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STAVEHOUSE® SIP's - Structural Insulated Panels |
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A structural Insulated Panel is a laminated assembly consisting of a core of rigid insulation (EPS1 or urethane) sandwiched between two sheets of structural sheathing, such as OSB2 or plywood. The result is a highly efficient structural and insulating panel, with superior performance capacities which simply cannot be matched with traditional fibreglass insulation and stick framing. SIP's have defined engineering values which stipulate the various live and dead loads (in lbs. per square foot, etc.) which may be managed at various spans, depending on the thickness of the panel. These characteristics allow them to be used very effectively in horizontal, vertical and sloped applications including walls, floors and roofs, etc. In addition, the rigid core forms an effective vapour barrier which eliminates air and moisture infiltration if properly installed, thereby preventing the growth of mould, mildew, wood decay and allergens. This impervious nature further eliminates the necessity of ventilating the roof and attic cavities, a code requirement found in many areas, when fibreglass insulation is used. Additionally, as the SIP's are fitted into position in the walls, gables, floors or roof, the structural elements and insulating of the building are completed simultaneously. Only final decor-finishing or custom surfacing needs to be applied according to taste and budget. The result can be a very rapid enclosure of the building shell to the lockup stage, except for exterior doors and windows, etc. Stavehouse® takes further advantage of SIP's by in-filling with them between the exterior wall staves, adding an extra element of strength to the assembly, as did many ancient cultures with log or masonry in-fill. Since these in-fill panels act in both compression and tension when properly attached to the wall staves, a significantly stronger structural shear wall assembly is created, than is possible when SIP's or other sidings are attached to the exterior of the frame assembly. Based on traditional studies, resistance to high winds and seismic events is significantly improved. For installation purposes, 1/2" drills are commonly used to drive the large panels screws through the panels and into the supporting timbers when SIP's are used for flooring and roofing, etc. Portable battery powered screw guns and/or nail guns are often used to fasten the splines when connecting panels to each other or when attaching SIP's to posts, etc. Foam guns, caulking guns and other such items are used to assist in the proper sealing of the joints between the panels. SIP manufacturers provide wire chases within the panels at specified intervals above the floor to accommodate electrical wiring. The Stavehouse® wall posts come pre-drilled with through-holes to permit wiring to continue from one wall SIP to the next SIP or framing bay. Sill timbers are also drilled at regular intervals to permit wiring to be fed up into the wall panels from the sub-floor or basement cavity beneath. The design of the Stavehouse® trusses also accommodates the running of wires to roof apex areas for ceiling fans and lighting, etc. It's a good idea to clearly mark the faces of the SIP's to show all of the hidden locations of factory installed wiring chases, both inside and out, before installing panels. With the location of all hidden chases clearly indicated on the unfinished surface of the SIP's, preferably before installation, reasonable wiring patterns quickly become evident, making it easy for any electrician or builder to identify logical routing for the wiring. Locations not directly accessed by factory installed chases, can often be accessed by using the joint between the panels, providing the wiring is installed during panel raising. In some situations, wiring chases may also be cut through one surface of a SIP for wire embedding, providing the structural implications of such a cut is reviewed by a competent builder or engineer. Most suppliers price panels in pre-cut widths of 4 ft and 8 ft and lengths ranging from 8 ft to 20 ft. Pre-cuts are also available to the nearest full foot specification. Some suppliers are equipped to custom cut the panels not only to exact (inch) lengths & widths, but also to the complex compound angles required for roof valleys and hips, but only if detailed CAD drawings are provided for these special units. ENERGREEN STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANEL COMPANY INC. SIP GROUP STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS LIMITED. www.insulspan.com. THERMAPAN STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS INC. R-TIGHT PANELS PREMIER BUILDING SYSTEMS 1 Expanded Polystyrene 2 Oriented Strand Board |
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