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FAQ

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General

I already have my Architectural and Structural plans; can you use or convert these to your system, or do I need to start over?

Yes, typically the conversion process from block/wood to light gauge steel is seamless. Impact to the Architectural design is typically zero to minimal, while most of the structural plans need to be completely replaced in most cases, except for the foundation related elements. This process can be performed by PBS or the current Architect/Engineering team, whichever makes the most sense. If we do the work, it is performed by a team of designers, detailers, and structural engineers under our guidance, and can take anywhere from a few weeks to few months, depending on type, size, and complexity of the project. The conversion process is executed in the initial phase of the project once under contract, and access to the CAD files is required. If your current Architect/Engineering team is going to do the conversion, we will provide them with the necessary orientation and CAD details to execute the work.

No, however the further along you are in the process, the more expensive and time-consuming the switchover will be. The ideal moment to consider and select the building technology you will use is at the initial Architectural design phase, as this is where overall layout, sizes, wall thicknesses, wall and ceilings heights, free spans and other aspects are impacted. It all comes down to the limited resources of time and money, as there will be costs associated with the conversion of the plans and resubmittal of the revised plans back to the building department for review and approval. Our advice is to check with your building department on the process, costs, and timing required for this type of change to make a more informed decision.
Yes. Typically, we can build pretty much any style, size, shape or type of structure with light gauge steel that you would build with wood and/or block materials. Of course, if you wanted to build a log cabin then light gauge steel would probably not be a good fit. There are some limitations as to free spans, number of floors and such, however, these limitations are usually less than wood and/or block due to the high strength-to-weight ratio of steel. If you are in doubt as to whether your project would be a good fit with our technology, just give us a call to discuss.
Although the entire set of building components for the structure are manufactured in a manufacturing facility, correctly termed as Off-Site Manufacturing (OSM), our system is not technically categorized as modular or prefab as we are providing trusses, column, beam and wall assemblies as individual components. Technically, we are considered a panelized SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) or componentized system. This terminology is typically unimportant, except when certain limitations or restrictions are imposed by local county, city, HOA controlled or historical communities.
Yes. Most of these restricted areas typically deal with the architectural look and feel of the exterior envelope, not the technical or framing aspect of the building or what is behind/inside the walls or attic. In fact, most communities welcome our technology and the benefits gained with its use for both the homeowner and the community.
Yes, we have worked with several GCs and framing crews over the years, mostly in Florida and the Islands. Most GCs and Framing Crews today are experienced in erecting and framing structures made of light gauge steel, especially if they have or are working on any commercial projects. The same goes for the other trades such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. Normally, GCs and framing crews with light gauge steel framing experience need very little training or orientation on our system, which is typically about 3 to 5 days on-site. We can certainly assist in searching for and vetting GCs and framing crews in your area if required.
Although you can and probably should use light gauge steel for your remodel project, our focus is only on new construction. We suggest speaking with your General Contractor about using light gauge steel instead of wood for the framing as you will certainly get a much better result and longer lasting structure.
Yes, we are a design-build company. Typically, we can build pretty much any style, size, shape or type of structure with light gauge steel that you would build with wood and/or block materials. Of course, if you wanted to build a log cabin then our system would probably not be a good fit. There are some limitations as to free spans, number of floors and such, however, these limitations are usually less than wood and/or block due to the high strength-to-weight ratio of steel. If you are in doubt as to whether your project would be a good fit with our technology, just give us a call to discuss.
This depends on the size and complexity of the structure. As a point of reference, a small 2,000 SF home would take about a week to fabricate once production begins. As a standard procedure, we place orders into our production queue upon receipt of a signed contract and initial production payment. We typically fabricate the structure while the building permit is in process, allowing for delivery and installation immediately upon installation of the foundation, which can result in shaving off weeks or even months in the overall building process.
This depends on the size and complexity of the structure, but yes, it is typically much faster than traditional stick building or laying block, as well as less messy and resulting in less waste/cost. As a point of reference, a small 2,000 SF home would take an experienced crew of 5 to 6 framers about 3 to 4 days to erect and dry-in. As a rule of thumb, crews are typically 6 to 8 framers, which can erect about 3,000 SF of building space per week if they are extremely efficient.
Yes. Our structures are extremely energy efficient and thus very well insulated and air-tight compared to most wood/block framed structures. Like cardboard, thick block walls, and the human body, the open and closed-cell spray foam insulation does a great job at acoustical isolation and absorbs radio signals very well. Typically, Clients do not complain about reduced cell service inside this type of light gauge steel structure, however it does depend on many factors, including the location of the structure from the tower(s), orientation, size and shape of the structure, etc. In some cases, a booster may be necessary, which are typically provided free-of-charge by the service providers when requested.

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Technical

What about thermal bridging, as I heard this is a problem with steel framing?
When insulating an exterior wall, building codes are now requiring continuous insulation on the exterior of the studs to reduce the effect of thermal bridging. As the energy and building codes continue to become more stringent, aiming to create more environmentally sustainable “green” buildings, the application and thickness of the continuous installation has increased. Although wood, block, concrete, and steel are all impacted, the requirements can be higher for steel framing. The KRATOS™ wall solution is a patented technology where the exterior insulative sheathing is adhered to the steel frame in a continuous manner, and without any mechanical fasteners. Since the direct connection of the steel frame, and the fasteners from the exterior face to the frame are eliminated, a true thermal break is achieved. In addition, the exterior continuous insulative sheathing thickness is adjustable so any R-value requirement can be achieved. Another major and often overlooked benefit is the elimination of the thousands of fasteners, resulting in less material, labor, and holes in the entire exterior wall surface, thus reducing the risks of future leaks, providing enormous benefits to both the builder and the owner.
The short answer is no. The KRATOS™ wall solution is tested and rated as an impermeable assembly based on TAS 202-94 testing protocols, providing both continuous insulation and sheathing pre-installed in the factory, without mechanical fasteners. After erection and fastening of the exterior wall panels, typically only the joints, holes and any repairs must be filled/sealed. The overall process is fast and easy, eliminating the typical process of WRB application. Below are a few excerpts from one of the test sessions performed in 2019 based on the TAS 202-94 protocol, which tests for air and water penetration. Both test results showed phenomenal performance.
In short yes. Steel is noncombustible and does not feed or “fuel” a fire. Without fuel, which is one of the three ingredients of the Fire Triangle, a fire cannot start/continue. In addition to the light gauge steel framing, the KRATOS™ wall assembly uses Class A UL-rated insulative and sheathing materials to form an impressive fire-resistant solution, with the MX7 version rated to 2 hours from the exterior. According to the National Fire Protection Association, wood structural members or framing rank third on average as the first-ignited material in home fires. Additionally, building with steel can reduce the cost of construction insurance for builders, as well as homeowners’ insurance premiums for the life of the home, helping to lower the annual TCO (Total Cost or Ownership). Check out the Steel Framing Alliance for more information on this subject.

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Partnership/Other

Do you offer dealerships or any type of licensing for your KRATOS™ Technology?
Yes, we do offer both dealerships and special licenses for companies who are in the CFS manufacturing business and would like to implement our patented technology for their Clients. For more details on these programs please contact us.
We welcome all candidates for sales and other positions. Please contact us to discuss the open positions and sales opportunities.
Yes, we do offer special licenses for companies who are in the CFS manufacturing business and would like to implement and integrate our patented KRATOS™ Technology into their business. For more details on these programs please contact us.
There are two basic paths to take, either your Architect/Engineer team does the conversion, or we do it, whichever you prefer. Once the models are converted, virtual framing and CNC files are created for each model which is necessary for us to fabricate the structures. Upon completion of the conversion detailed pricing and other details are also provided so you will know exactly the costs associated with each model. For more details on this process and the associated investment please contact us.

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