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Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Q&A



1. WHAT IS THE R-CONTROL® SIP (STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANEL) SYSTEM?

An extremely strong super insulated structural panel building component used for exterior walls, roof/ceilings and floors. R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are made from engineered wood facings adhesively bonded to expanded polystyrene high performance rigid insulation.


2. WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER USING THE R-CONTROL® SIP SYSTEM OVER CONVENTIONAL STICK-BUILT METHODS?

If you plan to own or occupy the building or house, there are several excellent reasons to consider R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). One of the most exciting features of an R-Control® SIP structure is the comfort benefit to the homeowner. R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) create an inside home environment that is more easily and economically controlled. In addition to superior physical comfort, R-Control® Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) structures are also very quiet and clean.
Speed of Construction
R-Control® SIP is a faster method of construction. Many R-Control® Structural Insulated Panel contractor users report 30 percent to 50 percent increased productivity in their framing.


Thermal Performance
Stick-built walls were originally designed to be structural, not insulated. With R-Control® SIPs, the insulation is not an afterthought, but an integral part of the structure. The insulation is solid, so there is no air movement within the wall, nor are there studs acting as thermal breaks that reduce energy efficiency and homeowner comfort.

Quality
R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) assure you of straight, flat walls with no bulging framing members. Straight walls are virtually impossible to achieve with stick framing. Attraction of dirt particles to thermal shorts caused by framing members is eliminated. A continuous wood surface provides a sound nailbase for conventional exterior finishing materials. This is also an advantage for interior finishing, as well as hanging cabinets and pictures.

Strength
Structural testing and real-world storms and earthquakes have challenged R-Control® Structural Insulated (SIPs) Panel strength performance. In tests of strength, R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have proven stronger than stick-framed construction methods.

3. Q. HOW DO R-CONTROL SIPs HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?

Many ways! The raw materials in R-Control® SIPs have low energy requirements to make them. The structural skins of R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are made from renewable controlled growth wood resources. For years and years R-Control® structures will save fuel used for heating and cooling. The resulting pollutants from burning fuels like natural gas, oil and coal are dramatically reduced. The environment is then spared the contributing "green house" effect of burning additional fuels that conventionally built structures require.

4. Q. HAS THE R-CONTROL SIP SYSTEM BEEN THOROUGHLY TESTED, AND DOES IT HAVE BUILDING CODE ACCEPTANCE?

Yes. Extensive testing has been performed by many independent laboratories. R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels are UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.) listed and a Third Party Certified product. R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have the recognition of the national building code bodies.
  • ICC ES (International Code Council Evaluation Service)
  • Various state and local agencies
  • R-Control® is also recognized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as having other individual state and international approvals.

5. Q. HAVE R-CONTROL SIPs BEEN FIRE TESTED?

Yes. R-Control® Panels have been fully tested for surface burning characteristics and smoke development, room fire test, thermal barrier and hourly fire tests on wall, ceiling and roof assemblies.

6. Q. HOW DO R-CONTROL SIPs RESIST INSECTS?

R-Control® SIPs are no more susceptible to insect infestation than other forms of construction. However, R-Control® has identified and thoroughly researched a natural mineral product that is effective for termite resistance. The mineral is non-toxic and safe for humans. R-Control® embodies this natural mineral within the R-Control® Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) for optimum termite resistance. The process is so unique and beneficial it has been awarded several patents. Even with this effective treatment provided by R-Control® Building Systems, insect preventative building practices should be employed by the builder, and maintained by the homeowner.

7. Q. WHAT EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR FINISH CAN BE USED WITH R-CONTROL® SIPs?

All types of sidings, claddings and roofing materials can be applied to R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). The wood face of R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels provides an excellent nail base and eliminates stud searching.


8. Q. HOW ARE WINDOWS AND DOORS INSTALLED IN R-CONTROL® SIPs?

Openings for windows and doors can be built right into the R-Control® Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) at the factory, or cut in during field construction. Boundary framing is then installed and the window or door is conventionally set.

9. Q. HOW IS ELECTRICAL WIRING INSTALLED IN R-CONTROL SIPs?

Each panel contains a vertical and horizontal electrical chase in the EPS core. Wiring is pushed through chases during construction. Electrical boxes screw mount to the face of the R-Control® SIP.

10. Q. HAVE R-CONTROL® SIPs BEEN PROVEN STRUCTURALLY IN EARTHQUAKES AND STORMS?

Yes. R-Control® Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have exceptional strength to resist typical loads caused by seismic activity and high winds. R-Control® Building Systems has documentation of six homes which used R-Control® components that withstood the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Kobe, Japan in January 1995. These homes were located just miles from the quake's epicenter and stood solidly against the tremendous force of the earthquake. R-Control® Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) structures have also withstood tornados in Georgia and straight line winds and tree trunks crashing into them in Michigan.

11. Q. SINCE R-CONTROL SIP STRUCTURES ARE SO WELL CONSTRUCTED, DO THEY REQUIRE MECHANICAL VENTILATION?

Yes. Air to air exchangers are used to bring in fresh air, preheat the air and assist in the removal of humidity and stale air. Comfort to the occupants is unparalleled. Cost of operation is minimal.

12. Q. DO R-CONTROL SIPs CONTAIN UREA FORMALDEHYDE, CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs?

No, and they never have.