocore does not make a curtain wall panel. We do manufacture the industries only
preconfigured 4" thick OSB/OSB panel. This unique panel eliminates the need for costly window jamb
extensions while still providing a high "R" value and a solid surface to fasten to. Curtain walls leave
nothing to fasten cabinets, shelves or even pictures to.
Q: Do Thermopanels improve the air quality within a home?
A: Simply put, yes. With a stick built home using an HVAC system, there will inevitably be high
concentrations of fiberglass, dust, and allergen particles circulating throughout the air in your home--
just check out the furnace filter and see. When Thermopanels are installed they are virtually air tight;
this along with an air changer and heat recovery system greatly reduces the percentage of household
allergens and dust in a home atmosphere. Plus, Thermopanels use a polyurethane foam instead of
fiberglass for insulation, thus completely eliminating any fiberglass particles circulating in the air. These
benefits lead to a much cleaner home atmosphere which in turn add to a much healthier lifestyle.
Q: Do Thermopanels eliminate dangerous household mold and mildew?
A: Our Thermopanels absorb significantly less moisture and dry out faster than EPS or fiberglass, this
cuts down on moisture that can creep in and cause dangerous mold. Our panels are also sealed with
rubber gaskets that combat the moisture that leads to mold and mildew.
Q. Does the R-value of Thermocore panels degrade over time?
A. Independent tests have confirmed time and time again that Thermocore panel R-values remain constant.
In fact, Thermocore sends aged panels out to be tested on an annual basis. All of our panels are tested
in accordance with ASTM C518 and are done in a laboratory setting. Our most recent test on a panel in
excess of three years old confirmed no loss of R-value. Studies at Oak Ridge National Laboratories on
various panels made with polyurethane foam cores confirmed no measurable loss of R-value. Polyurethane
foam continues to be the product of choice for refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, coolers and
many other common household products. If polyurethane lost most of it's R value why would companies
like GE continue to use it?
Q. How can I be sure there is foam in my panels?
A. Thermocore panels employs state of the art inferred
technology to actually look inside each panel after it is made. Each panel is inspected and stamped for
quality assurance. Thermocore refers to this system as the Insulation Verification System or IVS. With
other panel systems, subs unfamiliar with panels dig into them to provide everything from window bucks
to electrical, leaving you unsure of the final product.
Q. Do Thermocore Panels represent a health hazard?
A. No. First of all, if Thermocore Panels represented a health hazard, we would not be allowed to
sell them. Secondly, the foam we use in our panels is the same foam used in the cushions of your chairs
and the pillows on your bed. Many of the EPS manufacturers have tried to create scare tactics to sell
against the Polyurethane manufacturers. Truth be told, they will never show you any documentation to
prove what they are saying. As a matter of fact, medical studies have proved the long term safety of
polyurethane foam panels. These are medical professionals conducting real studies, not a sales
representative spreading rumors. Next time you hear something negative said about Polyurethane foam
panels, consider the source and look at the science.
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