Additional Benefits

Strength of building materials and systems are judged by their ability to withstand the forces of nature. Data to determine strength properties is gathered through destructive testing. Specific tests are utilized to evaluate a wall's performance in high winds or earthquakes. The testing program on SIP Panel systems is the most extensive in the industry. This ongoing program involves independent third party testing agencies that provide state-of-the-art evaluations of structural, fire resistant, energy consumption and sound attenuation properties of the system.

SIPs structural characteristics are similar to a steel I-beam. The skins act like the flanges of an I-beam, and the rigid core provides the web of the I-beam configuration. This composite assembly yields stiffness, strength, and predictable performance. Not only do test results show SIPs are stronger, but natural disasters have proven it time and again. Homes built with SIPs withstood the Great Hanshin (Kobe, Japan) and North Ridge earthquakes, as well as Hurricane Andrew.

STRAIGHTER

This means no bulging studs, no twisted lumber, no shrinkage or curvatures due to drying, and no cups or wraps as found in outdated stick framing.

Additionally:

• Drywall installers have flat surfaces to work with and do not have to find studs to place fasteners and screws.
• Cabinets hang on a flat plane without shims or ugly nailing misses.
• Counter tops can be installed with little or no scribing of the counter to the irregular surface of stud framing.
• Pictures can be mounted without having to find suitable structure behind the drywall.

INSECT RESISTANT

Ants, termites and other insects are common throughout the United States and can affect both stick frame and SIP buildings. However, we have insect resistant products that help combat these types of insects.


ENERGY EFFICIENT

By far the biggest benefit of the SIP system. Save 40% to 60% on heating and cooling costs - forever! The perimeter of a SIPs home is wrapped in EPS insulation without the thermal breaks present in 2x framing. Also, EPS insulation maintains its integrity over time, whereas batt insulation settles and absorbs moisture.

The University of Tennesse and the US Deptartment Of Energy compared 5 different building systems for clear-wall R-value verses whole-wall R-value. The test concluded that SIPs maintain 88% of their clear-wall performance after whole-wall R-value is measured, 58% better than 2x6 stick-framing.

QUIETER AND HEALTHIER LIVING ENVIRONMENT

Minimal air content in the wall cavities and no air movement through equals no condensation within the wall cavity or roof and therefore no mold potential. Expanded polystyrene is totally inert which means there is no off-gassing and will not wick-up or hold moisture. Warm season or cold, a SIP home 'vapor diffusion' system works reliably anywhere - say good-bye to vapor barrier systems that cause internal wall condensation and produce molds and mildew. Further, SIPs provide an excellent sound barrier.

FIRE RESISTANT

The solid core of the SIP panel has no air, depriving a fire of the oxygen it needs to burn. A fire will not spread through a SIP wall, floor or roof as it would with insulation made of fiberglass, a material used for furnace filters because air moves through it so freely.

WIRING

Chases (like small tunnels) are built into the foam core of the panels where electrical components need to be installed. (Generally, plumbing is not installed in exterior walls, but plumbing access & vents can be incorporated as well). Your electrical contractor can consult the panel installer on methods & procedures to install your systems with the utmost efficiency.