A: SIPs are super energy efficient building panels for walls, roofs and floors. Quacent panels are made using expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid foam insulation laminated between oriented strand board (OSB). The result is a very strong, predictable, highly energy efficient framing system. SIPs are used in residential, commercial and agricultural applications. You will also see SIPs referred to as sandwich panels. SIPs are assembled using the same tip-up method used in concrete tilt-up panel construction.

A: SIPs have been used worldwide since the 1950s. The first SIP house was built in 1952 in Michigan, USA.

A: Structural Insulated Panels exceed the Building Regulation requirements with regards to fire resistance; with 12.5mm fire resistant plasterboard the panels achieve a Class 1 fire rating. A Class 0 fire rating is achieved if two layers of plasterboard are fixed.

(1)No. The Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) / Hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) free rigid Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core of the SIP panels resists attack by mould and microbial growth and does not provide food value to vermin.
(2)No more than in conventional construction. In climates where either termites or ants can cause problems, panel manufacturers recommend that all homeowners use the same preventive treatments (topical sprays around foundations, termite shields, etc.) they would use in a stick framed home. Preventive measures at the time of construction will aid in preventing infestation. Check with officials in your area. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is non-intrusive to insects.
(3) Although termites do not feed on the foam panel cores, there have been instances in which panel cores have been hollowed out by these insects and used as a nesting ground. Many manufacturers offer SIPs with borate treated foam to provide termite resistance. Termites may also be deterred through the use of a specifically designed steel mesh. Both these treatments are highly effective, but they are not a substitute for careful termite prevention and maintenance, as with any other wood structure.

A: Please check the SIP measurement table.

A: No. Our panels are customized to fit each individual house plan, from very simple to very complex homes.

A: The resistance of temperature flow between objects. The higher the R-value, the more resistance.

A: Please check the weight chart.

A: SIP buildings are extremely airtight and require mechanical ventilation. Ventilation systems bring fresh air into the building in controlled amounts and exhaust moisture laden and stale air to the outside. By limiting air exchange to controlled ventilation systems, SIP homes allow for all incoming air to be filtered for allergens and dehumidified, amounting to better indoor air quality. Proper ventilation is important in all homes to preserve indoor air quality.