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Additional Resources

For Building Professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about how to incorporate our building solutions with your designs. If you don't see your questions here. Please take a moment to fill out this survey. Thanks for finding!

The blown-in cellulose we use comes treated with Borates. Cellulose is a recycled material with superior insulating, sound deadening, and fire resistance to fiberglass. When moisture migrates into an insulated cavity, fiberglass, like closed-cell foam, is hydrophobic, which traps and moves moisture within framed cavities where cellulose will dry out. 

With the use of an ERV or HRV, our engineered systems are designed around vapor permeability, allowing them to dry out from both the interior and exterior instead then trapping moisture, or vapor, within the assemblies. 

We use Zip flashing tape on exterior Zip sheathing seams and Siga tapes everywhere else. Using Zip sheathing, we will apply Siga tapes to create the air sealed detailing with our assemblies.

We need to rely on some form of load-bearing/distributing structure, whether it's a combination of interior partitions, exposed or concealed timbers. Please take a look at the Vimeo video links provided in the previous email, which best illustrates how our systems can work on a larger scale, utilizing load-bearing partitions.

Many states and local jurisdictions may require per code Continuous Exterior Insulation (CEI). By adding continuous insulation outside of the sheathing area, CEI's concept effectively manages the dew point to do the same, plus we have better air sealing properties while minimizing thermal bridging. CEI is another reason we use cellulose, which dries out when the due point moves behind the sheathing layer. If you're interested in getting sucked into the building science rabbit hole, here's an interesting article on the subject by Joseph Lstiburek BSC. 

We're nailing the sheathing against the framed systems. So there's no penetrating the air barrier.

Our shell package costs, on average, run about 32%-42% of the turnkey cost for the building project (not including site development costs). The Bensonwood shell package can include:

  • Engineered timber frame or hybrid timber design
  • Windows/door pre-installed with counter flashing and insulation (Marvin, Integrity, Unilux)
  • The complete insulated enclosure systems typically meeting .6-.9-ACH50
  • Floor systems with super-structural support
  • Interior partitions, garage, porches
  • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system integration
  • Taxes on materials (non-NH projects)
  • Shipping and installation including crane and lull
  • Third-Party Certification for modular/panelized permitting and general conditions (engineered structural and foundation permit//for construction drawing sets) 

Due to the unknown variables associated with adding new space to an existing structure, we cannot provide solutions for renovations, remodeling, and additions. Our engineered panelized systems work together for performance and durability, but we have no guarantee that our systems will work with your project. To save on costs, we also generally recommend that your local contractor provides a building solution for a garage.