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When Bob arrived on site the first morning of the build, the foundation was in and backfilled, and the first floor deck was capped. The crew from Premier Building Systems was ready to start assembling their SIPs (Structural Insulated Panel) system in a process that replaces all the steps involved in traditional framing, sheathing, and insulation. The panels were carefully numbered, laid out and ready for the crew to raise the first floor walls. The first wall section takes the longest time because it must be braced and plumb before the next section can be attached. Work can progress swiftly because the SIPs panels and many of the other materials have been preassembled to the architect's specifications in a factory off-site and the interior wall framing sections have been pre-constructed on-site. In many ways the construction process resembles the construction of a life-size three dimensional puzzle.
SIPs are an extremely strong engineered wood product with a super-insulating core of rigid expanded polystyrene (EPS), structurally laminated and pressure cured between two sheets of non veneer plywood called oriented strand board (OSB). Framing, insulation, vapor barrier, and sheathing are all incorporated into one package. They are approved by most national and local building codes. Panels are compatible with conventional building materials. Panel systems can be ordered nonfabricated or prefabricated with pre-cut windows, doors, custom openings and optional electrical chases.
The panels' light weight makes them easy to install and their high insulation values ("R" values from R-15 to R-45) save energy dollars. They are insect resistant (Premier's manufacturing process uses a natural borate mineral that is formulated to resist insects and builds it right into the insulation) and exceed North American residential fire codes. With their strength, stiffness and dimensional stability are resistant to earthquake, high wind loads, and punch-through.
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© 2001 BobVila.com
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