Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico

jkoster

Nov 12, 2002, 10:18 AM

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steel and foam panels

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I have a friend who is building a number of A-frame type cabanas on some property near Cuernavaca. The rafters are a steel box channel and the roof is composed of lightweight 4x8 steel and foam panels.The steel is a welded network of a heavy gauge wire and then small strips of styrofoam are inserted into the mesh. The pattern of the steel mesh makes the panels very rigid and resistant to crushing. The panels can be trimmed easily to various sizes and are finished with stucco or plaster just like bricks. Thickness is about two inches. When installing over the rafters, he staggers joints and tackwelds them to the rafters, finishing with felt and tar. He says the benefits are insulation sound and heat), light weight, and rapid installation. Cost is about $250-350. He said the panels are readily availabe in his area, but was not sure of the trade name or if they could be found throughout the country. Is anyone out there familiar with these panels, their name or availability? Thanks

jmgilday

Nov 18, 2002, 10:53 PM

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Re: [jkoster] steel and foam panels

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Oh yeah! These panels are awesome ! So easy to use the trade unions in the US want them permanently barred from import.

LOSA panels are one manufacturer and they come in several sizes up to 6"

The design is 24 small metal trusses, cross linked with 12 g wire, interlaced with foam for weight and insulation. You temporarily support the panel and pour about 1.5 inches of concrete (3/8" minus aggregate) 72 hours later you may remove the supports and trowel a sand/cement mixture to the underside - thats your entire floor !

Most materiales tiendas should have a cartoon pamphlet that takes you through all the steps

Great stuff!

John Gilday / www.waterfund.org

jkoster

Nov 19, 2002, 10:39 AM

Post #3 of 3 (4157 views)

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Re: [jmgilday] steel and foam panels

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Thanks, John. I'll check out the tiendas in my area.