SIP Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a "SIP"?
- What are some advantages of using a SIP?
- What is the R-Value of a SIP Panel?
- How do you run wire through a SIP panel?
- How do SIP Panels join together?
- Why are Cas-Lin SIPs so structurally strong?
- What is Polyurethane Foam?
- What about fire?
- What is EPS?
- What type of finish surface is available?
- Is a Cas-Lin SIP panel environmentally safe to make?
- Are SIPs cost effective?
1. What is a “SIP”? A SIP is a Structural Insulated Panel consisting of an exterior and interior skin with a foam core interior. SIPs are high-performance building panels used in exterior walls, roofs, and floors.
2. What are some advantages of using a SIP?
SIPs save time, money, and energy. They outperform traditional “stick built” construction because less time is required to construct the external building envelope, and higher R-Values and efficiencies are achieved.
Cas-Lin SIPs are manufactured in an indoor factory-controlled manufacturing process. SIPs produced in the plant are made to exacting size and finish. Construction waste is largely reduced with the usage of a SIP system; openings for doors and windows are pre-cut in the factory.
3. What is the R-Value of a SIP Panel?
A number of factors can influence the actual R-Value of a wall, floor, or ceiling. With conventional construction, R-Value is reduced because wood or steel studs within the wall space allow airflow. Other components in a conventional wall like wiring boxes and bracing reduce the R-Value.
SIPs are engineered panels, with structural and insulative components bonded together as one. There are no thermal breaks to decrease insulation value. A standard 4 ½” inch thick Polyurethane SIP has an R-Value of R-30. Our Polyurethane foam core SIP provides a higher insulating value per inch than traditional fibreglass batt insulation.
Laboratory Testing
A study by Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL) proves that a 4" SIP wall outperforms traditional 2" x 4" stick and batt construction in thermal performance. With no breaks of hidden gaps, Cas-Lin's insulated panels provide superior energy efficiency for buildings. Insulated panels allow the application of an internal and external structure skin and thermal insulation to a building in one stage.
4. How do you run wire through a SIP panel?
Steel Vertical Channels/Wiring chases may be preformed into the foam core. Incorporating chases into the foam core ensures your insulation value is maintained and uninterrupted. There are no cold/dead spots.
5. How do SIP Panels join together? Polyurethane “Cam-Loc” SIP panels are joined together with steel cam-lock mechanisms encapsulated inside the foam. Utilizing a Cam-Lock ensures a perfect fit and an airtight connection between each panel.
Expanded Polystyrene “Sure-Loc” SIP panels, also known as Push Panels, have a tongue and groove edge profile that joins the panels together.
6. Why are Cas-Lin SIPs so structurally strong?
The components of a SIP work together to yield stiffness and superior structural strength. When compared to 2x4 construction, SIPS are 2 to 7 times stronger than traditional framing.
7. What is Polyurethane Foam?
Polyurethane is a man-made, environmentally friendly product. Polyurethane is used in the refrigeration industry because of its energy efficiency and prevention of air movement.
Polyurethanes are used in building & construction, furniture & bedding, appliances, packing, textiles, machinery, electronics etc.
The Polyurethane foam core in a SIP panel provides the insulation component, and gives the panel its strength, as it bonds all the components together.
Click here for more information on polyurethane applications.
8. What about fire?
Polyurethane foam does not melt and has excellent smoke and flame characteristics. SIPS are tested to the ASTM E84-04 "Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials" for smoke and flame spread. The polyurethane foam core has a Class 1 fire rating with a flame spread less than 25 units and smoke spread less than 400 units.
9. What is EPS?
Expanded Polystyrene is a form of insulation used to build SIPs. EPS is an air-filled, closed cell, rigid foam plastic insulation.
10. What type of finish surface is available?
Cas-lin offers a variety of interior and exterior skins. The skins may consist of OSB, metal, FRP, or plywood, to name a few.
11. Is a Cas-Lin SIP panel environmentally safe to make?
Yes. Our cured foam is inert and non-hazardous. The foam process uses no ozone depleting substances such as CFCs, HCFCs, or HBFCs.
12. Are SIPs cost effective?
Yes. The usage of SIP panels reduces overall construction cost and long-term operating costs of a building. Less waste is produced at the job site, installation time is reduced, and construction time is faster. Occupants enjoy a comfortable interior environment with lower HVAC equipment cost for the building operator.