HTI, Inc. panels combine the strength of steel with the insulating power of foam. Steel studs are turned lengthwise to the wall, so they don't extend through the entire panel. This reduces thermal bridging. The panels can be up to 16-feet long. They come in three standard heights and can be custom made up to ten-feet tall. In the field, wood plates or galvanized C channels are installed at the top and bottom of the wall.

The panels use expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) with a density of 1.5 lb/cu. ft. At this density the foam's insulating value is R-4.2/inch. This gives the 3-1/2 in. panel a nominal R-value of 14.7 and the 5-1/2 panel R-23.1. These values don't reflect the thermal effect of the imbedded steel studs or the plates and C channel. This EPS is tougher than much of the EPS sheathing which uses 1.0 lb/cu. ft. density foam.

Most plans can be built by combining standard panels, including those with 16 in. o.c. framing, 24 in. o.c. framing, door panels, window panels, a corner panel and a roof pitch panel for gable ends. Custom shapes are also possible.

The HTI system has been accepted by HUD, the military and model code agencies BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI.

[Editor's Note: HTI, Inc. has discontinued operations.]