FAQ
Do You Have Questions About ICE Panels?
We have the answers.
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What is the cost comparison of an ICE Panel building vs other methods?
ICE Panels are competitively priced with other construction systems of equal thermal efficiency and likely the most cost effective solution when seeking to achieve more than R34.
How are utilities installed into ICE Panels?
There are a couple of options:
- Vertical cuts and boxes are made using a hot knife or Chainsaw with a depth gauge, with the exposed chases sealed with spray foam after.
- Furring, strapping or a stand-off system can be used to create a utility chase.
Are ICE Panels compliant with building code?
Yes. ICE Panels have completed a third party evaluation by a Standards Council of Canada accredited laboratory to determine their compliance to the 2015 National Building Code of Canada.
What kind of buildings can you do?
Single Family Residential, Multi-family Residential, Commercial, Institutional
What is thermal bridging and why is it a problem?
Thermal bridging is solid conductive materials that are continuous from the inside to the outside of your building envelope. This is the path of least resistance for energy to escape your building.
Does Greenstone have house plans designed for ICE Panels?
Yes! We currently have one ICE Panel Home Package — The Concord! Visit icepanelpackages.ca to learn more. Stay tuned as we add more packages to our catalogue.
Do you have fire testing for ICE Panels?
Yes, ICE Panels can be used in 1 hour load bearing wall assemblies or 2 hour non-load bearing wall assemblies.
Who can build with ICE Panels?
Anyone who receives the Greenstone Builder Training can be an installer for the ICE Panel product.
Can you make site modifications or repairs?
Yes. After consultation with GS and the project engineer alterations may be possible and have them approved through a Greenstone Engineer.
Do ICE Panels need special materials for finishing?
No. Fasteners are typical to steel frame construction and finishes used are the same as typical residential construction.
Will I need special engineering?
Greenstone ICE Panels are engineered specific to your project; similar to pre-engineered steel structures. Engineer of Record requirements vary from region to region. Greenstone will be able to assist you regarding the specific requirements in your region, based on your building classification.
Some projects/regions have additional requirements for high wind load, heavy snow loads, seismic activity, or any combination of these. ICE Panels can be engineered to meet these additional requirements effectively.
What are the lead times for an ICE Panel project?
Lead times vary greatly throughout the year, planning ahead and getting started early on the design process goes a long way to keeping your project timeline on track.
What is the difference between EPS & GPS?
Greenstone offers two selections for the ICE Panel core — EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and GPS (Graphite Polystyrene). Other than the difference in color of the resin bead, the main difference is the superior R-values offered by the GPS option. GPS includes graphite which increases the emissivity of the EPS over standard white EPS, making it more energy efficient.
What ICE Panel thicknesses are offered and what R-values are associated with each?
ICE Panels come in three different thicknesses.
- 5.5″ ICE Panel = R22 (EPS) R25 (GPS)
- 7.5″ ICE Panel = R30 (EPS) R36 (GPS)
- 9.25″ ICE Panel = R37 (EPS) R44 (GPS)
How do I get a price for an ICE Panel project?
We need a to-scale pricing set of plans including rough openings, dimensions, and elevations to be able to prepare an estimate for your project. The best way to get started is to call the Greenstone office at 204-726-1426 or email sales@gsbp.ca with your full set of plans.
Can ICE Panels be used for below-grade applications?
Yes! ICE panels can be used in below grade applications with a maximum backfill of 6’.
How do ICE Panels stand up against high winds?
ICE Panel building envelopes are constructed using steel connector plates and screws to fasten the panels together through steel framing. This combination will resist pull-out better than the traditional framing of nails-into-wood. The core of the ICE Panel is also a key element when dealing with increased wind speeds. It allows the wall to flex when hit with strong winds rather than fighting the force and being damaged.
How are ICE Panels considered a sustainable building product?
An ICE Panel building envelope significantly cuts down the amount of energy required to heat and cool the building, reducing the building’s carbon footprint, allowing builders to reach Net Zero standards. ICE Panels are also 100% recyclable, they’re made in a zero-waste manufacturing facility, and ICE Panel job sites experience less waste making for less trips to the landfill.
Do ICE Panels off-gas?
The ICE Panel core is a closed-cell insulation. This makes it very stable with no off-gassing. The EPS used in the ICE Panels is expanded using steam which activates pentane. After the EPS is expanded, the pentane is completely off gassed in a highly controlled environment, leaving just the expanded EPS bead filled with atmospheric air. By the time the ICE Panels leave our plant, no further off-gassing will occur.