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Structural Insulated Panels
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are
prefabricated insulated structural elements for use in building walls,
ceilings, floors, and roofs. They provide superior and uniform insulation
compared to more traditional construction methods (stud or "stick
frame"), offering energy savings of 12%–14%. When installed
properly, SIPs also provide a more airtight dwelling, which makes a house
more comfortable and quieter.
SIPs designed by SIP Supply provide the best
thermal/structural envelope available today. While most commonly used for
exterior walls, SIPs can also serve as a load-bearing floor and
ceiling/roof. SIP Supply SIPs are designed to carry the entire range of
structural loads in a building. SIP Supply panels are manufactured by
injecting polyurethane foam between two surface facings. As part of each
panel, structural elements add tremendous strength. These panels are
joined together via an embedded, patented cam-locking system and
tongue-and-groove system ensuring a sealed, tight fit. A typical
SIP Supply SIP 4-1/2 inch (11.43 centimeters) thick panel has an R-value
of R-25 or higher. A 6-1/2" (16.51 centimeters) thick panel has an R-value
of R-40 or higher.
SIPs not only have high R-values but also high
strength-to-weight ratios. A SIP consists of 4- to 8-inch thick
Polyurethane foam insulation sandwiched between two oriented strand
boards (OSB), Fiber Re-enforced Plastic Laminate (FRP/FRPL),
Fiber-Cement or Metal Surfaces.
SIP Supply can customize the exterior and
interior sheathing materials, such as Nyloboard, Densglas, Warmboard,
tongue & groove pine, T-111 siding, USG Fiberock, LP Smartside,
plywood, pressure-treated plywood, and other substances according to
customer requirements.
The polyurethane foam is injected in between the
sandwich facings for a "melded or meshing" adhesion, not a
typical glue and press method.
SIP Installation
SIPs are made in a factory and shipped to
job sites. Builders then connect them together to construct a house.
The speed of construction when using SIPs is much faster than other
types of residential construction, especially if the builder is
familiar with them. Shells can be erected quickly, saving labor time
and money, without compromising quality. These savings can help
compensate for the fact that SIPs may cost more than other
construction systems.
SIP Supply also offers "SIP
Home or Shell Kits." The builder needs only to assemble the pre-cut
pieces. Additional openings for doors and windows are also cut in
the factory to the client's plan specifications.
When installed according to manufacturers'
recommendations, SIPs meet all building codes and pass the American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards of safety.
The Department of Energy states that
"In buildings constructed of SIPs, fire investigators have
found that the panels held up well. For example, in one case where
the structure exceeded 1,000°F (538°C) in the ceiling areas and
200°F (93°C) near the floors, most wall panels and much of the
ceiling remained intact. An examination of the wall panels revealed
that the foam core had neither melted nor delaminated from the
skins. In similar cases, a lack of oxygen seemingly caused the fire
to extinguish itself. The air supply in a structural insulated panel
home can be quickly consumed in a fire." |
For more info
read
our SIP FAQ's
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