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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are R-Tight® SIPs?
A: SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) are a high tech laminate of different building materials. Essentially, SIPs are a sandwich of an insulated foam core with exterior faces made of OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or drywall.
Q: Are SIPs new? How do I know they'll last?
A: The first SIPs were used way back in 1952, when Architect Alden Dow (related to the Dow Chemical Company founder) started designing SIP homes. These homes are still lived in today. More recently, many important, high tech innovations have occurred to make SIPs even more reliable and environmentally friendly. R-Tight® Panel has a written guarantee on our panels, and we stand 100% behind our products.
Q: How do SIPs compare to conventional `stick-built' homes in their energy efficiency?
A: The best direct, `head to head' comparison between SIPs and a `stick-built' home was the study (US Department of Energy Final Report #FSEC-CR-664-93) of two identical houses, one built with SIPs, and one with 2"x4" studs. The homes were built in Louisville, KY, and were evaluated from January 12 to March 5, 1993. This study showed the following remarkable advantages for SIP house:
Q: Why are R-Tight® SIPs so efficient?
A: Several reasons. In conventional stud-built houses, the studs break up the insulation (usually the pink fiberglass kind). In addition, no matter how careful the builder is when he installs the insulation, it is always difficult to get good seals around studs, wiring, electrical outlets, windows, doors, and the like. In a SIP house, the panels form an uninterrupted shell around the home. The seams between panels are sealed with expanding foam sealer, the wiring goes into a special `chase' that runs through the panels, and window and door openings in the panels are carefully cut out and framed in.
Q: Are R-Tight® SIPs environmentally friendly? Do they outgas chemicals?
A: R-Tight® panels have insulated cores made with either EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or polyisocyanurate foam. Both types of cores are now made with low-environmental impact processes. EPS, for example is now made in a CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) and HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbon)-free expansion process that uses recycled pentane (a substance related to octane, found in fuel). The OSB sheathing for our panels is a composite of non-volatile plastic, and small wood pieces which are harvested from new-growth trees that regrow fast. The drywall sheathing is mostly a composite of minerals and other natural materials. One of the best ways for you to think about the impact of SIPs on the environment is to consider the savings in fossil fuels, and the lessened carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere during the many years you heat and cool your home. Q: You mentioned EPS and polyisocyanurate insulated cores. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
A: Both EPS and polyisocyanurate (`poly') have advantages and disadvantages. EPS is less expensive than `poly.' It is easier to work with, both in our factory, and at your site. It can be scooped out with a `hot knife,' like the photo shows, when you need to place inserts for doors and windows. `Poly' has more insulating value per inch than EPS, so EPS panels will need to be a little thicker to achieve the same R-value. Both EPS and `poly' panels are flammable (that's why they're usually covered with a drywall layer for a firebreak), but EPS is somewhat more flammable than `poly.' We've found more than 95% of our clients choose EPS for its lower cost, and ease of installation.
Q: I'm enclosing my new timberframe home with R-Tight® panels. How will they fit over my frame? A: We'll study your timberframe design carefully, and look at where all the different pieces run - the rafters, posts, carriers, ties, and so on. We try to have panel joints occur mostly behind timbers, to minimize seams, and interior finishing costs.
Q: What sizes do R-Tight® panels came in?
A: Our panels come in a standard 4' width. We can make them in 8', 9', 10' 12', 14', and 16' lengths. When we create a panel layout for your frame, or we design an R-Tight® Panel SIP house, we choose lengths that are appropriate for the spans.
Q: How do I install R-Tight® panels?
A: Click on Stress Skin Panel Installation Guide to go to our detailed 50 page book. You can learn all the details, and the `secrets' the pros use. You can download a free copy of this handy book in pdf format!
Q: What different kinds of R-Tight® panels do you make?
A: We make several kinds. Click on Panel Types to see drawings and photos. Most common is our structural panel, with OSB both inside and out. Another kind is the nailbase panel, with OSB just on the outside. This panel is sometimes used over tongue & groove wood ceilings. A third common type is our 'curtainwall' panel with OSB outside, and drywall inside. This panel is often used for roof systems if you want drywall instead of tongue & groove wood between rafters.
Q: How do you wire through R-Tight® panels?
A: We can put a wiring chase in your panels for you to wire through. There are also several other ways you can wire a panel home. Click here to go to page 35 of our Panel Installation Guide. This shows a couple really good ways to wire.
Q: How do I run plumbing in my R-Tight® panels?
A: Don't!! Plumbing should never be run in exterior walls. This is a building code violation in many places. The best way to run plumbing is through interior walls, like in a conventional home.
Q: Do R-Tight® panels cost more than `stick walls?'
A: Yes, R-Tight® panels cost a little more than studs, exterior sheathing, pink insulation, and drywall, materials they replace. But when you figure the savings in labor when you build with R-Tight® panels, the total cost is about the same. Then, when you calculate your lifetime savings in heat and cooling, the answer is obvious! R-Tight® panels save you bundles of money.
Q: What thickness R-Tight® panels should I use?
A: we make R-Tight® panels in several thicknesses from 4-1/2" (R-15) to 10-1/4" (R-37). The choice will depend on where your building is located, among other factors. We can help you decide what thickness is right for your project - call us at (802) 644-2500. |
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