Common Question and Answers

WHAT IS AN SIP PANEL?

PIR is a widely used shorthand term for 'polyisocyanurate', which provides us with one of the most thermally efficient commonly available insulation materials in the industry today. Like other organic materials, it is composed of complex hydrocarbon chains

           EPIC members produce steel faced insulated panels with a PIR core. PIR is the part of the product which gives the panel its excellent thermal properties, in addition to contributing to its proven structural and fire performance.

          Our panels are SIP (Structural Insulated Panel using PIR foam inside) as above but really SIMP (Structural Insulated Metal Panel with PIR foam Inside)

SIP Sustainable Solutions - Model A

• How do cell phones work with a steel roof system?

           A)  From our experience cell phone reception does not change when inside buildings.

• Can these homes be built off the shoreline of bodies of water without doing any permanent damage to the shoreline 

A) We can put on cottage Pavers or Drill one hole in bedrock for each post and put in a post saddle

• Can these homes be delivered across Canada, US, Central America

  A) Yes, to the nearest Train terminal or Port and then a Truck, barge, plane, etc. can pick up the Container and deliver to site. The local shipping is the responsibility of the client. It is in a 20 or 40 ft HC shipping container that can either be purchased by client or client offloads and empty container is shipped back.

• Do you provide local community presentations?
  
  A) We have dealers across Canada, US, Costa Rica and they along with our office provide local presentations to potential clients.
  

• Is there a possibility to create Villages with your Affordable Housing technologies?

  
  A) Short answer would be Yes but maybe limited to the scope of work required

• What size are your A-Frame Bunkies?

  
  A) Standard models are an A-7 to A-9 for bunkies.
  That is 345 sq ft to 450 sq ft
  

• What size are each of your A-Frame Affordable Homes ?

  
  A) 495 sq ft to 735 sq ft. We will be offering 2 and 2 storey on Basement Foundation A Frame units as well which can go up to 3,800 sq ft.
  

•    Is there financing available?
  
  A) No, they are paid for 100% up front as they are manufactured overseas. 50% deposit with order and balance is owing before it leaves port. Then it arrives 30 days later. 90 days total from date of order.

• How much do they cost?
  
  A) Starting at $40,000 for the complete shell. Foundation (piers), installation and interior finishes are extra.
  

• How are the floors heated?
  
  A) The floors do not require heat as they are SIP (Structural Insulated Panels ), same as the roof system. Typically the client puts an additional flooring over top to eliminate ware of the panels.
  

• What company builds each unit ?
  
  A) The manufacturing is done with our partners overseas. The assembly on site is done by a reputable contractor of the client’s choice. Alternatively we can recommend a contractor in your area or provide training to a local contractor for a fee.

 A classic A-Frame, newly built, in Milton, Ontario.

        •       Can the design be different than an A-frame?

A) We are working on several models currently and can customize to suit the client needs provided a minimum order of 10 units.

        •       Can Homes be off the grid?

A) Yes, as the Units are well insulated and require minimal heating and cooling. With today’s  solar, wind, battery backup and possibly generator back and power efficient lighting, heating etc. it can be a price efficient solution. Also water solutions adapting under floor cisterns can fulfill water needs with a simple purification system. For black water, composting toilets as a viable solution.

        •       Can Homes be moved at a later date after being assembled ?

A) Yes

        •       How long does it take to assemble each home once the foundation has been completed?

A) The shell can be put up with a 4 man crew that knows the system in a day weather permitting.
If properly coordinated the complete house (depending on size and contractor) should be able to be completed in a week.

        •       Do these homes need basements ?

A) Not required at all but it can go on a basement foundation.

        •       Is there any age restrictions to home ownership?

A) No That’s up to the client.

        •       Can these homes be built to serve far north and remote locations across Canada?

A) 100% That’s the design criteria. To be easy to ship and erect with different wall thickness offered: 4” R29 and 6” R43

        •       Can these homes be built on the Canadian Shield and or Tundra?

A) Yes On Canadian Shield drilling into rock and putting in a post Saddle. On Tundra there are several options accomplished a post (local engineers to design). On permafrost the homes are built on posts typically 5-6ft off the ground, so the frost does not melt under building. Since floors are insulated heat will not transfer down to the ground.

        •       Do you provide finishing services?

A) No. The client can hire local contractor to do the internal finishes, electrical and plumbing.

        •       Do you provide other complimentary sustainable solutions?

A) We can provide information on local suppliers that can provide that service. Due to the fact that all mechanical items require service it is advisable to purchase local and hire local to install.
ie: compost toilets, energy solutions, safe water solutions for human consumption.

        •       What is price per sq ft of living space, one level and 2 storey.

A) As square footage goes up the price per square foot goes down. The smallest unit costs around $150 per square foot ( due to cost of windows which are same for every unit) and costs go down from there.

        •       What is delivery time from order date

A) 90 days

        •       Do we have specifications for city bylaws and building codes.

A) We provide structural drawings but as far as getting local permits that is up to the client. It can differ from municipalities and provinces. We suggest applying as a 3 season structure to make permitting easier.

        •       Do we have different colours available.

A) Yes but limited to quantity ordered. We are giving a textured 3D finish on our panels that is unique, so we offer a White Birch and Light Oak woodgrain finish interior and a black textured exterior finish as standard. If the client purchases in orders more than 25 units at once then we would offer colour and pattern changes.

        •       What is price of delivery for delivery to camp lots for example.

A) That is up to the trucking and/or delivery method of the containers. That price is totally variable depending on location

        •       Will or can 2 storey have vertical walls and the slope roof on second floor.  Like storey and a half house.

A) Yes       

        •       What is warranty and how does it work.

A) We offer manufacturers limited warranty against damage (from factory to when the container is open and inspected). The warranty covers paint quality, ensuring no damages to windows and frames, ensuring against long term ware of paint etc. if properly installed.

        •       Can you put an A Frame on a floating dock.

A) Yes, providing the dock is big enough in width and length and can support 5,000 lbs.