Frequently Asked Questions about Future Building of America and its Products and Services
We’d like to offer you this list of commonly asked questions in hopes that it will give you a better understanding of what FUTURE BUILDING OF AMERICA has to offer.
1.
Q:
What are Stress Skin Panels?
A:
Stress Skin Panels are insulated panels with a core of Rigid Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam between an exterior and interior skin. The most common material used for the skin is Structurwood Oriented Strand Board.) The two skins carry all the loading stresses of the structure, while the foam keeps the two skins aligned and provides the R-Value.
2.
Q:
A:
3.
Q:
A:
4.
Q:
A:
5.
Q:
A:
Do FBA’s panels contain Urea Formaldehyde, CFC’s or HCFC’s?
No. They never have and never will! Our reason is simple; we want to provide the safest and the best product in today’s market place.
How are the panels made?
The FBA panels are made with a continuous lamination process. The glue is applied directly to the foam inner core. The core is then sandwiched between the two skins, and the panel is pressed until the adhesive has impregnated both the foam and the OBS.
Why is OSB used instead of plywood?
There are a number of reasons. First the OSB is more stable, particularly in high moisture conditions where delamination and linear expansion are much more likely to occur in plywood. OSB also available in much longer lengths. Finally, and most importantly it is made from fast-growing, quickly replaceable, second growth trees making it less expensive than plywood, producing a more affordable finished product without depleting our precious natural resources.
What kind of OSB is used in making the panels?
6.
Q:
We use only Structurwood. Structurwood eliminates warping, buckling, delamination, core voids, knot holes, sagging, inconsistencies, non-uniformity and other problems that can occur.
A:
Can Structurwood be used anywhere Plywood is used?
7.
Q:
Yes. It has the same or better APA Grade Stamp, performance test, load bearing capabilities, installation instructions and span rating compared to plywood and it uses the same tools, nails and spacing.
A:
How is electrical wiring installed in FBA panel homes?
8.
Q:
Each panel comes directly from our facility with a vertical and horizontal electrical chase already cut in the EPS foam core.
A:
How do you run the plumbing?
9.
Q:
There really are no differences in running the plumbing when you use and FBA panel. Plumbing runs should be kept on the interior walls just like conventional framing and chases. Exterior wall vents, and other modifications can easily be provided as needed.
A:
What are the advantages of using Stress Skin Panel construction over conventional framing?
10.
Q:
The advantages of a Stress Skin Panel home are many. First of all, they can be erected very quickly, reducing one of the biggest cost factors in building – LABOR! The high R-Value achieved by using a stress skin panel remains constant, unlike conventional fiberglass batting. They provide tremendous interior and exterior design flexibility, and finally they produce a wall that is 2.35 times stronger than conventional framing of equal thickness.
A:
What are the disadvantages to using Stress Skin Panel construction?
Unfortunately, some builders are still unfamiliar with construction of this nature, and hesitate when approached about using our product. The techniques required for construction, however, are very easy to learn and with minimal assistance from one of our factory representatives, can be performed by a qualified contractor in your local area.