What Is Structural Insulated Panels?
Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) are a high-performance construction system for residential and light commercial construction. The panels consist of an insulating foam core embedded between two structural shells, typically Oriented Strand Board (OSB). SIPs are manufactured under controlled factory conditions and can be manufactured to fit almost any building design. The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy efficient and inexpensive. Building with SIP saves your time, money and work.
Each panel has multiple layers that are combined to efficiently withstand heat transfer. SIPs offer extreme durability, strength and energy efficiency compared to traditional insulation methods.
What Are The Features of Structural Insulated Panels?
- SIPs take the form of an insulating core or a layer sandwiched between two structural face sheets, as shown in Figure. This insulating core can typically be a closed cell polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene (EPS). Structural coatings as they meet the British standard BS EN 300 for structural integrity. In addition to OSB, cement, metals, wood-based materials, magnesium oxide panels and cement are also used as construction material.
- Manufactured in a variety of dimensions and thicknesses from 4- 8 inches, SIPs are manufactured in a factory and are quick to install once they are shipped to the job site. SIP is manufactured with a maximum length of up to 7.5 m for walls and up to 4 m for floors.
What Are The Types of Structural Insulated Panels?
Expanded polystyrene insulated panels :-
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a foam sheet insulation that is widely used in the manufacture of SIP. It is a type of closed-cell insulation made by expanding a small drop of polystyrene polymer with steam. from large blocks of insulation of different densities, which are then cut into the desired shapes and sizes.
These SIPs offer an R-value of R-4 to R-5 per inch of thickness. This value can be up to 13. EPS panels are commercially available in widths from 4 to 24 feet.
Polyurethane insulated panels :-
Sheets with polyurethane or polyisocyanurate insulation provide a nominal R-value of approximately R-6 to R-7 per inch of thickness. These insulation panels are made in a thickness of 3.5 “for walls and 7.5” for ceilings. Polyurethane panels are expensive. compared to EPS, but offer a higher water and fire resistance as well as a higher R-value.
Compressed straw-core insulated panels :-
Compressed straw core insulation panels, unlike other panel materials, are “green building materials” made from renewable and recycled agricultural waste straw. Although they are environmentally friendly, they offer a small R-value range compared to other types of SIP.
What Are The Application of Structural Insulated Panels?
- SIPs are used for commercial buildings that can have higher temperature levels due to the presence of machinery and equipment. These panels provide efficient internal temperature control under these conditions.
- Especially in pharmacies, SIPs ensure the temperature required to store medicines and medical articles. These plates are used in refrigerated trucks for the transport of temperature sensitive drugs and medical items.
- SIPs are used for large-scale refrigeration purposes to line refrigerators and freezers to maintain the required temperature. Hospitals, schools, restaurants, warehouses, etc. use these facilities.
- SIPs are used in warehouses to maintain low indoor temperatures and are suitable for warehouses that store food, electronics, and other temperature sensitive items.
