| Q: |
How
readily available are the materials necessary to manufacture AP
Panels? |
| A: |
In
some countries such as India, Brazil, South Africa, the spools
of steel wire are cheap and readily available. In countries of
Eastern and Western Africa, wire spools would be imported. Polystyrene
(an integral component of the AP Panel System) is available in
almost any country. Cement sand, which is used for the exterior
of a AP Panel panel structure is available in all countries.
|
| Q: |
If
this technology has been around for 40 years, why is it not more
prevalent today? |
| A: |
While panel construction has been around for many years, the AP
Panel is the culmination of multigenerational improvements. High
lumber costs and high labor costs only compounds the problems
associated with outdated brick and mortar or wood frame construction.
Today's AP Panel construction offers an economical and ecologically
sound alternative.
|
| Q: |
Are
the shipping costs very high from the plant to the site? |
| A: |
No,
The AP Panels consist mainly of EPS (Expandable Polystyrene),
making the shipping weight relatively low. Also, an average sized
home can be delivered in one truck load, compared to multiple
truckloads of cement blocks / lintels / bricks / beams, etc.
|
| Q: |
How
many laborers are needed to build one unit? |
| A: |
Depending
on the size of the structure, the standard workforce for a modest
home would consist of 5 to 6 semiskilled laborers.
|
| Q: |
Why
does this method of construction withstand hurricanes, tornadoes
and earthquakes? |
| A: |
The
AP Panel construction system relies on it's ability to withstand
wind and water through it's polystyrene foam core, which is then
embedded with heavy gauge steel mesh. The panels are interconnected
to form walls or other stuctures. Masonry block or brick construction
is not impervious to water and will eventually deteriorate. Interior/Exterior
repairs to AP Panel walls are inexpensive and can be accomplished
by a semiskilled laborer.
|
| Q: |
Is
the AP Panel construction capable of withstanding fires? |
| A: |
AP Panel houses can be constructed to meet structure fire ratings
of 1 to 4 hours, depending on the thickness of cement, which is
used to cover the AP Panels and give the panels durability and
fire resistance. AP Panel construction meets or exceeds International
building codes and fire ratings.
|
| Q: |
What
is the average construction time for a 1000 sq. ft unit? |
| A: |
There
are several factors to consider, which may include: Existing site
conditions, number of units being built in the development, manpower
coordination, experience of the staff/training, weather, and other
field related factors. Although the construction completion time
may vary, AP Panel construction can reduce construction time by
weeks. Also, construction waste is reduced considerably due to
the close tolerances and exact specifications of the AP Panel
construction. Less waste will help to realize lower construction
costs, while keeping surrounding areas free of construction waste.
|
| Q: |
What
is the life expectancy of AP Panel construction? Will the AP Panel
construction deteriorate with time and exposure to harsh weather
conditions? |
| A: |
AP
Panel construction does not deteriorate like wood or gypsum wallboard.
The EPS (Expandable Polystyrene) AP Panels will likely outlast
the cement used to cover the AP Panels.
|
| Q: |
Will
the reduced construction costs be reflected in resale value? |
| A: |
Resale
value is not affected by AP Panel construction, considering
that all uniform building codes are met or exceeded by using
the AP Panel system. The resale price of a AP Panel home should
be equal or above the less thermally sound, less economical
construction method. The AP Panel construction is an obvious
benefit to potential home buyers. The benefits include, but
are not limited to: Fire Resistance, Termite/Pest Resistance,
Excellent Thermal Value - Cool during hot weather - Warm
during cold weather, Excellent sound barrier, which makes
AP Panel construction suitable for apartments, condominiums,
homes, hotels, civic buildings, commercial structures, health
care facilities, roadway - roadside noise barriers and many
other types of dwellings and structures.
|
|
Q:
|
Does
the EPS core have any effect on the Ozone Layer? |
|
A:
|
The polystyrene core of the AP Panels do not contain
ozone damaging chlorofluorocarbons.
|
| |
Please Contact
OWLS for additional information regarding the benefits of utilizing
the AP Panel construction system. |
