What are SIPs? Structural insulated panels are high performance building panels which are made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam insulation between two skins of wood structural panels, typically oriented stand board (OSB) or plywood. The foam core of the panel is typically composed of expanded polystyrene, structural adhesive is used to adhere the foam cores to the skins of the panel in the lamination process.
The SIP fabrication process usually begins with a CAD drawing of the building. The CAD drawings are converted into shop drawings that can be plugged directly into CNC fabrication machine or used to measure and cut panels by hand. Chases or channels for electrical wiring are cut or formed into the foam core and the core is recessed around the edges to accept the connection splines or dimensional lumber. By fabricating SIPs under factory controlled conditions, SIPs achieves tolerances far more precise than wood framing.
Arvola Homes is is teamed up with Energy Panel Structures, a company that manufactures Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), trusses, and floor systems using engineered lumber to achieve a highly efficient structure. This is one of the most energy efficient residential systems in the Midwest.
More Energy Efficient SIPs have a high R-Value foam core without any thermal bridging studs or areas of potential compression or voids in the insulation. SIP homes also have extremely low levels of air infiltration because there are fewer gaps to seal. When combined with other high efficiency systems, SIP homes commonly demonstrate 50%-70% savings over the Model Energy Code (MEC). SIPs have been a key component in the creation of zero energy buildings, which produce more energy than they consume. See results.
Stronger Our Structural Insulated Panel system is engineered with IBC codes for our area wind and snow loads. The continuous bonding of EPS insulation to the OSB or plywood offers incredible strength and resistance to impact. Vertical and horizontal stress loads are tested two times stronger than conventional stud walls. EPS walls resist up to 7,000 pounds per foot which results in structures that are stronger, straighter, taller and wider.
Healthier The solid core insulation of SIPs is free of the voids, compressions, or thermal bypasses often associated with mold growth in wood frame, fiberglass insulated construction. Because SIP structures can be erected and dried in quicker than wood frame construction, there is less time for building materials are exposed to the elements and therefore less moisture that must be removed from the completed building. Structural insulated panels are inert and stable, and do not off gas chemicals.
Better on the Environment SIPs are primarily fabricated offsite, so there is extremely little jobsite waste disposal. Manufacturers cut SIPs using optimization software that minimizes the amount of waste in the production process. Excess EPS waste created during the manufacturing process is recycled to make other EPS products. Jobsite waste can often be returned to the panel manufacturer for EPS recycling. Framing scrap accounts for a large portion of construction waste. SIPs offer a simple solution to construction waste reduction that is important to reducing the overall environmental impact of a building.
Arvola Homes, Inc. | PO Box 727, 48 Oak Ave. Annandale, MN 55302 Phone: 320-274-7002 | Email: ryan@arvolahomes.com | License #20356734
The Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs), ENERGY STAR and Certified Green home builder and remodeler of choice in the areas of Albertville, Annandale, Avon, Becker, Big Lake, Buffalo, Clear Lake, Clearwater, Cokato, Cold Spring, Corcoran, Dassel, Dayton, Delano, Elk River, Greenfield, Hamel, Hanover, Howard Lake, Hutchinson, Independence, Kimball, Lester Prairie, Long Lake, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Lake, Maple Plain, Mayer, Medina, Minnetrista, Monticello, Montrose, New Germany, Orono, Otsego, Plymouth, Rockford, Rockville, Rogers, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Silver Lake, St. Augusta, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, St. Michael, Waite Park, Watertown, Watkins, Waverly, Winsted, Benton County, Carver County, Hennepin County, McLeod County, Meeker County, Sherburne County, Stearns County, Wright County and surrounding areas in Central Minnesota and West Metro Twin Cities.
