High-Performance Metal SIP Panels for Commercial Construction

ThermaSteel has manufactured high-performance steel structural insulated panels since 1970, completing over 75,000 projects worldwide. Our patented 4-in-1 panel system combines structural steel framing, closed-cell EPS insulation, and the building’s water and air barrier, eliminating the need for traditional OSB sheathing to help commercial builders reduce labor, accelerate construction, and achieve long-term energy savings.

Founded in 1970

OVER 50 YEARS OF STEEL SIP MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE

75,000+ PROJECTS

COMPLETED ACROSS RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION WORLDWIDE.

15–24% Construction Savings

POTENTIAL SAVINGS COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL METHODS.

CORE TECHNOLOGY

A Smarter Approach to Commercial Construction and Long-Term Savings

Commercial construction requires careful coordination of structural systems, insulation, materials, labor, and project schedules. Traditional building methods often involve multiple trades and separate installation steps, increasing the time and resources needed to complete the building envelope.

ThermaSteel’s patented steel SIP technology combines structural steel framing, closed-cell EPS insulation, and the building’s water and air barrier, eliminating the need for traditional OSB sheathing . Each panel package is built around the building plans, helping developers, architects, engineers, and contractors simplify installation, reduce on-site labor, manage construction costs, and support long-term energy efficiency.

▶Foundation Panels▶Exterior Wall Panels
▶Interior Wall Panels▶Floor Panels
▶Roof Panels▶Headers and Beams
Multi-story SIP panel building under construction for a Connecticut project

LONG-TERM VALUE

Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Cost Savings with Steel SIP Panels

R28–
R61
Energy Performance
An opposing framing configuration designed to eliminate thermal bridging, plus tongue-and-groove panel connections that create a continuous, tighter envelope, support energy efficiency, with ThermaSteel reporting energy-bill savings of up to 75% in certain applications.
50%+
HVAC Downsizing
Improved insulation and airtightness may support HVAC equipment downsizing of 50% or more, subject to project-specific load calculations.
Up to 12%
Maintenance Savings
Steel framing and EPS insulation resist rot, pests, and moisture-related deterioration. No building is maintenance-free, but company-cited studies indicate maintenance savings of up to 12%.
1 Supplier
Simplified Project Coordination
One integrated panel system combines structural steel framing, closed-cell EPS insulation, and the water and air barrier, helping simplify purchasing, delivery, and installation.
PROJECT TYPES

Commercial Applications

ThermaSteel's steel structural insulated panels support a wide range of commercial construction projects, from cold storage facilities and hotels to mid-rise residential buildings. Our project-specific panel systems provide structural framing and insulation for applicable walls, roofs, floors, and foundations, helping construction teams coordinate building requirements from design through installation.

▶Cold Storage Facilities ▶Mid-Rise Buildings ▶Hotels and Hospitality ▶Assisted Living Facilities
▶High-Rise Curtain Walls ▶Infill Wall Applications ▶Multi-Story Load-Bearing Structures ▶Student Housing and Dormitories

16-GUAGE PANEL PERFOMANCE

Well-Engineered Panels for Structural Strength and Durability

15,000 PLF
Load-bearing capacity in specified panel configurations.
20,000 PLF
LRFD compression capacity under specified conditions.
120 PSF
Transverse load at L/180 deflection (12-ft span).
UP TO 220 MPH
Manufacturer-reported wind resistance for applicable assemblies.

16-Gauge Panel Properties:

▶Durable steel framing resistant to rot, pests, and moisture-related deterioration
▶Noncombustible steel framing, with fire and smoke performance based on tested assemblies
▶Structural configurations suitable for seismic design
▶High-wind panel options for demanding environments
▶Manufacturer-reported compliance with applicable HVHZ requirements
▶Opposing framing configuration designed to eliminate thermal bridging
▶Energy-efficient configurations designed to support ASHRAE 90.1 requirements
▶CFC- and HCFC-free EPS insulation

Performance Note: Structural capacities, wind resistance, fire ratings, and code compliance depend on the selected panel configuration, tested assembly, connections, and project-specific engineering.

16-GUAGE PANEL PERFOMANCE

Well-Engineered Panels for Structural Strength and Durability

15,000 PLF
Load-bearing capacity in specified panel configurations.

20,000 PLF
LRFD compression capacity under specified conditions.

120 PSF
Transverse load at L/180 deflection (12-ft span).

UP TO 220 MPH
Manufacturer-reported wind resistance for applicable assemblies.

16-Gauge Panel Properties:

▶Durable steel framing resistant to rot and pests
▶Fire and smoke performance based on tested assemblies
▶Structural configurations suitable for seismic design
▶High-wind panel options for demanding environments
▶Manufacturer-reported compliance with applicable HVHZ requirements
▶Thermal-break design that helps reduce thermal bridging
▶Energy-efficient configurations designed to support ASHRAE 90.1 requirements
▶CFC- and HCFC-free EPS insulation

Performance Note: Structural capacities, wind resistance, fire ratings, and code compliance depend on the selected panel configuration, tested assembly, connections, and project-specific engineering.

LOGISTICS & ENERGY

Simplified Panel Logistics and Energy-Efficient Construction

ThermaSteel’s factory-manufactured steel SIP panels help streamline commercial construction logistics from production to delivery. Lightweight, project-specific components reduce material handling and on-site preparation, while integrated closed-cell EPS insulation and an opposing framing configuration designed to eliminate thermal bridging support long-term building performance.

✦
Up to 6,000 sq. ft. per Truckload
Depending on panel dimensions and loading arrangements, a single truckload may accommodate up to 6,000 square feet of panels, helping simplify transportation and delivery coordination.
✦
Effective Thermal Insulation
Our panels provide effective thermal performance from R28 to R61, depending on the configuration, But R-value isn’t the whole story: insulation, thermal bridging, air leakage, and panel connections all determine how the building performs.
✦
Potential Construction Cost Savings
ThermaSteel reports total construction budget savings of 15–24% in certain projects through reduced labor, faster assembly, and simplified material coordination.
✦
Energy Code Compliance
ThermaSteel offers panel configurations designed to support ASHRAE 90.1 and 2021 energy code requirements, subject to applicable climate zones and project-specific compliance review.

INDUSTRY COMPARISON

ThermaSteel reports a 58% increase in airtightness compared with conventional construction, helping reduce air leakage and improve overall building-envelope performance.

EPS TECHNOLOGY

Closed-Cell EPS Technology

ThermaSteel uses M77B closed-cell expanded polystyrene (EPS) bonded to light-gauge steel framing through patented technology. The rigid foam core limits moisture absorption, reduces air infiltration, and maintains consistent insulation performance over time. This integrated construction also supports structural stability and acoustic performance in commercial building applications.

ADVANTAGES OF CLOSED-CELL TECHNOLOGY

▶Low moisture absorption▶Enhanced structural stability
▶Reduced air infiltration▶Low vapor permeability
▶Reduced sound transmission▶Resistance to thermal performance drift
▶Support for impact and seismic design requirements▶Improved acoustic performance in tested assemblies

SOUND PERFORMANCE

Acoustic Performance of ThermaSteel Panels

ThermaSteel’s steel SIP panels help reduce sound transmission through commercial building walls. Their rigid EPS core and integrated steel framing support acoustic performance, with tested assemblies achieving Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings from 36 to 57.

Acoustic performance depends on panel thickness, drywall layers, insulation density, and assembly configuration. Properly specified wall systems can help improve sound control in hotels, offices, multifamily buildings, and other commercial spaces.

STC 45+
Standard 5.5-inch wall assembly with 5/8-inch sheathing on both sides.
STC 50+
Enhanced wall assembly using a 1.5 pcf EPS insulation core.

STC Ratings — ThermaSteel Assemblies

ASSEMBLY DESCRIPTIONSTC
1. 3.5-inch partition panel with 1/2-inch drywall on both sides36
2. 3.5-inch panel with 5/8-inch drywall on both sides37
3. Two 3.5-inch panels with 5/8-inch drywall on both sides40
4. Two 3.5-inch panels with an air gap and 5/8-inch drywall42
5. Two 3.5-inch panels with ceiling tile48
6. 3.5-inch panel with 3.5-inch air space, metal furring, and drywall49
7. 5.5-inch party wall assembly with hat channels, fiberglass, and drywall51
8. Two 1⅝-inch panels with fiberglass insulation and drywall53
9. Zublin partition wall assembly with a 2-inch air gap and drywall57
10. Conventional wood-stud wall with fiberglass insulation and drywall (baseline)34

STC ratings are based on the specific assemblies listed in ThermaSteel’s supplied technical information. Actual sound isolation depends on the complete wall assembly and installation details.

FOR DEVELOPERS

Save Time and Reduce Commercial Construction Costs

ThermaSteel’s factory-manufactured steel SIP panels help developers streamline construction, reduce on-site labor, and control project expenses. Faster building-envelope assembly and improved energy performance can support earlier occupancy, lower operating costs, and stronger long-term project value.

CONSTRUCTION TIME
UP TO 50% FASTER
Factory-prepared panels can help shorten construction schedules, reducing financing costs and supporting earlier occupancy.

HVAC COST SAVINGS
$3,500+ PER UNIT
ThermaSteel’s published multifamily cost comparison reports potential HVAC savings of $3,500+ per unit through equipment downsizing.

BUILDING HEIGHT REDUCTION
UP TO 1 FT PER FLOOR
Where ductwork can be reduced or eliminated, developers may lower floor-to-floor heights and associated construction costs.

ENERGY BILL SAVINGS
UP TO 75%
ThermaSteel reports energy-bill reductions of up to 75% in certain projects, depending on building design and operating conditions.

ON-SITE LABOR REDUCTION
50%+
Integrated panel components and factory preparation can reduce on-site labor requirements compared with conventional construction methods.

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION SAVINGS
15–24%
ThermaSteel reports potential total construction budget savings of 15–24% through reduced labor, material coordination, and construction time.

FOR DEVELOPERS

Save Time and Reduce Commercial Construction Costs

ThermaSteel’s factory-manufactured steel SIP panels help developers streamline construction, reduce on-site labor, and control project expenses. Faster building-envelope assembly and improved energy performance can support earlier occupancy, lower operating costs, and stronger long-term project value.

CONSTRUCTION TIME
UP TO 50% FASTER
Factory-prepared panels can help shorten construction schedules, reducing financing costs and supporting earlier occupancy.
HVAC COST SAVINGS
$3,500+ PER UNIT
ThermaSteel’s published multifamily cost comparison reports potential HVAC savings of $3,500+ per unit through equipment downsizing.
BUILDING HEIGHT REDUCTION
UP TO 1 FT PER FLOOR
Where ductwork can be reduced or eliminated, developers may lower floor-to-floor heights and associated construction costs.
ENERGY BILL SAVINGS
UP TO 75%
ThermaSteel reports energy-bill reductions of up to 75% in certain projects, depending on building design and operating conditions.
ON-SITE LABOR REDUCTION
50%+
Integrated panel components and factory preparation can reduce on-site labor requirements compared with conventional construction methods.
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION SAVINGS
15–24%
ThermaSteel reports potential total construction budget savings of 15–24% through reduced labor, material coordination, and construction time.

THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION

Prefabricated Steel SIP Panels Are Changing Commercial Construction

Since 1970, ThermaSteel has manufactured project-specific steel SIP panels in Radford, Virginia. We precision-cut, label, and prepare each panel around the building plans before delivery. Components arrive organized for assembly, helping commercial builders reduce on-site fabrication, coordinate installation, and keep projects moving.

160 sq ft/hr
REPORTED PANEL ASSEMBLY RATE
UP TO 50%
POTENTIAL REDUCTION IN CONSTRUCTION TIME
75,000+
PROJECTS COMPLETED WORLDWIDE
SINCE 1970
MANUFACTURING IN RADFORD, VIRGINIA

FACTORY-PREPARED COMPONENTS INCLUDE:

✦Pre-cut door and window openings✦Integrated electrical chases
✦Headers, jacks, and king studs✦Tracks, plates, and screws
✦Project-specific shop drawings✦Labeled and numbered panels for assembly

Get a Free Estimate for Your Commercial Project

Planning a commercial building? Share your plans, dimensions, and project specifications with ThermaSteel. Our team can review your requirements, discuss suitable steel SIP panel configurations, and help you evaluate construction costs and potential savings.

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