Structural insulated panels in ecosmart house
R-Control structural insulated panels (SIPs), manufactured by Big Sky Insulations, Inc. in Belgrade, MT, will be used to construct the second floor walls and the roof of the REHAU MONTANA ecosmart house. R-Control SIPs are a strong structural system consisting of Foam-Control expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation laminated between sheets of structural sheathing. In the wall construction, the SIPs will be 8 in. panel thickness with an R-value of 31.6. SIPs used on the roof will be 12 in. panel thickness with an R-value of 48.3. These panels will be prefabricated to the specifications of the ecosmart house in a nearby factory using optimization software, minimizing transportation costs and jobsite landfill waste.
How structural insulated panels work
Structural insulated panels are typically made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB). The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective.
Compared to stick framing, a SIP building envelope provides superior insulation and is extremely airtight, reducing the amount of energy used to heat and cool a home by up to 50 percent. In addition, SIPs protect against mold, mildew and boring insects, providing a clean and healthy living environment.
Structural insulated panels are one of the most environmentally responsible building systems available. The EPS core contains no CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, or formaldehyde while providing superior insulation. The structural skins are typically made from renewable controlled growth wood resources, Other skin materials can be used for specific purposes.
SIPs are ideal for a wide range of residential and commercial projects. They are manufactured under factory-controlled conditions and can be custom designed for each building.