Structural insulated panels (SIPs): Introduction for specifiers
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Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are prefabricated, high performance, lightweight building panels that can be used in walls and roofs for residential and commercial buildings. A SIP consists of two high density facings, typically orientated strand board (OSB), which are bonded on both sides of a low density, cellular foam core.
SIPs are manufactured under closely controlled factory conditions and can be custom designed for each application. The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective.
This Wood Information Sheet (WIS) provides an introduction to SIPs, how they are manufactured and the materials used. It also discusses the properties of SIPs including acoustic performance, thermal performance and durability, as well as their sustainability credentials.
SIPs are constructed by laminating high-density facings (typically oriented strand board (OSB)) to an insulating foam core.
SIPs can be used in walls and roofs for residential and commercial buildings. In all cases the product will be Design > Engineer;ed for loadbearing capability, racking resistance and wind loading.
SIP buildings are able to provide good levels of airtighness due to the panelised construction methodology.
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