FAQs

A: Yes, The Sage Plant manufactures APPs tailored to your specific design and building requirements. Standard APPs are 48” wide and can be up to 40’ long, but we can customize them based on your needs.

A: The Sage Plant APPs are rigorously tested to meet and exceed building code requirements for resistance to hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, extreme temperatures, and earthquakes. Please consult your local building codes for specific requirements.

A:The Sage Plant’s APPs are made from two sustainable materials: double galvanized steel wire mesh and expanded polystyrene. Steel is highly recyclable, and our polystyrene blocks are manufactured without toxic chemicals. Additionally, our APPs are 100% recyclable, contributing to their sustainability.

A: Although a simpler version of the APPs has been in use in several western states since 1967, The Sage Plant is the first to manufacture APPs in North Carolina. This pioneering effort marks the beginning of broader adoption in the region.

A: Yes, The Sage Plant APPs have been tested and meet or exceed building code requirements for ICC (International Code Council), IRC (International Residential Code), IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), and FBC-B and FBC-R (Florida Building Code, Building/Residential).

A: The highest “Standard” APP offers an R value of 37. Custom APPs with higher R values are also available. For more information, please contact us.

A: The Sage Plant APPs provide a 45-decibel reduction in acoustic insulation.

A: Our APPs serve as alternatives to siding, house wrap, OSB, wooden studs, fiberglass insulation, and drywall. These conventional materials are typically sourced from various locations worldwide and transported to construction sites, contributing to environmental impact. Like other petroleum-derived products, managing waste is a critical concern. With our software, we can precisely manufacture the required amount of APPs for each project, significantly minimizing waste.

A: The Sage Plant APPs are available in dimensions of 48” wide X 40’ tall. Standard APP thickness ranges from 3.14” to 9.45”. They can also be assembled in the field to create larger sizes. For custom APPs requiring greater thickness, please reach out to us directly.

A: Certainly! Our APPs offer impressive R Ratings ranging from 9.2 to 36.2 for standard models, with the ability to customize APPs for ratings up to 49.

A: By opting for The Sage Plant APPs, you’re investing in a more energy-efficient dwelling, resulting in reduced energy consumption throughout the structure’s lifespan. Moreover, the construction of a The Sage Plant home necessitates far fewer building materials, thereby curtailing CO2 emissions from transportation.

A: The length of your staircase system is contingent upon your live load requirements.

A: Our PSG3-240 floor APP boasts a span of 32 feet without requiring support, with the capacity to bear a live load of 35PSI.

A: Prior to shotcrete application, we secure the APPs by placing a minimum of ⅜” rebar every 12-16 inches on both sides. This rebar is then embedded into the slab or bored and epoxied for anchorage.

A: Ordinarily, our production cycle—from the date of deposit or purchase order execution to loading complete APPs onto a truck—is 8 weeks. For current lead times, please consult your account executive.

A: Ordinarily, our production cycle—from the date of deposit or purchase order execution to loading complete APPs onto a truck—is 8 weeks. For current lead times, please consult your account executive.

A: Depending on manufacturer instructions, concrete anchors, furring strips, or metal studs connected to wire pre-plaster or concrete screws can be utilized.

A: The construction timeline varies based on your home’s design. The Sage Plant System, utilizing just two raw materials (galvanized steel and polystyrene) combined into one unit, expedites the process significantly. Erecting The Sage Plant APPs is notably faster compared to traditional methods involving wood studs, exterior sheathing, house wrap, insulation, and sheetrock.

A: Your order comprises all APPs and wire mesh needed. However, shotcrete, rebar, rebar ties, and necessary supports are not included and should be procured separately.

A: Absolutely! Our wall APPs are designed to sustain axial loads of up to 16,180 lbs (PSM80 – 6.3” wall thickness).

A: Crews can learn to install The Sage Plant APPs within a few hours. However, applying shotcrete requires skilled laborers and specialized equipment.

A: Typically, a 4-person crew can install The Sage Plant APPs for an average 2,000 sq ft home. For each additional 1,000 sq ft, approximately 2 more individuals may be needed.

A: Yes, we provide unlimited online training and support throughout your construction process.

A: Window and door “bucks” are utilized to maintain perfect squareness before shotcrete application. These “bucks” can be secured by mechanical fasteners driven through the face and into the EPS core, ensuring stability throughout the structure’s lifespan.

A: No certification is required for installing The Sage Plant APPs. However, regulations regarding shotcrete application may be enforced by your state’s builders licensing division.

A: Electrical wiring, conduit, and plumbing are routed between the EPS and the welded wire mesh grid. For enhanced accessibility, EPS can be evaporated using a heat gun. For larger pipes, cutting the wire mesh is recommended for better access, with replacement using supplied flat mesh.

A: Curved APPs are custom manufactured upon order using our patented radius equipment.

A: Structures built with The Sage Plant APPs can be finished in various ways, including traditional painting on smoothed plaster. The surface of the walls resembles a thin sheet of reinforced plaster, accommodating a range of wall coverings such as brick, timber cladding, stone tiles, and rainscreen cladding. For those preferring drywall, steel stud mounts can be applied every 16 inches prior to shotcrete application.

A: The choice of foundation should adhere to engineering specifications tailored to your location and structure. The Sage Plant APPs are secured to the foundation using 24-inch long 3/8” rebar on each side, staggered every 18 inches. Rebar can be embedded into the foundation before pouring, or an epoxy rebar anchoring system can be utilized by drilling into the foundation.

A: Yes, The Sage Plant APPs can be combined with most building materials that can be attached or anchored to concrete.

A: To add walls to existing SCIP APPs, rebar should be added to the slab and adjoining wall, ensuring attachment to new APPs as specified in our installation instructions. Previously constructed walls can be adjusted in length or have openings cut for windows/doors using a concrete saw, with the cut edges finished per our installation instructions.

A: Attachment is achieved using additional rebar and concrete. A specific diagram for your attachment method will be included with your order.

A: Upon arrival, The Sage Plant APPs are covered. If these covers are removed, it’s advisable to secure the APPs to the pallet using straps to prevent displacement caused by wind. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause discoloration of the EPS. Therefore, it’s essential to keep the APPs clean and shielded until installation and covered with shotcrete.

A: Absolutely, our APPs are suitable for use as partition, curtain, and parapet walls within Prefab Steel industrial buildings.

A: Yes, our APPs are well-suited for basement construction. However, it’s essential to apply a waterproof membrane or coating to safeguard against moisture seepage.

A: It’s recommended to complete the entire structure before applying shotcrete.

A: We provide complimentary consultations along with customized estimates. Our services include creating APP-adapted plans based on your project requirements and offering extensive training and guidance throughout the construction process. Our materials are resilient, reliable, and manufactured in the U.S.A., with direct shipment to your jobsite.

A: They are transported on a flatbed truck directly to your jobsite.

A: For information on current projects involving The Sage Plant APPs in your area or to arrange a site visit, please contact us at 336-941-4045.

A: Yes, we provide a 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in our APPs.

A: We’re happy to offer a complimentary estimate for your project. Simply reach out to us at inbox@thesageplant.com and send us your design for review.

A: The Sage Plant APPs does not issue engineer’s stamps. Final engineering approvals must be obtained from your State Certified engineer. However, we have an in-house engineer available to provide supplementary information to your local engineer if needed.