Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Construction

The EPS foam core provides shear strength, while the exterior skins of OSB provide tensile and compressive strength. As compared to an I-beam, the panel skins are analogous to the flanges, while the core is its web. The completed panels offer the utmost in R-value, fire resistance, and ease of construction. They are the key structural component in "one-piece" construction, which is significantly stronger than similarly configured stick-built structures.

The advantages of using SIPs are many:

• Simplifies construction: SIPs integrate structure with insulation. The frame of the home and the thermal envelope are one and the same.
  
  
• Reduced labor costs: SIPs can be erected by novice crews and do it yourself builders. Each 4 foot by 8 foot panel weighs only 125 lbs, so no crane is required. Average erection time for exterior wall panels is usually half a day for a 3-man crew for the average 1500-2000 sq. ft. home. Building with SIPs generally costs less the same as building with wood frame construction, especially when you factor in the labor savings resulting from shorter construction time and less job-site waste. Other savings are realized because less expensive heating and cooling systems are required (or used less often) due to the excellent insulating properties of SIP construction.
  
  
• Flexibility in design: There are fewer restrictions to design and more choices to customize. From the simple cabin to a complex castle. Our panels are also available in 9', 10', & 12' heights, so we can easily convert your existing plans, or even convert a custom designed layout to our superior building system.
  
  
• Easy to finish: The OSB surface provides a sturdy and continuous nail and screw base to which exterior and interior finishing materials can easily be attached.
  
  
• Easy to wire: Pre-cut electrical chases are built into every panel so that the wiring of the outer walls can be easily done.
  
  
• Superior strength: Monolithic shell can withstand seismic and hurricane forces better than any stick built design.
  
  
• Superior Comfort: Panel homes are quieter and cleaner. The thick solid insulation reduces noise and dust infiltration.
  
  
• Reduced energy use: By virtue of its solid walls and monolithic construction, over 2000 linear feet of cracks normally found in the walls of the average stick built home are eliminated. Heating and air conditioning costs can be reduced by 50%-60% over the life of the home. Ameripanel is a partner in the EPA's ENERGY STAR® Homes Program.
  
  
• High in Quality: SIP walls are straight and flat with no bulging framing members. This is virtually impossible to achieve with old-fashioned stick framing.
  
  
• Code compliant: Our home kits are in compliance with the following building authorities:
  
  
  • BOCA
  • SBCCI
  • CABO
  • UBC
  • IRC
  • IBC

NER-467 (National Evaluation Report) and ICBO PFC-6054 reports are available with the above code information.

SIPs adhere to all of the requirements of the current APA Plywood Design Specifications.

Our kits are VA and FHA Approved and are listed with Federal HUD nationwide

About EPS

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has proven to be the most cost-effective panel core insulation material available. EPS has the highest R-value per dollar invested. Its R-value per inch is much higher than fiberglass or cellulose insulations. "R" means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. EPS is also physically stable, unlike fiberglass or cellulose, which tend to settle with time, creating voids and many thermal breaks. Unlike most insulation products, the R-value of EPS increases as the temperature drops. EPS is an inert, organic, recyclable material. It contains no CFC's, HCFC's, or HFC's, will not rot, is resistant to mildew, and provides no food value to animals (including rodents).

Our Underwriter's Lab report shows that our modified (M) Arco EPS (expanded polystyrene) exhibits a flame spread of 5. The BOCA Code allows 75. EPS exhibited a smoke developed rating of 55 to 175. The BOCA Code allows 450.