Wall panels are being applied.The world of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) gets
more crowded and more confusing everyday. As a timber framer it is my job to wade through the rhetoric and make some base conclusions
which enable you, the homeowner, to make informed decisions. The panel companies nationally are separated by two markets. Urethane foam
vs. EPS foam and Pre-cuts vs. Blanks. Urethane vs. EPS is the battle of R-Factor and adhesion. Urethane foam has a much higher r-factor
per inch of thickness than EPS. EPS foam is glued to its inner and outer skin while urethane foam is bonded chemically to its inner and
outer skin.
Getting closed in...Pre-Cuts vs. Blanks is the battle of greater pre-planning and faster installation. Pre-cuts demand much more pre-planning for window
locations, electrical, etc. Blanks enable you to apply panels and then cut your windows in wherever you want. Blanks take much longer
to apply and extended time for cutting openings for doors, windows, etc. Pre-cuts apply quicker and enable you to hang windows and
doors without delay.
Our Conclusions: We recommend pre-cut urethane SIPs.
We like the higher R-factor as well as the chemically bonded process of adhesion. With adequate pre-planning, pre-cut panels will speed
up the "getting closed in" process. Furthermore, we feel Thermocore has the best blend of services while also providing a pre-cut urethane
panel. Thermocore also provides installation services.
Panels are done!
This means your general contractor can concentrate on those aspects of building he
is familiar with. In short: THE TIMBERFRAMERS RAISE THE FRAME...THE SIP's COMPANY HANG THE PANELS...then its back to everyday building for
the general contractor.