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What are SIPs?
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are high performance building panels used in floors, walls, and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings. The panels are typically made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB). Other skin material can be used for specific purposes. SIPs are manufactured under factory controlled conditions and can be custom designed for each home. The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective. Building with SIPs will save you time, money and labor.
How much faster can I build with SIPs?
SIP homes go up faster than traditionally framed buildings. A properly trained SIP installation crew can save a significant amount of time in a build cycle. Panels can be manufactured as big as 8- by 24-ft., so entire walls can be put up quickly, reducing dry-in time. SIPs can be supplied as ready to install building components when they arrive at the jobsite, eliminating the time needed to perform individual jobsite operations of framing, insulating and sheathing stick-framed walls. Window openings may be precut in the panels, and depending on the size, a separate header may not need to be installed. Electrical chases are typically provided in the core of panels, so there is no need to drill through studs for wiring.
How green are SIPs?
Energy efficiency: Structural insulated panels are one of the most
environmentally responsible building systems available. A SIP building envelope provides high levels of insulation and is extremely airtight, meaning the amount of energy used to heat and cool a home can be cut by up to 50 percent. The energy that powers homes and commercial buildings is responsible for a large portion of greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere. By reducing the amount of energy used in buildings, architects, builders, and homeowners can contribute to a clean environment for the future.
Resource use: The insulation used in SIPs is a lightweight rigid foam plastic composed of 98% air, and requires only a small amount of petroleum to produce. The foam insulation used in panel cores is made using a non-CFC blowing agent that does not threaten the earth’s ozone layer.
Are SIPs compatible with other building systems?
SIPs are compatible with other building systems. Wall panels can sit on a variety of foundation materials, including poured concrete, blocks, or insulated concrete forms. SIPs are sized to accept dimensional lumber and are seamlessly compatible with stick framing. Builders may choose to build with SIP walls and a conventional truss roof, or stick walls and a SIP roof with little difficulty. SIPs are also popular as a method of providing a well-insulated building envelope for timber frame structures.
Can SIPs be modified on site?
On-site modification can easily be done using a few additional SIP specific tools. Panels can be cut using a beam saw or a beam cutting attachment to a circular saw. The foam core can then be recessed for splines or dimensional lumber using a hot wire foam scoop or specialized angle grinder attachment to recess the core.
How are electrical wiring and fixtures installed?
Electrical wires are pulled through precut channels inside the core of the panels called “chases.” Manufacturers cut chases during the manufacturing process according to the electrical design of the home. Electricians can then use fish tape to feed wires through panel chases without compressing the insulation or having to drill through studs. Wiring can also be run through baseboard raceways and in the cavity behind the beveled spacer on SIP roof-to-wall connections.
Are SIPs susceptible to insects?
Although termites do not feed on the foam panel cores, there have been instances in which panel cores have been hollowed out by these insects and used as a nesting ground. Many manufacturers offer SIPs with borate treated foam to provide termite resistance. Termites may also be deterred through the use of a specifically designed steel mesh. Both these treatments are highly effective, but they are not a substitute for careful termite prevention and maintenance, as with any other wood structure.
Is a Panel Home different from other homes?
Panel Homes are basically the same as any contractor built home. They may be built on any type of foundation typical to your area.
What's included in a Smart Choice Panel Home?
Complete dried-in package including 4.5" SIP exterior
wall panels, 6.5" SIP roof panels, Vinyl Single Hung windows as shown on plans; exterior doors (except garage doors)
15 lb. roofing felt, Tyvek or similar house wrap; 2x4 interior
wall partitions, computer designed Floor Joist Systems on 2 story models, ¾" T&G Sub-Flooring, Interior stairs on 2 story models and vinyl siding.
Can
Plans be modified?
Whether you use our plans or
your plans, the plans can be modified or custom designed to meet
your specific needs.
Can Panel Homes
be built anywhere and do they require special requirements?
Smart Choice Panel Homes are conventional
homes and can be built
anywhere any conventional home can be
built. There are no special requirements.
Can Panel
Homes be used for commercial applications?
Yes,
Smart Choice Panel Homes
can deliver many commercial
applications such as offices, duplexes, condominiums,
apartments, townhouses etc. You may choose from our plans or your
plans as
well.
What
is the normal delivery time?
Normal delivery time is anywhere
from 2 to 6 weeks.
Is it
difficult to finance a Panel Homes?
No, because Panel Homes are
conventional homes they can be
financed by the same lending institutions as any other homes.
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