Why spend weeks framing, insulating, and preparing walls when you can get more done with one panel system? ThermaSteel’s factory-prepared steel SIP panels arrive numbered, bundled, and ready for assembly. With familiar framing tools and a straightforward installation process, your crew can reduce on-site work, save time, and move on to the next project faster.
3–5 PANELS INSTALLED PER HOUR | ~45 lbs AVERAGE PANEL WEIGHT |
2 hrs CREW TRAINING TIME | 1 Trade REPLACES 4-5 TRADES |
Build Smarter. Build Faster. Build Stronger.
Why spend weeks framing, insulating, and preparing walls when you can get more done with one panel system? ThermaSteel’s factory-prepared steel SIP panels arrive numbered, bundled, and ready for assembly. With familiar framing tools and a straightforward installation process, your crew can reduce on-site work, save time, and move on to the next project faster.
3–5
PANELS INSTALLED PER HOUR
~45 lbs
AVERAGE PANEL WEIGHT
2 hrs
CREW TRAINING TIME
1 Trade
REPLACES 4-5 TRADES
BUILDER ADVANTAGES
Why Builders Choose ThermaSteel
SPEED
Days, Not Weeks
Factory-prepared panels help accelerate wall assembly, shorten construction schedules, and allow crews to move on to the next project sooner.
COST SAVINGS
Reduce On-Site Labor
Combine framing, insulation, sheathing, and a vapor barrier into one panel system to reduce separate installation steps, material handling, and labor.
SIMPLICITY
Learn in Just a Few Hours
Familiar framing methods and standard screw guns make installation straightforward for builders, carpenters, and framers without specialized installation tools.
EASE OF USE
~45 lbs Per Panel
Typical 4′ × 10′ panels weigh approximately 45 lbs, making them easier to handle on-site and often reducing the need for crane rental.
INSTALLATION PROCESS
Get Your Panels in Place, Step by Step
Panels arrive numbered, bundled, and matched to project-specific shop drawings, making installation easier to plan and coordinate.
KEY STAT
Panels average 45 lbs each (4′ × 10′). A standard crew can typically install 3–5 panels per hour.
01 Receive Panels Check panel numbers against the assembly plan and shop drawings. | 02 Prepare the Foundation Clean the slab and apply approved sill foam, #30 felt, or sealant beneath the track. |
03 Position the Track Mark the layout with a chalk line and anchor the track according to engineered details and applicable codes. | 04 Place the First Panel Start at a corner with Panel #1, keeping the leading edge facing outward. |
05 Secure the Panel Fasten both track flanges to the panel studs using the specified #10 self-tapping screws. | 06 Fit Adjacent Panels Position Panel #2 snugly into the track and adjoining panel groove. Continue along the wall. |
07 Brace the Panels Install temporary braces at approximately 8-foot intervals until the structure is secure. | 08 Connect Panel Edges Fasten adjacent leading edges vertically with six evenly spaced #10 self-tapping screws. |
09 Install the Top Track Once all wall panels are positioned and secured, attach the top track according to the shop drawings. | 10 Seal Interior Joints Apply the specified sealant to the interior joints between panels. |
11 Seal the Exterior Base Caulk the gap between the panel and the bottom track on the exterior side. | 12 Complete Final Checks Review the project shop drawings for special conditions and confirm all connections and seals are complete. |
01
Receive Panels
Check panel numbers against the assembly plan and shop drawings.
02
Prepare the Foundation
Clean the slab and apply approved sill foam, #30 felt, or sealant beneath the track.
03
Position the Track
Mark the layout with a chalk line and anchor the track according to engineered details and applicable codes.
04
Place the First Panel
Start at a corner with Panel #1, keeping the leading edge facing outward.
05
Secure the Panel
Fasten both track flanges to the panel studs using the specified #10 self-tapping screws.
06
Fit Adjacent Panels
Position Panel #2 snugly into the track and adjoining panel groove. Continue along the wall.
07
Brace the Panels
Install temporary braces at approximately 8-foot intervals until the structure is secure.
08
Connect Panel Edges
Fasten adjacent leading edges vertically with six evenly spaced #10 self-tapping screws.
09
Install the Top Track
Once all wall panels are positioned and secured, attach the top track according to the shop drawings.
10
Seal Interior Joints
Apply the specified sealant to the interior joints between panels.
11
Seal the Exterior Base
Caulk the gap between the panel and the bottom track on the exterior side.
12
Complete Final Checks
Review the project shop drawings for special conditions and confirm all connections and seals are complete.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
Watch and Learn How to Install Panels
Explore ThermaSteel’s installation videos for practical guidance on panel assembly, electrical wiring, plumbing, and connection details. Help your crew understand the process before work begins and approach each installation with greater confidence.
BUILDERS FAQS
Common Questions From Builders
Everything your crew needs to know before the first panel goes up.
How do you install electrical wiring?
ThermaSteel panels are factory-prepared with electrical chases built into the insulated core, so electricians can pull wire through the panels without drilling through framing or compressing insulation. Chase locations are shown on your project’s shop drawings, so your electrician can plan the rough-in before the panels arrive. For step-by-step guidance, see our electrical installation videos.
What about the electrical boxes and plumbing?
Electrical boxes are installed by cutting an opening in the panel at the chase location and setting the box in place, using standard tools your crew already has. For plumbing, we recommend running supply and drain lines through interior walls, floors, or a dedicated chase wall rather than through exterior panels.
What about siding, stucco and brick?
ThermaSteel panels work with all common exterior finishes, including siding, stucco and brick. Siding and stucco lath fasten directly to the panel’s steel studs with self-tapping screws, and the studs sit at consistent spacing, so fastening points are easy to find. Brick veneer is installed on its own foundation ledge and tied back to the panels. Always follow the cladding manufacturer’s instructions and local code.
Do I need a vapor barrier?
No separate vapor barrier is typically needed. ThermaSteel panels combine framing, insulation, sheathing and a vapor barrier in one system, which removes a separate installation step. Sealing the interior joints and exterior base, as shown in the installation steps, keeps the wall envelope tight. Check local code requirements for your climate zone.
Are trusses or other roof supports required?
It depends on your design. ThermaSteel roof panels can form the roof structure without conventional trusses, which opens up space for vaulted ceilings. Depending on the span and loads, the design may require a ridge beam or intermediate supports, which your engineered shop drawings will specify. If you prefer, ThermaSteel walls also work with a conventional truss roof set on the top track.
Are the panels fire rated?
Panels use a non-combustible steel frame and a flame-retardant insulation core. Like other SIP systems, they are finished on the interior with gypsum board to meet code thermal barrier requirements. Fire-rated assemblies depend on the specific wall build-up, so contact our team for the ratings and testing documents for your project.
RECOMMENDED
Specialty Tools & Products
APPROVALS & COMPLIANCE
Code Approvals
ThermaSteel panels are approved under major national and local building codes — so your permit process is straightforward from day one.
| ✦IBC 2012, 2015, 2018 | ✦IRC 2012, 2015, 2018 |
| ✦Florida Product Approval | ✦2-Hour Load-Bearing Fire Tests |
| ✦City of Chicago Approval | ✦City of Los Angeles Approval |
FIRE RATING OPTIONS
| 1-Hour Fire Rating | Gypsum finish required |
| 2-Hour Fire Rating | Gypsum finish required |
| 3-Hour Fire Rating | Gypsum finish required |
Panel assembly is non-combustible. Fire ratings achieved through applied gypsum or similar finish. 2-hour fire test report available on request.
APPROVALS & COMPLIANCE
Code Approvals
ThermaSteel panels are approved under major national and local building codes — so your permit process is straightforward from day one.
✦IBC 2012, 2015, 2018
✦IRC 2012, 2015, 2018
✦Florida Product Approval
✦2-Hour Load-Bearing Fire Tests
✦City of Chicago Approval
✦City of Los Angeles Approval
FIRE RATING OPTIONS
| 1-Hour Fire Rating | Gypsum finish required |
| 2-Hour Fire Rating | Gypsum finish required |
| 3-Hour Fire Rating | Gypsum finish required |
Panel assembly is non-combustible. Fire ratings achieved through applied gypsum or similar finish. 2-hour fire test report available on request.
Send Us Your Project for a Free Estimate
Share your project drawings and our team will review them, prepare panel takeoffs, and send you a detailed estimate. Get the numbers you need to bid with confidence and schedule your next build sooner.