SIPs are Strong - Structural Insulated Panels

Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturer

Manufacturer of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Copyright 2008 Foam Laminates of Vermont. All Rights Reserved.
Supporting the Green Building Industry.

I-Beam Structural Insulated Panel (SIP)

A SIP functions like an I-Beam. The SIP facing acts as the steel flanges and the SIP core acts like the continual steel web.

Flange = Facing

Web = Core

Recent research has shown that the structural integrity of a SIP building is significantly superior to a conventional stick framed house in terms of compressive resistance, flexural strength, shear resistance, and uplift resistance. SIPs have undergone exhaustive testing by many third party agencies, and SIPs have proven themselves to be a powerful alternative to the standard fiberglass-stick frame.

If the research wasn't evidence enough, there are many SIP homes that can be found in the real world, many which are decades old without any structural damage or weakening. Furthermore, many SIP homes have survived earthquakes and hurricanes in areas where their counterparts: stick-built homes were destroyed.

For example, a SIP was struck by the path of a tornado in the town of Clermont, Georgia in March 1998. The tornado destroyed 7 homes in the vicinity, and while the SIP home lost half of its shingles, the house sustained no structural damage.

In another case, a 1993 earthquake shook the ground in Kobe, Japan, crippling a large portion of the city. However, the homes built with SIPs escaped virtually unscathed. Recently, Japan has seen a large boom in SIPs sales and manufactures, largely in part to this disaster. The ability of a SIP to withstand recent forces of nature is perhaps the true testament to their superior structural performance.

About Foam Laminates
   Contact
   Request Information
   Printable Brochure
   Vermont Frames

Building Green
   Energy Star
   Energy Efficient Loans
   Green Tax Credits

Why Build with SIPs?
   More Comfortable
   Stronger & Safer
   Faster to Construct
   More Resource Efficient
   Healthier Living
   Save Money
   Wave of the Future
   Greater Energy Savings
   Straighter Walls
   More Design Friendly

Installation Manual
   Pre-Delivery Preparation
   Delivery & Getting Started
   Wall Panel Installation
   Roof Panel Installation

Products
   Structural Panels
   Hybrid SIPs
   Timber Frames

Anatomy of a SIP
   Components
         Facings
         Core Materials
         Adhesives
   How are they made?
   History
         Introduction
         Forest Lab & Frank L. Wright
         Alden B. Dow
         Koopers Co. & Alside
         The Resurgence

Trade Shows

FAQ
   Why Choose Us?
   Where Do I Start?
   Why not Stick Frames?
   Do You Build in Canada?

Architects & Builders

External Links