Lightweight Concrete Panels FAQs
Q: What is SlenderWall?
A: It is a patented, lightweight, efficient, permanent, cladding, exterior wall
system with extraordinary design flexibility that combines four proven design
components: (1) architectural precast concrete; (2) hot-dipped galvanized welded
wire fabric reinforcing steel; (3) epoxy-coated stainless-steel Nelson anchors;
and (4) heavy-gauge galvanized or stainless-steel studs.
- Q: What are the advantages of SlenderWall over other
types of wall systems?
A: There are five major proprietary benefits that come only with the SlenderWall
system: (1) Thermal break protection (
ThermaGuard); (2) precast concrete isolated
from the superstructure (
DuraFlex 360° technology); (3) secondary water-penetration
protection (
H2Out); (4) fast
panel installation (
Lift-and-Release); and (5) a "Class A" architectural precast
concrete brick finish (
Second Nature ).
Q: Who produces SlenderWall?
A: SlenderWall is manufactured solely
by certified, architectural,
precast concrete producers who
have received plant certification from either NPCA or PCI—the two premier
associations in the precast
industry—and who also are certified SlenderWall licensees of Easi-Set
Industries.
Q: Where have SlenderWall projects been
built?
A: There are more than 50 completed
projects in 11 different states plus the District of Columbia, and many new ones are
underway.
Q: Can SlenderWall be used over existing structures?
A: Yes, SlenderWall can be used to re-clad
existing structures. For maximum economy of installation, Easi-Set recommends
that the exterior of the existing structure be removed. SlenderWall can
be designed for
installation over an existing
structure from the outside so
the building can remain occupied during the installation process.
Q: Can the panels be used on a parking garage?
A: Yes; however, SlenderWall panels have
not been designed for vehicle impact at this time. Therefore, cables or curbs
would have to be in place in front of (before) the panels.
- Q: What does a SlenderWall panel
weigh compared to a conventional precast panel?
A: The weight is around 30 pounds per square foot;
the average conventional precast panel weighs around 85 pounds per square foot,
so a SlenderWall panel is about
one-third the weight of a conventional precast panel.
Q: What is the standard size of a SlenderWall panel?
A: The average size is 8-feet by 30-feet; a typical
size might be 10-feet by 30-feet.
Q: What’s the largest SlenderWall panel
I can design?
A: The largest
economical panel size is 10-feet by 35-feet. The panel size can be up to 13-feet
by 40-feet but there could be significant additional shipping costs.
Q: What’s the tallest building
that you have done?
A: The tallest
building is a 32-story condominium in New York City called “
Marriott
ExecuStay” located at 3rd Avenue and 37th Street.
- Q: How competitive is SlenderWall in
cost compared to other cladding systems?
A: Costs vary from region to region. SlenderWall over
the years has remained competitive with other types of cladding due to the lightweight
and flexibility of design. One of the most important aspects of cost control
is to design the façade with as many repeatable
features as possible to keep both forming and labor costs low.
Q: What is the installed cost per square
foot?
A: Average costs are $25.00 to $40.00 per square
foot installed, depending upon project location, complexity and design. However,
the SlenderWall system provides inherent
project savings, which reduce the “effective” cost significantly.
Q: Can you provide quotations from hand-drawn
sketches?
A: Budget numbers
can be given on basic concepts and sketches; however, to provide hard quotes
and estimates, full drawings with sections and elevations are necessary
and required.
Q: How long does it take to get a price?
A: Most preliminary
estimates and reviews of the project take about a week, depending on production
and schedules. Easi-Set Industries will strive to work within your time
frame to provide thorough estimates on a timely basis.
Q: What is the time frame for production,
delivery and installation?
A: Production of an average project (40,000 square
feet of exterior cladding) is approximately 12 weeks after start of shop drawings;
delivery of SlenderWall to the project site
begins once 80% of the project is produced; installation is usually completed
approximately 6 to 8 weeks from installation start.
Q: How do you deliver the panels?
A: Panels are
delivered to the project on trailers in the order of installation requested.
Q: Who installs the SlenderWall panels?
A: SlenderWall is
installed by PCI-qualified (Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute) erectors,
or those who have a minimum of 5 years experience installing SlenderWall architectural
precast concrete panels.
Q: What finishes can I use?
A: It is a SlenderWall proprietary finish
that is the only Class “A” precast concrete brick on the market with
the quality level necessary for Class “A” commercial building projects.
Q: Can SlenderWall be made in different
colors?
A: Yes, SlenderWall can
be colored either by staining or using pigmented concrete.
Q: Do you provide drawings?
A: Yes. Easi-Set Industries has certified
engineering and design teams that are specially qualified for the SlenderWall system.
Q: Are the drawings reviewed and stamped
by an engineer?
A: Yes, all SlenderWall drawings are stamped
by registered professional engineers.
Q: Has SlenderWall been tested?
A: Yes. Yes, SlenderWall has passed rigorous
testing by third party and independent labs, e.g.
- Consolidated Testing
Lab (CTL): Steel-Stud Connection
- Architectural Testing, Inc. (ATI): 1998
Structural Test
- Architectural Testing, Inc. (ATI): 2002 Structural Test
- Architectural
Testing, Inc. (ATI): Acoustical Test Report
- Western Fire Center, Inc. (WFCi):
Fire Resistance Rating
Q: What codes does SlenderWall meet?
A: SlenderWall meets IBC, ACI, AISC, PCI
Design Handbook, CRSI Manual of Standard Practice,ASTM/ANSI/AWS, and most local
or state building codes.
Q: Do I need any permits?
A: Permits may be required as with all building
and construction projects. Consult your local building and zoning office for
the requirements for your project.
Q: What is the dead load of the SlenderWall panel?
A: 30 psf.
Q: Can SlenderWall be designed
in load-bearing wall applications?
A: SlenderWall panels can be load bearing if so designed.
Q: What is the wind loading?
A: SlenderWall panels can be designed to
accommodate any level of wind as per IBC requirements. Typical loading may be
120 psf.
Q: What is the fire rating?
A: With six-inches
of insulation and one layer of 5/8-inch gypsum fireboard, SlenderWall is
rated for 74 minutes. A copy of the fire-rating letter is available upon request.
Q: Can SlenderWall be a fire-rated
wall?
A: With the
proper fireproof insulation and the appropriate fireboard backing attached
to the frame, SlenderWall can be made to reach the ratings required by
codes for firewalls.
Q: How is the fire-stop between floors
handled?
A: There are two recommended companies with certified
procedures for 2-hour-rating fire-stop methods for SlenderWall: the Hilti
Company and STI, Inc. The procedures for both are available upon request.
Q: How is SlenderWall attached
to the building?
A: SlenderWall
is attached to the building perimeter by gravity and lateral connections at
the floor slab or steel/concrete frame. (See Drawing Details S-1 through S-20
in the
Typical
Details.)
Q: How is the frame attached to the
2-inch architectural precast?
A: SlenderWall is
attached to the building perimeter by gravity and lateral connections at the
floor slab or steel/concrete frame. (See Drawing Details S-1 through S-20.)
- Q: What is the purpose of the air gap
between the frame and back of concrete?
A: To provide a further thermal break from the
exterior to the interior of the building.
Q: What is the gauge of the frame and
track?
A: The stud
is 16-gauge steel and the track is 14-gauge.
Q: How thick is the galvanizing?
A: Both are
G90 galvanized.
Q: How does SlenderWall connect
to other wall systems?
A: SlenderWall is compatible with most other
types of systems made from metal, brick, and glass and is connected using expansion
joints.
Q: Can SlenderWall span from floor
to floor?
A: Yes, it can be designed to span from floor
to floor.
Q: How large can window openings be?
A: Openings
in the SlenderWall panel can be designed to fit most standard and custom
window sizes available from window manufactures. Standard SlenderWall panels
can accommodate windows up to 7-feet wide.
Q: How are windows attached to the panel
system?
A: Openings
in the SlenderWall panel are provided and the windows are attached using
shims and screws to the SlenderWall framing.
Q: Can windows be installed in the plant?
A: Yes. However, a long lead-time is required
for the delivery of the windows; therefore, selection of the windows has to be
made by the architect in advance of SlenderWall production
and delivery. (They are properly protected to prevent damage during shipping.)
Q: How deep can the reveals be in a
panel?
A: The recommended
depth of the reveals is 3/8-inch.
Q: How large can a projection be on
the panel?
A: The maximum
recommended projection is 6-inches deep. (See Drawing Details A-1 and A-7
in the
Typical
Details.)
Q: Do you provide openings for the HVAC
units?
A: Yes. Consult Easi-Set Industries for maximum
size openings and locations for your particular project needs.
Q: Can SlenderWall be made to cantilever
past a floor or roof?
A: Yes. See
the SlenderWall Drawing Detail A-4 in the
Typical
Details for different types of panels and roof connections.
Q: Can handrails and screens be attached
to the SlenderWall panels?
A: Yes; however,
prior to attaching the screens or handrails to SlenderWall panels, the
design must be approved by the structural engineer and the SlenderWall design team.
- Q: What loads can be applied to the
SlenderWall panel for canopies and awnings?
A: Only minimal loads can be applied to the SlenderWall panel
itself. Larger loads must be transferred to the structure by penetrating the
SlenderWall panel and attaching to the building superstructure. Consult your Easi-Set design
team for specific help on your project.
Q: How is the gap between the floor
and panel plugged?
A: There is
a piece of light-gauge break metal provided and installed by the drywall contractor
during the installation of the drywall.
Q: Can SlenderWall be used as a
screen wall on top of a building?
A: Yes; but
when used in this application, the back of the SlenderWall panel must
be protected from the elements either by sealing with a stain or waterproof
coating or by applying a weather-tight sheathing on the back of the frame.
- Q: Does SlenderWall have to be
enclosed on the back to be used as a screen wall?
A: Yes, the SlenderWall panel is made of
components that are susceptible to the elements and they have to be protected
by coatings or by enclosures. There is also the option of using stainless steel
framing and stainless steel connection hardware that is weather resistant.
Q: How do you seal between the panels?
A: Weatherproofing
the SlenderWall system is handled by caulking contractors that use the
most up-to-date sealants on the market.
Q: How do you seal the roof panels?
A: The roof
panels are tied to the roof by the roofing membrane provided by the roofing
contractor. Design of the connection to the roof membrane is dependant upon
the type and style of the panel that you choose for your project. (See Drawing
Detail A-4 in the
Typical
Details for different roofing
details.)
Q: How do you handle water penetration?
A: SlenderWall resists water penetration
by use of the face-seal method, accomplished by completely sealing the exposed
face. The concrete mix incorporates an integral concrete admixture which reduces
the capillary properties of the concrete, providing a dense concrete mix that
repels water.
Q: Is there a vapor barrier?
A: Vapor barriers
can be applied as recommended by the HVAC mechanical engineer based on local
climate conditions.
Q: Where are vapor barriers applied?
A: They can
be applied to the heated side of the SlenderWall panels on the northeast
side of the building between the frame and the concrete.
Q: What is the R-value?
A: The R-value of the SlenderWall panel when
assembled with 6-inches of bat insulation and drywall is R-21.
Q: What is the life of SlenderWall?
A: SlenderWall is
made from components that have a 50- to 100-year history and a proven track
record in the construction industry.
Q: What is the warranty?
A: The manufacturer
of the SlenderWall product warrants that the SlenderWall panels are
made free of defects from materials and workmanship for a period of one year.
