Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturer
Copyright 2008-2011 Foam Laminates of Vermont, a division of Energy Smart Building, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Supporting the Green Building Industry.
Most
manufacturers use foam as the core material in a SIP. There are currently
three main categories of foam core: EPS, XPS, and urethane foam. While each
of these cores have unique properties, they all provide the necessary structural
and fire resistance characteristics as required by the various building code
authorities. In addition, foam offers exceptional thermal protection and energy
efficiency.
Foam Laminates of Vermont uses EPS as the core of its panel, since it is proven
and wildly accepted technology. EPS foam is essentially a closed-cell, moisture
resistant structure composed of millions of tiny air-filled pockets. It is
manufactured from beads that are formed by the polymerization of a styrene
monomer with an expansion agent acting as the catalyst.
This expandable polystrene was first patented in 1950 by the BASF Corporation,
and has since reached overwhelming popularity. In fact, it has been estimated
that 85% of all SIPs use EPS as the core.
Our EPS foam core has the industry standard density of 1 pound per cubic foot
(pcf), giving it an R-value of 3.85 at 30 degrees F per inch of thickness.
To view our comparison of EPS foam core SIPs versus traditional fiberglass
stick frames, click
here. Finally, extensive testing has shown that our EPS foam panels are
not susceptible to thermal drift, which is the tendency of a material to lose
its insulating value over time.
Announcing Neopor
Neopor is an EPS product that has graphite integrated into the foam bead which reflects and absorbs radiant heat. It provides an increase in R value of about .8/inch over type I EPS. Neopor is a green product that does not contain any CFC’s, HCFC’s, or HFC’s. For R values see our technical section.
Neopor Structural Panels
- 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
