ThermoBuilt FAQ's
Some of our most frequently asked questions
The ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System is a patented method of residential construction assembly designed to be easy to build, universally accepted, and exceed current standards of the IBC, IECC, and all forms of energy efficient residential construction standards and any other form of energy efficient or conventional residential construction.
The purpose of the ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope is to provide builders, architects, engineers, and homeowners a direct and affordable path to Zero Energy Ready Home building.
Through the ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System, we created the ThermoBuilt Framing Model, which has continually evolved to be easier to build, more affordable, and accepted by field professionals, officials and tradesmen.
The four goals of the ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System are;
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- Create a method of energy efficient construction universally adopted and accepted.
We follow and improved upon conventional and advanced framing methods of construction because they are used by all field trades nationwide. Field crews are able to get started and finish faster, and building officials are able to easily recognize and accept this method of energy efficient building than with other energy efficient building methods.
- Create a method of construction that significantly reduces labor time associated with energy efficient building.
A pre-measured and ready to install panel creates an a labor reducing method of construction compared to other forms of energy efficient building.
- Reduce and/or eliminate the added costs associated with energy efficient building.
The ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope eliminates the need for expensive professional trades, expensive field trades, and expensive installation equipment. By simplifying the method of constructing an energy efficient home and following universally accepted construction techniques, we are achieving the goal of a super energy efficient home that costs the same as conventionally built 2x6 framed homes. - Build the healthiest, most comfortable, most affordable and most energy efficient homes in America.
Our value added services like energy modeling, indoor air quality analysis, and precision construction and engineering services offer you more. Wether you are a builder, architect, engineer or homeowner, you will benefit from our method of energy efficient building, employing the best quality materials to achieve the goal of the most comfortable, healthy, and affordable energy efficient home in America.
- Create a method of energy efficient construction universally adopted and accepted.
When you purchase from ThermoBuilt, you are buying direct and never through a third party or reseller. No reseller mark ups and no gaps in the quality or availability of value added services.
Yes. ThermoBuilt panels are designed for fast installation. ThermoBuilt panels are a precision fit assembly, with each panel pre-measured, labeled, and delivered ready for in-sequence installation. Unlike SIPs, each panel is light weight and is installed by hand, including the roof panels. The need for heavy equipment to lift and install heavy panels is eliminated with the ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System and ThermoBuilt Panels.
No. ThermoBuilt packages and products, and the ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System are a field assembled method of construction. Each package arrives as a bundle of materials, with instructions you'll need to assemble a site-built home that is super energy efficient. Our packages, like all site-built homes, are required to meet a significantly higher level of structural and energy code compliance compared to modular or pre-fab homes. In fact, our ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System exceeds IBC structural and IECC energy code requirements. A modular or pre-fab home is not required to meet minimum structural or energy code requirements, and is often restricted by some building departments, zoning, or new construction lending institutions.
Not at all. In fact, most of the homes we work on are custom, one of a kind designs. Almost any design can by made compatible with the ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System. We will extensively review your design and create your custom panel package for you. Your design will be converted to our system at no additional cost. Restrictions apply. Call 866-712-8453, option 3 for details.
Our designs, and those from our pre-drawn plan provider, Architectural Designs, are options available to you that were picked for popular design features and compatibility with the ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System.
Visit our partner website, www.architecturaldesigns.com, and search over 10,000 unique designs to pick from.
Our materials packages for your new home are extensively complete, and offer you the opportunity to select the finishings you want. You won't be limited by factory options or exclusive materials and designs. Most exterior finishes are compatible with our walls and roof system.
View our WHAT'S INCLUDED page for more information.
YES. ThermoBuilt Panels are light weight, precision made, and labeled according to an easy to read installation plan. Window and door openings are pre-measured and ready to install. Assembly mimics traditional framing, and incorporates framing efficiencies to save time and money in the field.
Installation doesn't require special training either. Electricians and plumbers find it easy to work with and forgiving. A big advantage of the ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System is NO NEED for expensive and hard to find specialty construction crews.
Our building system uses widely accepted framing methods of construction, making it friendly to building officials as well.
No need for a heavy crane, making assembly fast and simple.
YES. ThermoBuilt systems are a construction variation of widely adopted framing methods. 2x6 frame construction is approved throughout the United States and ThermoBuilt homes are built to meet the strict IBC 2012 building codes, including coastal and seismic areas of Florida and California, and in northern climate zones that experience heavy snow loads. Variations may be required in a few localities, and ThermoBuilt will assist you through each design requirement.
ThermoBuilt uses rigid EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) which is superior to fiberglass and open cell spray foam (SPF) insulation. ThermoBuilt walls are up to R-38 and the ThermoBuilt Roof System is a genuine R-50 assembly standard.
Compare ThermoBuilt's R-values to normal 2x4 construction which provides only R-13 walls & R-24 ceilings, or most SIP assemblies with an R-22 value for a 5.5" wall and roof.
The ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System is designed to keep your home cool during hot summers, and warm during cold winters through the use of our super-insulating wall, roof, and basement panels, and our unique method of construction to maximize the effectiveness of our panels.
This saves you money on utility bills and makes for a very comfortable home year-round.
All ThermoBuilt Wall-32/Wall-38 panels have a pre-cut exposed chase to handle your electrical wiring. Your electrician isn't required to use special tools to complete their installations, because they can access the wiring channel without fishing wires blindly through the core of the panel. This electrical chase is accessible for box installations after the walls have been built. These panels are very trade friendly.
Yes. EPS (expanded polystyrene) has been used throughout the construction industry for many years by discriminating home owners, commercial, and residential builders.
Once reserved for large, high budget luxury homes, it is now available for your home. It is safe, is made with a self extinguishing flame-retardant, is termite/pest, mold and mildew resistant.
EPS is one of the safest, healthiest, and highly efficient materials you can use in residential construction.
Very. The ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System is stronger than normal frame construction because of the thick, rigid insulating panels locked-in between the 2x6 studs and rafters. This unifies the structure into one piece. All packages are designed to exceed structural code requirements, including coastal and seismic zones like those in Florida in California, where the country's most strict structural codes exist.
Yes! Budgeting is one of the most important steps you'll take when determining the type of home you will build and when. ThermoBuilt Systems is able to provide you complimentary budgeting estimates for your home design.
Visit our CUSTOM DESIGN PAGE to send us your plan.
Absolutely! ThermoBuilt's architectural design team can modify your existing plan, or help you create a plan from scratch. If you have a basic sketch of what you're wanting, we can help.
Contact us to discuss our custom plan design services.
Contact Us with your questions
If you are a home builder, architect, engineer, or an owner-builder, we welcome your questions on how using the ThermoBuilt Energy Envelope System and Products can benefit your next project.