Energy Efficiency with SIPs: A Winning Construction Method

Explore the benefits of airtight insulation with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) made of EPS foam. Learn how these energy-efficient building systems fulfill your green building requirements while providing superior insulation.

Photo Source: www.epsindustry.org

Do you have a craving for green strategies and more LEED® points for your construction project? Structural Insulated Panels, known as SIPs, are sure to satisfy your green building needs. A SIP panel is constructed with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) “sandwiched” between Oriented Strand Board (OSB). SIPs are one of the most airtight insulation building systems. It is 50% – 70% more energy efficient than traditional stick framing with fiberglass insulation. Economic EPS is the perfect “filling” for SIPs due to its ability to maintain its R-value. EPS clearly outperforms the more expensive extruded polystyrene (XPS) according to an independent third party study. Structures constructed utilizing SIPs have reduced labor time and cost, reduced construction waste, ultimately use less energy to heat and cool, and have better indoor air quality control.

All of these green qualities make it easy for SIPs constructions to earn LEED points.

The applications for this superior structural sound building system are on the rise. It has been found that homes and buildings constructed with SIPs are also disaster resistant. Home owners recovering from disasters are turning to SIPs and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs).

Find out more about ICA-LITE® EPS Insulation.

Common SIP Applications: schools, churches and fire stations in addition to residential building projects. They were also used in the construction of Annie’s house. This is a very touching story about a victim of 9/11 and her bucket list.

 

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This article was posted on February 5, 2013, by Insulation Corporation of America (ICA) – a Women-Owned manufacturer of Geofoam and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), which is commonly but mistakenly referred to as Styrofoam™. ICA is located in Allentown, PA and services the entire Mid-Atlantic Region from Virginia to Maine to Ohio.

 

 

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