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 1. Q. 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 are made from
engineered wood facings adhesively bonded to expanded polystyrene
high performance rigid insulation.
2. Q. 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. One of the most
exciting features of an R-Control SIP structure is the comfort benefit to the
homeowner. R-Control Structural Insulated Panels create an inside home environment that is more
easily and economically controlled. In addition to superior physical
comfort, R-Control Structural Insulated Panel structures are also very quiet and clean.
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.
Strength
Structural testing and real world storms and earthquakes have challenged
R-Control Structural Insulated Panel
strength performance. In tests of strength, R-Control Structural Insulated Panels have proven
stronger than stick framed
construction methods.
Quality
R-Control Structural Insulated Panels 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.
Speed of Construction
R-Control SIP is a faster method of construction. Many R-Control Structural Insulated Panel
contractor users report 30% to 50% increased productivity in their framing.
3. Q. WHAT TYPE OF BUILDINGS CAN BE BUILT WITH R-CONTROL SIPs?
R-Control Structural Insulated Panles can be used in all designs: office buildings, schools, churches, custom homes, engineered homes,
restaurants...the options are endless.
Owners, builders, and designers who want to use a superior building
technology can all benefit from R-Control Structural Insulated Panels.
4. Q. WHY DO R-CONTROL SIP STRUCTURES OUTPERFORM CONVENTIONALLY CONSTRUCTED
BUILDINGS AND HOMES WITH THE SAME R-VALUE?
The R-Value rating of a specific material or wall assembly was not intended
to be the measure of thermal efficiency of a home. R-Value only measures
resistance to heat loss by conduction. Other forms of heat loss are
convection, radiation and especially infiltration (leakage). Conventional
framing with batt insulation promotes convection,radiant and infiltration
heat loss.
5. Q. WHAT IS THE R-VALUE?
R-Control SIPs are manufactured with values of R-15, R-23, R-30, R-37 and
R-45. Testing at Oak Ridge National Laboratories showed that R-Control SIP
walls are far superior to conventional stick frame and batt insulated walls.
A 4-1/2" R-Control Structural Insulated Panel was 45% better than 2x4's with batt insulation
and in fact also was better than 2x6's with batt insulation.
6. Q. WHAT IS THE COST OF R-CONTROL COMPARED TO A CONVENTIONAL STICK BUILT
STRUCTURE?
The cost of any home or building is significantly dependent upon design.
Basically, R-Control Structural Insulated Panels offset small additional material costs through
labor savings. However, R-Control structures produce significant savings to
the owner when low monthly utility bills arrive.
7. 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 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.
8. Q. HAVE R-CONTROL SIPs BEEN PROVEN STRUCTURALLY IN EARTHQUAKES AND
STORMS?
Yes. R-Control Structural Insulated Panels 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 structures have also
withstood tornados in Georgia and straight line winds and tree trunks
crashing into them in Michigan.
9. 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.
10. 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 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.
11. 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 at
the factory, or cut in during field construction. Boundary framing is then
installed and the window or door is conventionally set.
12. 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. The wood face of R-Control Structural Insulated Panels provides an excellent nail
base and eliminates stud searching.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Q. DO R-CONTROL SIPs CONTAIN UREA FORMALDEHYDE, CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs?
No, and they never have.
16. 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 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.
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Download a PDF file of our SIPs brochure.
Download a PDF file of our Q&A.;
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