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OSB
Oriented Strand Board (or OSB) begins with the harvesting of young, fast-growing trees, mainly aspen and southern yellow pine. After debarking, the logs are precision-cut into strands that are a maximum of 4 in. long and 0.00024 in. thick. These strands are graded and sent through dryers that can reach 1,400°F. Then the thin, rectangular-shaped wood strands are arranged in layers at right angles to one another, covered with liquid or powder resin waterproof glue, and laid up in mats that form a panel. For the face layers, the strands run along the panel, while the core layers, the strands are oriented across the panel, giving OSB more strength along the panel. These OSB mats are trimmed to size and bonded together under heat and pressure to create a structural panel.
Expanded Polystyrene
The BASF Corporation patented the first expandable polystyrene in 1950. EPS foam has a closed-cell, moisture-resistant structure composed of millions of tiny air-filled pockets; it is manufactured from beads that are formed by the polymerization of a styrene monomer along with an expansion agent. Because the blowing agent in EPS in pentane, a hydrocarbon gas found naturally in the environment, the EPS manufacturing process uses no chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or hydrochloro-fluorocarbon (HCFC) products that can deplete the ozone layer.
These definitions are used courtesy of Michael Morley, author of Building With Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS): Strength and Energy Efficiency through Structural Panel Construction. If you are interested in building with SIPs and still need more information, Michael Morley's book provides everything you need to know about SIPs - from the builder's and the homeowner's perspective.
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What are SIPS?
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) are composed of a continuous core of rigid foam insulation (Expanded Polystyrene) which is laminated between two layers of structural board (usually O.S.B.) forming a single, solid panel. The result is a simple, fast, highly efficient structural system which provides superior thermal performance and substantially greater strength than conventional stud construction.
Building with Structural Insulated Panels means building an energy efficient home, giving you the best performance in comfort, durability, air quality and utility costs.
SIPS significantly simplify and speed the construction process, reducing site labor costs and loan expenses. The energy efficient building envelope that SIPs provide enables a reduction in HVAC equipment and operating costs. The structural capacity of SIPs allows for many design choices. They arrive onsite ready to go, with precut window and door openings.
WHY BUILD WITH SIPs?
Three Times Stronger: SIP panels are analogous to an "I Beam" where the OSB skins act as the flanges and the EPS acts as the web. This gives SIPs their structural integrity and strength. Three times stronger than the conventional building system, SIP built homes have withstood devastating storms such as tornadoes, hurricanes and typhoons, while other stick built structures around them were destroyed.
Faster Construction Time: SIP built structures take less time to erect because when you set a panel, you are combining four common building steps into one: framing, outer sheathing, insulation, and vapor barrier. The panels are pre-cut in our plant so they arrive at the job site cut to size, with all door & window openings, angle cuts and bevel cuts.
Environmentally Friendly: A SIP structure creates a tight, energy efficient building envelope that results in less air leakage and moisture build-up in your home, increasing comfort as it reduces dust infiltration and the pollutants that cause mold. This airtight quality allows you to reduce HVAC equipment leading to a reduction in energy consumption. SIPs are environmentally responsible because of their efficient utilization of material resources which produces less job site waste.
Energy Efficient: Oak Ridge National Laboratory tests prove SIPs homes consume less energy than conventional stick built homes. Because of their precision engineering, SIPs easily test 30-50% more energy efficient than the Model Energy Code. In an economy where we cannot control the cost of natural resources, SIPs enable you to reduce energy consumption in your home allowing you more control over your utility bills.
Better Insulation Values: Fiberglass insulation works like a furnace filter: air passes through the fiberglass freely while collecting dirt and dust, causing compaction. SIP panels are comprised of a solid core of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), eliminating compaction of insulation material. The insulating properties remain constant over the life of the structure. This reduces the amount of air infiltration and thermal bridges. The panels come in varying degrees of thickness, ranging from 4 1/2 inches to 12 1/4 inches. The most commonly used panels and their R-Value are as follows:
- 4 1/2 inch -- Wall panel -- R-17
- 6 1/2 inch -- Wall panel -- R-24
- 8 1/4 inch -- Wall/Roof panel -- R-32
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