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| Sustainable Building Sourcebook | ||||||
| Chapter: Materials | ||||||
| Structural Insulated Panels | ||||||
| CSI Numbers: 07410 Preformed Wall & Roof Panels | ||||||
| Introduction: | ||||||
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are typically two outer layers of structural sheathing material separated by an insulated core. They are made in different sizes according to the job's requirements, and are typically referred to as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) or stress-skin panels. Also see the Green Building Factsheets for introductions to this and other green building topics. Structural Insulated Panel, Fig. 1
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| At-A-Glance Notes: | ||||||
| Technology: | ||||||
| Many manufacturers make structural insulated panels. Quality control is becoming more consistent in the industry and product development is continuing. | ||||||
| Suppliers: | ||||||
| Available locally and regionally. Builders experienced with panels are available in Austin, although construction is fairly easy to learn for any standard builder. | ||||||
| Cost: | ||||||
| $1.75 to $2.75 per square foot or higher (material only). This can be slightly higher than conventional framing costs. | ||||||
| Public Acceptance: | ||||||
| Good | ||||||
| Regulatory: | ||||||
| Not all panels have been tested for code compliance. Make certain that the panel as a whole is code compliant, not just the components of the panel. This information is provided by the manufacturer. | ||||||
| Considerations: | ||||||
Structural insulated panels replace the standard stud/insulation/sheathing wall system. Some panels have sheetrock mounted on the inside portion, and/or siding on the exterior. Most have sheathing such as OSB (oriented strand board) for facings. Panels can be fabricated with three types of foam cores: expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XEPS), and urethane (polyurethane and polyisocyanurate are types of urethane). There are several options for facings: plywood, OSB, sheet-rock and metal. Some suppliers offer exterior surface materials such as T-1-11 or fiber-cement siding. XEPS and most urethane foams use CFCs or HCFCs as blowing agents. EPS do not use any ozone-depleting chemicals. For credit from the Green Building Program for this option, EPS insulation or an alternative that has no ozone-depleting chemicals must be used. OSB is an efficient use of wood and polystyrene is an effective insulation. However, this product is still very petroleum intensive in the final product. This product can also be a problem for chemically sensitive people. And there is the issue of deconstruction, as the laminated products cannot be easily separated. Stuctural Insulated Panels, Fig. 2
There is anecdotal evidence of insects burrowing in foam insulation as a way to find food. Some companies use borates as an insect barrier in the foam insulation. This is a preferred strategy for protecting the panels. Borates are also topically applied to the facings by some companies. Structural grade adhesives should be used to bind the facings to the foam core. Use the manufacturer warranty as a gauge of the quality of the product. Poor adhesive qualities can cause panel failure. Select panels that are certified to meet building codes. Structural panels offer very effective insulating qualities, rapid and sturdy installation, and consistent quality (minimizing waste). The use of OSB for facings is considered a positive use of wood resources. Panels are also used very successfully in roofing applications. Structural Insulated Panels, Fig. 3
Structural Insulateed Panels, Fig. 4
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| Guidelines: | ||||||
Ordering panels
Panel detailsEach manufacturer has their own method of panel connections: spline, interlocking stud, cam-lock, etc. Examine panel details from the manufacturer regarding installation because many variations exist. In connecting panels, choose systems that do not compromise the thermal qualities of the panel by creating a thermal bridge or "short circuit." There should be a small gap between panel sections so facings have room to expand. Wiring chases are typically provided by the panel manufacturer at specified distances along the panel. Caulk guns are a necessity. An oversized saw is useful for cutting panels. If openings are not factory-supplied, a hot knife, hot wire, or router is used to make a channel for the wooden 2X inset framing. With EPS this is most quickly done with a router and a hot knife in the corners. This is a slow process with only a hot knife. While storing panels, protect them from rain and keep them ventilated (particularly in hot, sunny locations) by using "sleepers" or spacers between panels. Stack panels so that the sequence of removal accommodates the order in which they need to be erected. Structural Insulated Panel, Fig. 5
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| Resources: | ||||||
| Professional Assistance: | ||||||
See "Engineers - Structural" in Yellow Pages For SIPs Builders, use search term "SIPs" in the online Green Building Professionals Directory |
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| Components/Materials/Systems: | ||||||
Manufacturers using EPS (for other manufacturers see General Assistance section); some may also offer other foam insulation; not all may be interested in serving the central Texas area. Agriboard Industries Enercept, Inc. Extreme Panel Technologies The Fischer Group Foam Laminates of Vermont Foard Panel IB Panels Insulspan
Insul-Kor of California, Inc. J-Deck Inc. Korwall Industries, Inc The Murus Company The Panel Factory Precision Panel
Premier Building Systems R-Control EPS
Structall Building Systems Transcon Steel of Texas, Inc. 74 Glen Orne Dr. Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 254-3435 sales@winterpanel.com www.winterpanel.com |
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| General Assistance: | ||||||
APA-The Engineered Wood Association US Department of Energy Structural Insulated Panel Association www.toolbase.org |
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