What are SIPS?
Structural insulated panels are a high performance building system used in floors, walls and roof systems. The panels are two layers of oriented strand board laminated to a core of rigid foam plastic insulation. The result of this lamination is a very strong, energy efficient and cost effective building system.
How strong are SIPS?
The structural characteristics of SIPs are similar to that of an I-Beam. The OSB skins act as the flange and the core material (expanded polystyrene) act as the web. This design gives SIPs the ability to handle inplane comprehensive loads. SIPs can be engineered for most applications. Detailed information on the structural performance is available in Premier Building Systems NER report 633.
Are SIPS susceptible to insects?
Although termites and carpenter ants do not feed on the foam core for nourishment there have been instances when these insects have created a habitat and used this area for a nesting ground Premier Building Systems treat their SIPs with a borate treatment which provides termite and carpenter ant resistance.
How is electrical wiring installed?
Precut chases are cut into the core of the panel in which wire can be pushed or pulled through the opening. Premier Building Systems installs the standard chases 16 and 45 inches off the bottom of all wall panels horizontally and 48 inches on center vertically. Every chase is 1 ¼ inches in diameter and can accommodate up to 3 romex wires.
How energy efficient are SIPs?
Structural Insulated Panels are one of the most environmentally responsible building systems available. A SIPs building envelope provides high levels of insulation and is extremely airtight, which means the amount of energy used to heat and cool the structure can be cut significantly.
Are SIPs considered a “Green Product”?
The OSB used is the SIPs is an engineered wood product made from small, farm grown trees that can be sustain ably harvested. Engineered wood products use wood more efficiently than sawn lumber and it requires less forest acreage to build a SIP home than a conventional wood frame house.
Jobsite waste is almost eliminated when building with SIPs that have been pre-fabricated in a manufacturing facility. Clean waste that is generated in the plant can be recycled to make other foam products.
The insulating qualities of foam is made up of 98% air and requires only a small amount of energy to produce. All SIP foam cores are made by using non CFC blowing agents.
How important is ventilation?
SIP buildings are extremely airtight and require mechanical ventilation. Ventilation systems bring fresh air into the building and exhaust moisture and stale air to the outside. By limiting air exchange to controlled ventilation systems, SIP homes allow for all incoming air to be filtered for allergens and dehumidified, amounting to better indoor air quality. Proper ventilation is important in all homes to preserve indoor air quality.
How do I properly size HVAC equipment?
The high insulating properties of SIPs allow smaller HVAC units to be used. When working with an HVAC contractor, make sure their calculations take into consideration an accurate estimation of the typically low levels of air infiltration in a SIP home. Proper sizing is crucial because an oversized unit will be less energy efficient and require more maintenance than properly sized equipment.