PorterSIPs™ (Structural Insulated Panels)
Structural Insulated Panels: SIPs are a unique building product because they combine structure and insulation in one large rigid panel – available in many thicknesses and sizes, up to 8’ x 24’.
Nail Base Panels: PorterSIPs offers a nail base panel to be used in roofing and siding applications requiring OSB on one side of the panel only. This provides excellent insulation, and a nail base for attachment of roofing and siding.
| Standard Thicknesses: | |
| Nominal: | Actual: |
| 4-1/2” | 4-5/8” (3-3/4”EPS core+ (2) 7/16” OSB skins) |
| 6-1/2” | 6-5/8” (5-3/4”EPS core+ (2) 7/16” OSB skins) |
| 8-1/4” | 8-3/8” (7-1/2”EPS core+ (2) 7/16” OSB skins) |
| 10-1/4” | 10-3/8” (9-1/2”EPS core+ (2) 7/16” OSB skins) |
| 12-1/4” | 12-3/8” (11-1/2”EPS core+ (2) 7/16” OSB skins) |
Note: Custom thicknesses are available
How they work:
SIPs achieve their structural integrity with an “I” beam effect by using rigid sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) as the flanges of the “I” beam and a rigid plastic foam core as the web of the “I” beam. The key to this structure’s performance is that the EPS core keeps the OSB skins from buckling by keeping them “in plane”. The rigid plastic foam core of (1 pound per sq. ft.) expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the insulation and the web of the “I” beam. The thicker the panel the more load the panel will carry and the greater the insulation value.
Factory conditions lead to consistent quality:
The EPS foam core and the OSB facings are rigidly bonded together in the factory under strict quality control standards, making building code compliant panels. Factory manufacturing does not stop at the bonding of the OSB to the EPS, it continues on with precision cutting and shaping of the panels to match the specified building design.
SIPs are an evolution of stick construction:
SIPs have evolved as a hybrid of stick-built construction and use dimensional lumber for corner connections, plates and window/door framing point loads, and sub-fascia. SIPs are sized to work with standard dimensional lumber; 2 x 4, 2 x 6, 2 x 8, 2 x 10 and 2 x 12. Compared with stick framing, construction with SIPs eliminates many steps and time is saved. SIPs contain the “framing”, sheathing, and insulation in a product that is assembled in one step.
SIP erection is very similar to stick construction:
Switching from stick-built to SIP is a relatively easy process that requires only a few changes. Many standard carpentry tools are still used when building with SIPs. However, power lifting equipment is required as a SIP can weigh up to 800 pounds. Also, SIPs use special fasteners and foam recessing equipment if field modifications are required. To aid in learning the process of SIP construction, PorterSIPs offers on-site installation crew training or can provide contacts for expert and cost-effective SIP erection.
