Greensmart Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION OF SIPS?

Walls, Roofs, Floors --SIPs can do it all. They make excellent walls, replacing dimensional framing. As a roof they work very well in place of, or in conjunction with roof trusses. SIPs don't span as far as trusses and require beam or truss girder support for longer spans. The roofs are open beam and can provide an opportunity for an upper loft and additional floor space. Reinforcing joining lumber can be employed flush into the panel to increase the spans. Dropped or flush beams also work. Floors from SIPs perform better than any other floor for vibration, and insulation. Diverse in application, Structural Insulated Panels are used effectively in conventional, timber-framed, log home, multi-unit and light commercial construction. SIPs can also be used for interior supporting walls if there is a desire for added seismic strength or fire separation.

DO SIPS CONTAIN FORMALDEHYDE?

The answer to this question is technically yes, realistically no. This is the case because the amount of formaldehyde emitted by the oriented strand board (OSB) used in SIPs is less than 0.1 PPM (parts per million). This is well below levels established as acceptable by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD). In fact, the HUD Standard now in effect exempts OSB that is produced with these phenolic type adhesives. Large chamber testing demonstrated that emissions of formaldehyde from OSB is less than would be encountered in the normal atmospheric levels of an urban environment. Testing done by APA - The Engineered Wood Association, has been extensive and conclusive. With their permission, a report that provides more detail on this subject has been reprinted and is available from the APA or SIPA offices. The rigid foam cores and the structural water base adhesives used in the panel manufacturing process have no formaldehyde content and are inert plastics prior to leaving SIP manufacturing facilities.

WHAT TYPE OF FOAM IS IN THE PANEL?

EPS - expanded polystyrene is used for its high R-value and structural strength. Since 98 percent of the volume of expanded polystyrene is air locked inside closed cells, it is a very poor conductor of heat. This makes it an excellent insulating material for use in building construction. Polystyrene is also an inert and there is no out-gassing or presence of CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs or formaldehyde.

HOW DO SIP'S COMPARE IN COSTS ?

Building with SIP has traditionally cost more than conventional construction. As a result of professional design, techniques, materials and systems pioneered by Greensmart Homes, SIP construction can cost about the same as wood-frame construction. Less expensive heating and cooling systems are required because of SIP construction. Typically, energy costs are reduced by 50%. SIPs keep your costs down from season to season, year after year, for as long as you own your home.

WHY ARE SIPS SO STRONG ?

The sandwich principle creates an I-beam type structure where the loads are carried by the OSB and spread over the entire surface of the wall on both sides. The result is amazing strength, just like a surfboard or a composite wing of an aircraft that utilizes the same foam sandwich technology.

WHAT R-VALUES DO SIP'S HAVE ?

The R-value of a SIP varies depending on the thickness and type of foam core used. According to a study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the "whole-wall" R-value of a wall with a 3-1/2" EPS core is 14 compared to 9.8 for a 2"x 4" wood framed wall insulated with R-11 fiberglass insulation. When the performance of the whole wall system is considered, SIPs perform better than traditional systems because they are manufactured in a controlled environment, characterized by uniform fabrication of components without gaps or air pockets. The test criteria for R-values is really not applicable to SIPs due to the short duration in the test procedure. SIPs out perform conventional fiberglass insulated walls exponentially when the test is run longer than specified in standard test procedures.

They are also designed for efficient field installation that reduces air infiltration, and there are few thermal breaks or penetrations in the panels that are typical of wood-frame construction. SIP Building Systems ensures and warrants that at all levels from fabrication to installation that every junction of any material is adhered and has a gasket seal. Further more after installation we provide a once over sealing from the inside for a double and triple seal of the entire assembly at every possible joint. No other structure type receives such attention to detail. R2000 building methods attempt to do so with much added costs and labor. l face.

HOW DO SIP'S SAVE SO MUCH LABOUR ?

Cutting and fabricating, based on construction drawings, are done in a SIP manufacturing plant. This reduces site labor and the time building materials are exposed to the weather on the job site. SIP's are also made in large sizes up to 8 ft by 24 ft, so assembly on-site is faster, framing crews are more productive, and the project is "dried-in" sooner. That means other subcontractors can get a head start on the jobs they need to do.

WHAT SIZE ARE SIPS?

Panels are available in sizes from 4’x8’ up to 8’x24’. The larger size allows the panel to be run horizontally 8 feet high x 24 feet long or they can be oriented vertically up to 24 feet high. A 8’x12’ panel weighs around 400 pounds so can be easily handled with 4 labours. The larger panels will require a lifting crane. When ordering a Greensmart SIP package, comment on the order sheet the size of panel you want to handle.

IS EXTERIOR SIDING APPLIED DIRECTLY TO THE PANEL SKIN?

Most type of type of cladding can be applied to the panel (acrylic stucco, vinyl and metal are applied directly to the panel). As an alternative, the panel’s outer skin can be supplied in weather resistant surface. In that case surface finishing resembles wooden siding and it does not require any additional siding. Felt paper and other moisture barriers need not be used between the panels and siding.

WHAT TYPES OF WINDOWS AND DOORS ARE USED?

Our buildings, as a standard, are equipped with state of art windows which prevent air leakages.

ARE PANELS A BETTER SOUND BARRIER THAN A STICK BUILT WALL?

Panels provide much better sound reduction at the higher frequencies. Those are typically outdoor noises. So, for exterior walls they are better. Indoor noises are generally lower frequency like stereos and talking. For these sounds a stud wall is better.

DO SIPS MEET FIRE AND BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS?

Yes. SIPs are recognized by all national and local building codes. For fire resistance on a home, building codes require installation of a thermal barrier - typically 1/2 inch gypsum board- on the interior side of the panel face.

HOW IS PLUMBING DONE IN A GREENSMART HOME?

There is no difference between plumbing a Greensmart home and plumbing a conventional frame house because typically plumbing runs should be kept in the interior (conventionally framed) partition walls and floors. Where exterior wall vent pipes are necessary, chases can be formed in the wall foam cores using the hot wire methods. If installer knows exact location the chase can be completed at the factory.

HOW IS ELECTRICAL INSTALLED?

Wiring is easy in a Greensmart building, wiring is like commercial construction. Wire is pulled through "Chases" or channels built into the foam cores the SIP. Vertical and horizontal wiring runs are installed and located as per the client’s approved shop drawings. A pull string is inserted in chase for electricians pull the wires through panel. For a small additional fee, horizontal runs can be located plug and light switch heights throughout entire wall foam core.