Stoam panels - anyone used these? 2

[archeng59]

I have a client who wants to use a product that is new to me. The product is manufactured by Stoam Industries and consists of metal studs encased in polystyrene foam. (website

http://www.stoam.com).

It appears to be a panelized system. Most of the photos on the website show the product used as non-loadbearing wall panels. Apparently it is widely used for residential construction and there are implications that it has load bearing capacities, although I've not found data for that on their website. I can't tell what, if any, load capacities or lateral load resisting capacities exist for this product. planning to contact the manufacturer for info, but wondering if anyone has used this on a project and if you have any comments regarding it's use as a structural load bearing/shear wall system.

 

[archeng59]

assuming that lack of responses means either no one read the thread or no one has heard of these guys/has experience with the product.

 

[oldrunner]

Archeng 59: I've looked at their web site and there seems to be no technical content. I couldn't find any mention of any type of technical appprovals. You could do an email inquiry from their website.

 

[archeng59]

I agree about the website lacking information other than nice photos. I contacted them by email (no response) and telephone (three calls before my call was returned). they are sending some info somewhat reluctantly by the tone of the rep's voice. so far, I get the idea that as long as I want 5 1/2" studs of an unknown gage at 16" o.c. with styrofoam between the studs, I can get what I want. I wanted some unbiased info from others, if there is any, regarding previous experience using their product.

 

[oldrunner]

We have had some company's try to get local approval for their building systems. Some of them have not obtained any kind of approval from the IBC, but have it "pending". Unfortunately, the "pending" goes on for a long time. One company, no longer in business, did have an ICBO report. The system was very good, but the company was basically in business to sell their manufacturing machines at one million per.
Even if these people do have some sort of approval, read that approval carefully. I've also sent them an email.

 

[JStephen]

Maybe I'm missing something- but wouldn't that be a fire hazard? Or is that not the foam I'm thinking of?

 

[archeng59]

from what I can tell, the foam is the pressed bead type. fire rating? dunno until I get some info.

 

[StoamInfo]

archeng59 - if you have not received info on Stoam, feel free to contact me for any and all information needed.

Our panelized wall system will support 3 stories structural. Roof panels will freespan 22'4 5/16" with 7/16 osb. Will hold a 57 lb snowload.

 

[oldrunner]

StoamInfo:

I don't doubt that your system will do all these things, but I didn't see anything on the manufacturer's web site nor did they ever respond to my email. How do we find out about all of this information?