21st Century Homes, Inc.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Structural Insulated Panels are extremely strong, super insulated, and used for exterior walls, roofs, and floors. They consist of a rigid expanded polystyrene high performance foam core, which is laminated between two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) using controlled pressure and industrial-grade adhesive. This structural building component replaces the stud-framed exterior wall and delivers many cost-saving and energy-saving benefits.
Expanded polystyrene foam contains no formaldehyde, CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and is most known for its use in making the white Styrofoam coffee cups that have been around for decades. It will not rot, is resistant to mildew, and offers no food value to insects or rodents.
Oriented strand board was first developed in the 1980s for use in the housing and construction industries, and is widely used for good reasons. It has been specifically designed to be the most dependable, versatile, and environmentally friendly panel in use today. Strands of wood averaging 4”x1” are received from tree farms who use fast growing species and sustainable methods. These strands are then cross-aligned in alternating layers and bonded with resins under high heat and pressure. The result is a very strong and uniformed sheet that performs in many ways like plywood. OSB is also used in making most floor joists, sub flooring, roof decking, etc.
Thermal efficiency is not the same as the R-value of a wall. Solid wood studs in a conventional wall, radiate outside temperatures through the wall considerably more than the space between the studs that are filled with fiberglass insulation. This affect is called thermal bridging. SIPs eliminate thermal bridging with a solid and continuous core of rigid insulating foam. Your refrigerator uses one and a half inches of foam for insulation, imagine the exterior walls of your home having five and a half inches of solid block foam insulation and you can begin to see the heat-saving value of SIPs. Annual heating and cooling costs can be reduced by up to 60% using exterior walls made of SIPs. And because your heating and cooling needs are less, you don’t need as large of a heating/cooling system. Downsizing the heating/cooling system will also save you money.
Structural integrity is literally outstanding. Six homes that were built with SIPs withstood the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Kobe, Japan in January 1995. These homes were just miles from the epicenter. SIP homes have also survived tornadoes in Alabama and hurricane force winds in Florida.
SIPs are UL (United Laboratories, Inc) listed and recognized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They adhere to all of the requirements and are in compliance with the following building authorities: ICBO, BOCA, SBCCI and CABO. In addition, they also meet the requirements of the following national codes: Uniform Building Code (UBC), International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), Japan MOC approval under article 38, and various local and state agencies. Homes constructed with SIPS are also VA and FHA approved.
As for quality and beauty – SIPs will give you straight, flat walls. There will be no bulging areas from framing members that warp or twist.
Your comfort level is increased with a SIP built home for several reasons. Having a thick, solid foam core at its center eliminates air leakage and the radiating drafts caused by thermal bridging, creating a cozier interior environment. The solid foam core also eliminates outside noise much better than a standard built wall, providing you with increased quietness that is both noticeable and easy to appreciate. A cleaner home is also achieved with less dust infiltrating the living areas.
Are these panels environmentally responsible? Yes! They have a lower embodied cost (the cost in energy to manufacture, transport, etc.) and less waste both when manufactured, and at the job site. Lower energy needs for heating and cooling save natural resources (less fossil fuel consumption), which will reduce the pollutants normally released into the air that harm our ozone. Also, the wood used in making OSB comes from tree farms that plant fast growing varieties, use sustainable methods, and use almost the entire tree. This is good for our existing forests.
All types of siding, claddings, and roofing materials can be used with SIPs. The continuous wood face of the panel provides an excellent nailing surface both inside and out. Whether hanging siding, pictures, or decorations, you’ll appreciate the sturdiness of SIPs.
Electrical wires are fed through the 1 ¼” diameter pre-cut chases in each panel, located horizontally at 16” and 48” above the floor, to allow for electrical outlets and wall switches. A vertical pre-cut chase is on one side of each panel to allow for the run of wires to light switches and to other levels of the home.
Are they easy to install? Yes. SIPs are easy to install and go up quickly. The amount of time saved ranges from 30-40% as compared to 2X6 framing.
The savings from substantially lower heating and cooling bills, increased strength and durability, and the additional comfort, makes choosing SIPs an easy decision.
Upcoming FREE Seminars
Periodically, 21st Century Homes holds free seminars at which you can learn about our energy-saving home packages and how they are revolutionizing the home building business.
Intesrested in attending? Just contact us and we'll notify you when we're coming to your area or even set up a free personal consultation!