SIPS Spartan Utilizes
Structured Insulated Panels as the Building Envelope
SIPs are Sustainable
SIPs elevate the social, economic and environmental responsibility of homes and buildings, making a significant contribution toward true sustainability. Made from renewable resources and 100% recyclable
SIPs are made from thick EPS foam cores sandwiched between OSB (Oriented Strand Board) panel faces. The OSB is made from fast-growing trees, and produced in a way that yields a large percentage from every tree. On our nail-base panels, the EPS foam core itself is made from partially-recycled material. Also, all SIPs are 100% recyclable.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is manufactured from fast growing, underutilized, and often less expensive wood species grown in carefully managed forests. The OSB production process uses small wood strands and highly automated machinery, making OSB a very efficient use of raw materials.
About 85-90 percent of a log can be used to make high quality structural panels, and the remainder – bark, saw trim, and sawdust – can be converted into energy, pulp chips or bark dust.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid and tough, closed-cell foam. It is usually white and made of pre-expanded polystyrene beads.
Scrap EPS generated during the manufacturing process is recycled into new EPS products.
Exceptional indoor air quality + temperature control
When compared to buildings framed with dimensional lumber, SIPs cover greater surfaces with far fewer gaps in the walls and roofs, and offer home and building owners better indoor air quality, smaller HVAC system requirements, and superior indoor temperature control. SIPs homes and buildings stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than buildings framed with dimensional lumber. We have happy customers who are surprised time and again by how naturally temperature regulated their home or business is.
Superior R-values
R-value is a static measurement of the resistance to heat flow. SIPs have consistently outperformed other methods of construction in both whole wall R-value comparison and energy efficiency. One of the best measures of energy efficiency of an entire wall assembly has been developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This testing method considers energy losses for the structural members, corners, joints and around windows, as well as, R- value of the insulation. See Full Report.
Up to two-thirds less jobsite waste
Pre-fabricated SIPs allow installers to install the roof, wall and floor panels without the need to cut, frame and trim excessive amounts of lumber and other materials. This factory prefabrication of SIPs can reduce the amount of jobsite material waste by quite a bit when compared to buildings constructed with regular dimensional lumber and framing materials. Less waste is better for our environment.
How sips work:
SIPs achieve their structural integrity with an “I” beam effect by using rigid sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) as the flanges of the “I” beam and a rigid plastic foam core as the web of the “I” beam. The key to this structure’s performance is that the EPS core keeps the OSB skins from buckling by keeping them “in plane”. The rigid plastic foam core of (1 pound per sq. ft.) expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the insulation and the web of the “I” beam. The thicker the panel the more load the panel will carry and the greater the insulation value.
Factory conditions lead to consistent quality:
The EPS foam core and the OSB facings are rigidly bonded together in the factory under strict quality control standards, making building code compliant panels. Factory manufacturing does not stop at the bonding of the OSB to the EPS, it continues on with precision cutting and shaping of the panels to match the specified building design.
SIPs are an evolution of stick construction:
SIPs have evolved as a hybrid of stick-built construction and use dimensional lumber for corner connections, plates and window/door framing point loads, and sub-fascia. SIPs are sized to work with standard dimensional lumber; 2 x 4, 2 x 6, 2 x 8, 2 x 10 and 2 x 12. Compared with stick framing, construction with SIPs eliminates many steps and time is saved. SIPs contain the “framing”, sheathing, and insulation in a product that is assembled in one step.
SIP erection is very similar to stick construction:
Switching from stick-built to SIP is a relatively easy process that requires only a few changes. Many standard carpentry tools are still used when building with SIPs. However, power lifting equipment is required as a SIP can weigh up to 800 pounds. Also, SIPs use special fasteners and foam recessing equipment if field modifications are required. To aid in learning the process of SIP construction, Spartan Buildings SIP Services offers on-site installation crew training or can provide contacts for expert and cost-effective SIP erection.
Structured Insulated Panel
Structured Insulated Panels as the Building Envelope
Tax Credits and LEED Points
In addition to the many environmental benefits, Building using SIP Panels can also help your project or home qualify for tax credits and LEED points. SIPs are an engineered green product. This is why: OSB (Oriented Strand Board) which makes up both “skins” of the panel, is made from renewable resources (mostly fast growing species like Aspen) and it requires much less energy to produce than other structural building systems. SIPs are also fabricated in a controlled environment, allowing greater efficiency than site-built framing. The NAHB estimates that the construction of a 2000 sq. ft. home produces 7,000 lbs. of waste. SIPs have the ability to drastically reduce the waste generated during construction by using advanced optimization software and automated fabrication technology, ensuring the most efficient use of material.
Tax Credits & Deductions
Homeowners: You can find continually updated information regarding Energy Star qualified tax credits at Energy Star’s website. Also, the Database of State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a resource on state, local, utility, and federal incentives & policies focused on energy and energy efficiency. Visit DSIRE’s website to learn more. The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is another resource designed to give homeowners information on federal income tax incentives. Visit TIAP’s website to learn more.
Homebuilders: Visit the IRS’ website or contact your local sales representative to learn how to qualify for and claim your project-specific tax credits.
Building Owners: You are eligible to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1.80 per square foot on new and existing commercial buildings when you can demonstrate a 50% heating, cooling, water heating, and interior lighting savings, as designed to meet ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Partial tax credits are also available. Visit Energy Star’s website to learn more.
Fire Resistance
15 Minute Thermal Barrier
The International Building Codes (IBC) and International Residential Code ( IRC) specify that SIPs shall only be used on buildings of combustible construction. (Type V)
The IBC and IRC building codes further state that any foam plastic insulation shall be separated from the interior of the building by an approved 15 minute thermal barrier consisting of ½” of gypsum wall board or an equivalent thermal barrier. Since the core of a SIP is a foam plastic, the inside of a wall or roof panel will need to be covered by a 15 minute thermal barrier.
The APA has reported that 23/32” western species plywood or OSB will meet the 15 minute thermal barrier. This report additionally states that, according to IBC section 2603.4.1.5, 15/32” plywood or OSB prescriptively meet this thermal barrier requirement for roof assemblies.
Beside gypsum wall board, plywood and OSB, other materials such as T&G decking may meet the 15 minute thermal barrier requirement. However, before proceeding, consult your local building code or inspector. While decisions made within one code jurisdiction may be considered as a precedent for others, the final decision on materials not specifically listed in the code, are usually made on a case-by case basis within each jurisdiction.
Spartan Buildings
Spartan Buildings is a systems integration and technology consulting company that aims to help solve sustainability challenges. We deliver smart building technologies, with the objective to apply the most modern smart building concepts and net zero energy innovations towards LEED Certification. read more..