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Structural Insulated Panels
Little
Green Buildings are truly green. One quarter of the wood used
over traditional stick and batt framing. Our wood comes from
sustainable forests. We use marine glue because standard plywood
and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) off gas formaldehyde. Most of
all the polystyrene core of insulation is an eco-friendly super
insulator.
The
problem with using R-values to gauge the energy efficiency of a
home is that insulation is typically rated in a laboratory under
controlled conditions. But in an actual stick home and batt
wall, heat conducts not just through insulation, but more
significantly through studs, reducing the overall efficiency of
the system. And gaps in the wall - sill plates, top plates,
electrical outlets, window jambs and even nail holes - further
reduce the true R-rating of the wall because of convective heat
transfer.
A SIP wall’s ability to perform closer to its rated R-value is a
result of its tightness as a system, which minimizes convective
heat loss. The rigid EPS insulation of SIPs eliminates air
circulation and moisture that is often prevalent in stud walls.
As
awareness builds surrounding the environmental impact of
buildings on greenhouse gas emissions and urban air quality, the
construction industry will be under increasing pressure to adopt
new standards and practices to reduce energy consumption.
Regardless of the Kyoto Protocol, where signatory governments
agree to take concrete measures to reduce greenhouse
emissions - inevitably rewarding environmentally friendly
technologies at the expense of less efficient ones - the
economics of energy costs and natural resources availability
will make non-traditional building materials such as Structural
Insulated Panels more and more attractive.
Build
time for SIPs structures are two to three times faster than
traditional stick built. Four by eight panels typically weigh
around 100 pounds, easily handled by two to three people. Just
put the spline in, slide them together, a few screws and go get
the next. 4x8 walls go up in minutes. Change a window
location, just move the panel with window already installed.
SIPs
panels are much stronger than traditional 2x4 or 2x6
framing. SIPs share the same structural properties as an I-Beam
or I-Column. The rigid EPS insulation at the core of a SIP acts
as the web, while the Marine glue plywood sheathing exhibits the same properties
as the flanges.
These
have become very popular in the Southeast part of the United
States because of their superior strength in hurricane areas.
These structures have survived Level 6 hurricanes. As far as
snow loads go, just about any where on earth, they’re that
strong!
Because
of their superior R-values and easy assembly, scientist were
able to erect a SIPs building in the South Pole.
Why
Use SIPs?
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Extremely energy efficient.
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Super insulated floors, walls and roof.
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Small heating and air conditioning equipment = much lower
utility bills and no more cold feet.
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Because of the core system of rigid foam no mold, no bugs.
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And a great fire rating!
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Stronger, straighter, three times faster to build.
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No vapor barriers to worry about.
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Little or no waste.
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No need for bird blocks or ridge vents.
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Storm and earthquake resistant.
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Snow loads just about anywhere on earth.
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Super quiet. Need a place to shut out the noise of every day
life?
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More space. Because the roof itself is insulated “no attic”,
more room for loft or storage space.
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