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Component Manufacturing dverti$er
Don’t Forget! You Saw it in the
Adverti$er
June 2020 #12251 Page #70
Integrated Closed Wall Panel Systems
By Greg Watson
F
or many years, wood frame wall panels have been constructed on site by contractors, and, in more recent times, by component manufacturers too. The wall panels assembled by component manufacturers primarily are open panels. These consist of lumber studs at predefined centers sheathed externally with OSB or plywood inclusive of openings such as windows and doors. In some instances, the building paper will be factory fitted, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for this to be site fixed. Open panel systems are an excellent alternative to site stick framing and are the most common choice for individuals and companies looking for a prefabricated solution. There is still, however, the requirement for further contractors to install additional elements, including insulation, vapor barrier, battens, services, and drywall. If project timescales are tight, then a closed panel system would be a fantastic option, because it can incorporate many of the constituents that make up the complete wall structure.
The benefits of closed wall panel systems include the following. • Speed of Install As with open panel systems, the speed at which any prefabricated panels can be installed is very fast – especially when a crane is utilized. Due to the longer length of closed panels, this process is even faster than the open panel counterpart. (Reasons behind the preference for increased panel length will be discussed shortly.)
• Reduced Site Waste In addition to the reduced lumber waste you’d expect from prefabricated panels, any of the constituents included in the panel will offer the benefit of reduced site waste, and therefore costs inclusive of removal and disposal too.
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