Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the ACCEL-E® Steel Thermal Efficient Panel (S.T.E.P.)?

Combining the strength and performance of cold-formed steel framing with the superior insulation properties of expanded polystyrene (EPS), the ACCEL-E® steel thermal efficient panel is a high-performance building product that is strong, lightweight, energy efficient and cost-effective. The ACCEL-E® S.T.E.P. wall system simplifies the framing, cavity insulation and continuous rigid foam sheathing into a single one-step installation process, resulting in reduced labor costs and shortened construction cycle time.

2. What makes the ACCEL-E® STEP wall system so innovative?

Using a proprietary patented production technology, the ACCEL-E® STEP wall system utilizes specially designed steel framing members and expandable polystyrene (EPS) fused together in a continuous manufacturing process. The panels can be cut to almost any custom length. The studs are formed in a unique “S” type cross-section. The outer section is slotted to maximize EPS fusion and insulating value. The inner section, devoid of EPS, provides an open cavity to allow for ease of use of industry standard electrical and mechanical construction practices. The panels interlock at each side with a tongue and groove configuration molded into the EPS. No splice material is required to join adjacent panels. The exterior stud flange can be produced flush with the EPS or embedded in the EPS.

3. What panel thicknesses are available?

Overall panel thicknesses of the ACCEL-E® wall panel are 5 ½” and 8”.

4. What is the width and length of the ACCEL-E® wall panel?

The panel width is 48” with the studs being 24” O.C. Lengths are limited only by mode of transport for delivery.

5. What is included as part of the ACCEL-E® STEP wall system?

ACCEL-E® STEP wall panel system includes:

• Plan conversion, design and engineering
• Pre-cut panels including all door and window openings
• Pre-assembled headers and jambs for window and doors
• All accessories such as corner posts, track, clips, splice plates fasteners and bracing materials
• Installation training
• Jobsite delivery of all project materials
  

6. What services are provided by SYNTHEON Inc. for a project?

SYTHEON Inc., the manufacturer, provides stamped engineered architectural drawings and panel lay-out for each specific project. The engineered drawings will identify member sizes, gauge thickness, anchors, screws, etc. All the ACCEL-E® wall panels are pre-cut for window and door openings. Field installation technical representatives provide on-site training at the beginning of each project.

7. I have a project that I am planning. What is the process that I can use to evaluate the ACCEL-E® STEP wall system for my project?

If you currently have a project that you would like us to quote, you can begin the process now by submitting your plans here.

We would review your project requirements and complete a job information form and review your preliminary plan drawings. You can upload your plans easily through our website. Our architectural designers would develop CAD drawings that would show how the ACCEL-E® panels would be used on the project along with a complete materials list. We would then issue you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) within 5 business days at no charge. If after reviewing the GFE, you decide you would like to proceed to a final quote then we would finalize the plans and review them for all engineering requirements. Upon acceptance of the final quote, we would begin production, fabrication and deliver directly to your jobsite.

8. What kind of costs can I expect?

Since project requirements can vary greatly, the cost per square foot can vary as well. Below is a breakdown of what is typically included in every quote:

• Base Panel
• Ancillary Components
• Factory Cuts
• Shipping
• Engineering

Generally, the prices quoted have ranged from $5.50 to $7.50 a square foot. Considering the ACCEL-E® STEP wall system combines framing, sheathing and insulation into one step, a reduction in jobsite labor is often realized, providing greater building efficiency. According to a recent study completed by R.S. Means the ACCEL-E® STEP wall system can save up to 50% of the labor costs of conventional framing, sheathing and insulation. In addition the ACCEL-E® system will reduce the construction cycle by up to 66%.

9. What about building codes?

The ACCEL-E® wall panel system passes all ASTM standards needed for ICC approval and has been submitted to the ICC evaluation service. Because each project is engineered and stamped by a structural engineer, the ACCEL-E® wall system is generally accepted by many municipalities. Additionally, a Code Compliance Research Report (CCRR) from Architectural Testing Inc. provides the evidence, technical information, and professional evaluation that ACCEL-E® complies with a specified code. The Architectural Testing Code Compliance Research Report program is accredited as a product certification program by the American National Standards Institute. ANSI accreditation is widely accepted among building code officials.

10. For what types of applications can the ACCEL-E® STEP wall system be used?

The ACCEL-E® STEP wall system is a perfect choice for light commercial structures, single family homes, multi-family low rise structures and industrial uses where energy efficiency and durability are very important building considerations. ACCEL-E® panels can be engineered for structural performance up to 2 stories. There is virtually no height limit for curtain wall applications and interior demising walls for warehouses and factories.

11. Energy efficiency is important to me. How does the ACCEL-E® wall system help?

Thermal efficiency is the function of two things: R-Value and Air Tightness. The R-value delivered by the ACCEL-E® wall system is R-4.105 for every inch of EPS. Regarding air tightness, because the EPS insulation is fused to the steel framing along with the tongue and groove joint design, air infiltration and unwanted drafts are virtually eliminated. You should also consider the framing effect on energy efficiency. Framing effect is when structural studs (wood or steel) short circuit the insulation by allowing heat flow directly from one side of the wall to the other. The ACCEL-E® panels exclusive design virtually eliminates thermal bridging common to all framing especially steel. This design makes the ACCEL-E® system as good as or better than typical wood framing. Additionally, unlike alternative insulation products, the thermal performance of EPS does not deteriorate over time.

12. Is EPS moisture resistant?

EPS is non-hygroscopic and does not readily absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Its closed-cell structure reduces the absorption and/or migration of moisture into the insulation material. EPS provides a high level of moisture resistance and breathability. Due to its’ moisture resistance EPS maintains its initial R-Value for the long term.

13. Is the ACCEL-E® STEP wall system available outside of the US?

For International projects we can assist in design and engineering to US standards only. We can provide pre-cut panels ready for assembly, or we can provide full panels which can be cut to the project requirements locally. This second option may help reduce freight costs and allows for greater local flexibility. In either scenario, we can provide all ancillary components (tracks, clips, corner posts etc.) required to complete the wall construction, or we can provide detailed specifications for local sourcing.

14. How significant a role does EPS foam, the same foam used in the accel-E® panel, have on reducing carbon emissions?

Very significant. In fact, in a recent study (Innovations for Greenhouse Gas Reductions, 2009), it was found that EPS foam insulation in buildings is one of the largest contributors of net carbon emissions savings at 2.4 GtCO2e (1 Gt = 1 billion metric tons). Insulation greatly reduces the heat lost by buildings, and so significantly decreases the need for energy for heating. If cooling savings were to be included the net GHG abatement would further increase. Savings were calculated on a heat flux model based on the U-factor difference, the temperature difference integrated over 50 years, and the surface treated by insulation. Three regions were studied and a total of 60 cases analyzed in differing climate zones. Overall, insulation foam has a very high X : 1 ratio of 233 : 1, and contributes 2,400 MtCO2e (metric ton carbon dioxide equivalent) net savings.