SABS FAQs

SABS Technology – Frequently Asked Questions

(FAQ)

Your Ultimate Guide to Fire Resilience, Structural Integrity, Insurance Confidence, and

Environmental Protection

SABS (Saebi Alternative Building System) is an advanced, ICC-certified, monolithic construction technology engineered for extreme durability in wildfire-prone, seismic, coastal, and high-wind environments. Here’s everything you need to know:

🔥 Fire Performance & Wildfire Resilience

1. How does SABS resist fire compared to wood-based construction?

SABS panels are built for fire safety from the inside out:

• Fire-treated Type 2 EPS foam core

• Zero fire-spread structural coating

Because the material is non-combustible, flames cannot travel through the structure, effectively stopping fire spread.

2. Has it been tested and certified for fire resistance?

Yes. SABS is certified under ICC ESR-1638 and tested to IBC standards. In one test, a 10×10 paneled structure held five 55-gallon barrels of sand during a 15-minute pallet fire. No structural failure occurred—even with a live load—and the testers had to keep feeding fuel to sustain the fire.

3. Has SABS performed successfully in real wildfire events?

Yes. Several SABS homes have withstood wildfires without damage. In the Hawaii wildfires, one of our homes remained unaffected even as a neighboring house burned down, thanks to SABS's ember-blocking, fire-resistant shell.

4. Is the EPS core completely encapsulated?

Yes. The EPS foam is fully enclosed in Sabscrete, a proprietary cementitious coating that creates a seamless, non-combustible barrier on both sides of the wall.

5. Does SABS meet California’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards?

While not listed in the California State Fire Marshal’s official Building Materials Listing Program, SABS meets or exceeds WUI performance expectations due to its encapsulated design and lack of exposed foam or flammable cladding. Project-specific approval can be obtained via Alternate Materials Requests.

🏗 Structural Stability & Seismic Capability

6. How does SABS perform structurally under extreme conditions?

SABS uses a monolithic structural design, meaning if one area is damaged, the entire structure doesn’t fail. Even under flame or heat exposure, only localized damage occurs—without compromising the building’s integrity.

7. How strong is SABS compared to traditional systems?

• 6–7x stronger than wood framing

• Seismic rating: Categories A–F

• Expected durability: 200+ years, modeled through Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

8. How are roof-to-wall connections reinforced?

SABS integrates fiberglass mesh, structural pins, perimeter bonding, and Sabscrete overlays to create monolithic bonds and transfer loads across the building during seismic or wind events.

9. Has SABS been evaluated under California seismic codes?

Yes. SABS complies with IBC/CBC seismic design standards and is confirmed by ICC ESR-1638. Systems are engineered to support Seismic Design Categories D and E.

10. What is the seismic R-value?

R-values are project-specific and determined through FEA modeling or performance-based analysis. Manufacturer testing shows favorable results under cyclic lateral loading due to low mass and strong composite construction.

🧱 Hillside & Slope Applications

11. Can SABS be installed directly on steep terrain or slopes?

No. SABS is not a retaining wall system and must be installed above concrete stem walls or retaining walls. Hillside installations require civil and geotechnical review for slope stability.

12. Does EPS affect slope safety?

EPS’s lightweight nature reduces seismic load but necessitates strong mechanical anchoring to prevent sliding or overturning on slopes. Engineering and soil stabilization are key.

13. Can SABS integrate with stem walls or foundations?

Yes. Panels are mounted atop stem walls using pressure-treated sill plates, adhesive anchors, or metal tracks. Transitions are sealed to prevent water intrusion.

14. Are there FEA models for hillside-specific designs?

Yes. Custom FEA modeling is available through Strata International for seismic, wind, and slope-specific scenarios.

🌪 Wind & Storm Resilience

15. What is the wind load capacity of SABS?

Wind resistance is verified under ICC ESR-1638. SABS is tested for high-wind performance exceeding 160 mph (Category 5 hurricane). Specific psf values depend on wall span and panel thickness.

16. How are panels anchored for uplift protection?

SABS uses mechanical anchoring at roof and base lines, reinforced with mesh and cementitious coating to form a unified wind-resistant shell.

17. Is SABS Miami-Dade approved?

No, but SABS complies with IBC wind codes. It is not in Miami-Dade’s NOA listing but meets general hurricane design requirements.

18. Can impact-resistant windows be installed?

Yes. SABS can accommodate code-compliant or impact-rated glazing. Custom bucks are integrated into the panel design.

💼 Approval, Insurance, and Future Innovations

19. Is SABS approved in Los Angeles County, Pasadena, and wildfire-prone areas?

Yes. SABS is compliant with California Building Code (CBC) and approved in wildfire zones and Seismic Design Category D regions.

20. How do insurance companies assess risk for SABS buildings?

Insurers view SABS favorably due to its non-combustible, disaster-resilient design. Farmers Insurance is currently developing a category for SABS ADUs following Certificate of Occupancy issuance.

21. What’s next for fire safety and resilience?

SABS is currently testing to meet a 2-hour continuous fire rating, with results expected by the end of the year. Continuous innovation and re-certification efforts keep SABS at the forefront of resilient construction.

🌿 Energy Efficiency & Sound Insulation

22. How energy-efficient is SABS construction?

SABS panels provide exceptional insulation, with an R-value between 75 and 100—significantly higher than traditional building systems. This means reduced heat transfer, lower HVAC demand, and dramatically lower utility bills. Many SABS buildings can operate comfortably using mini-split systems instead of full HVAC installations, which further reduces installation and maintenance costs.

23. Is SABS soundproof?

Yes. SABS walls offer excellent acoustic insulation with a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 52 or higher. This high level of soundproofing makes SABS ideal for residential, commercial, and multi-unit applications where noise control is important.

🛠 SABS Technology at a Glance

What makes SABS better than traditional methods?

• Non-combustible, mold-resistant, pest-proof

• Earthquake & hurricane tested

• Supports buildings up to 65 ft tall and spans over 30 ft

• Fast, cost-effective installation

• Long-term durability and low maintenance

Ready to Build Safer, Smarter, Stronger? Contact us for project

consultations, technical details, or to schedule a tour of existing SABS homes.