The Solution to Common Problems with Structural Insulated Panels
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have become a staple in modern construction due to their high insulation, airtightness, and strength. However, traditional sandwich panel SIPs often pose challenges that can lead to increased costs and complexity for homebuyers, architects, and builders. Fortunately, RAYCORE SIPs offer innovative solutions to these problems, providing a superior alternative that enhances the building process and results.
Common Problems with Structural Insulated Panels
1. Limited Design Options
The design of traditional SIPs can be restricted by panel size and shape, limiting creativity and often resulting in boxy structures with limited architectural appeal.
RAYCORE Solution: RAYCORE SIPs offer unparalleled design flexibility. Because the panels can be cut on-site to fit any design, they accommodate a wide range of architectural styles and preferences. Whether you're planning custom angles, varying wall heights, or complex layouts, RAYCORE Structural Insulated Panels make it possible to bring your vision to life without compromise. Our motto, "If you can build it with sticks, you can build it with RAYCORE SIPs," reflects our commitment to versatile and creative design solutions.
2. Costly Modifications During Installation
Traditional SIPs require detailed planning, special expensive engineering, and precise cutting to avoid costly modifications during installation. Mistakes or changes in design or cutting the panels on-site can lead to significant delays and expenses.
RAYCORE Solution: RAYCORE SIPs are designed to be fully modular and adaptable, allowing for easy on-site adjustments without compromising the project. Framing walls and assembling roofs utilize standard framing practices and allow for on-site customization. This adaptability ensures that builders and architects can make necessary changes without incurring additional costs or delays.
3. Future Modifications
Because traditional sandwich panel SIPs must be precisely engineered for their structural integrity, it can be difficult to modify a structure once it is complete. Reduced structural performance can result from cutting the panels. Making changes to a wall can affect the structural integrity of the building. Adding plumbing and electrical systems, a window or door, or removing a wall to add a room to your home during or sometime after the initial construction is risky and challenging and must be carefully engineered. Cutting through the OSB skin weakens the panel and the building, compromising its structural integrity.
RAYCORE Solution: RAYCORE Structural Insulated Panels rely on studs for their structural integrity, making modifications easy and safe. The flexibility of our design means that future changes, such as adding or modifying electrical and plumbing systems, cutting out for additional doors or windows, or even eliminating a wall if necessary for future additions, can be easily completed without compromising the building's structural strength.
4. Heavy and Bulky Panels
Traditional SIPs are heavy and bulky, often requiring cranes or forklifts for installation, which significantly increases costs and logistical complexity.
RAYCORE Solution: RAYCORE SIPs are lightweight and easy to handle, allowing workers to move and position them without the need for heavy machinery. This ease of handling not only reduces costs but also speeds up the construction process, making RAYCORE Structural Insulated Panels a more efficient choice for both residential and commercial projects.
5. Durability Challenges
The durability of traditional SIPs consisting of OSB glued to foam can be compromised if the OSB or plywood facings get wet, leading to deterioration and potential structural failure. The glue bond has also been known to fail, causing “creep” where the foam shears from the structural facing. Long unsupported spans commonly used in the design process for traditional sandwich panel SIPs may result in roof sag and wall flex over time. See sandwich panel SIPs image below:
Image - Understanding Sandwich Panel SIPs
RAYCORE Solution: RAYCORE SIPs are constructed with materials that resist moisture and rely on studs for structural integrity. Unlike traditional SIPs, our panels do not depend on the foam and OSB for their strength, and their impermeable facings and polyurethane foam make them more resilient to water damage. Should a section of a RAYCORE SIP panel be damaged, it can be easily repaired by cutting out and replacing the affected area, unlike traditional SIPs that require full panel replacement. Incorporating traditional stick framing methods for construction ensures a strong and reliable structure that will withstand the forces of time.
6. Fire Safety Concerns
Traditional expanded polystyrene SIPs will simply melt if exposed to flame and may not provide adequate fire resistance even when treated with fire-retardant additives and surrounded by additional fire-rated materials, posing significant safety concerns.
RAYCORE Solution: RAYCORE SIPs use state-of-the-art polyurethane foam insulation with a Class 1 fire rating, ensuring superior fire safety and structural integrity. The foam will char in the presence of a flame but will not sustain burning once the flame is removed. This built-in fire resistance offers peace of mind and enhanced safety for occupants, reducing the need for additional chemicals and fireproofing measures.
7. Air Quality Issues and Ventilation Concerns
Moisture exposure in traditional sandwich panel SIPs can lead to mold growth, affecting indoor air quality and posing health risks to occupants. Furthermore, airtight buildings created with traditional sandwich panel SIPs require excellent ventilation systems to prevent the buildup of pollutants and maintain air quality.
RAYCORE Solution: RAYCORE SIPs are impermeable to moisture and do not support mold growth, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. Our panels are designed to resist water infiltration and maintain their integrity over time, providing long-term protection against mold and mildew. This durability contributes to improved air quality and a healthier living space for residents. A structure built with RAYCORE Structural Insulated Panels prevents air infiltration and energy loss while maintaining a quality air environment. Necessary air circulation and ventilation can be achieved easily and inexpensively through standard exhaust systems, doors, and windows, ensuring that indoor air remains fresh and healthy without compromising energy efficiency.
8. Pest Infestation Risks
Traditional sandwich panel SIPs can be susceptible to pests like termites and rodents, which can damage the panels and compromise structural integrity.
RAYCORE Solution: While any construction should be protected from pests, RAYCORE SIPs offer no nutritional value to pests, reducing the likelihood of infestations. Our panels are designed to resist pest intrusion, minimizing the need for additional treatments and providing long-lasting protection against common pest-related issues.
9. Higher Costs Compared to Stick Built Construction
Traditional sandwich panel SIPs are generally 3-4 times more expensive than traditional wood framing and insulation, which can be a concern for budget-conscious projects.
RAYCORE Solution: While RAYCORE SIPs may have a higher initial cost than traditional stick framing, they are generally half the cost of sandwich panel SIPs. The long-term energy savings and superior insulation performance more than compensates for the difference. RAYCORE Structural Insulated Panels offer significant energy efficiency, resulting in reduced heating and cooling costs over the life of the structure. As a bonus, because of the reduced demand on the system, your HVAC will be sized down, further offsetting your initial construction costs. Compared to other SIPs and construction methods like ICFs, RAYCORE SIPs provide exceptional value with higher R-values and quicker installation times, making them a cost-effective choice for a wide range of projects.
Discover the RAYCORE Structural Insulated Panel SIPs ® Advantage
RAYCORE Structural Insulated Panels offer solutions to the common issues associated with traditional sandwich panel SIPs, providing an innovative and efficient alternative for contemporary construction. Whether you're a homebuyer, architect, or builder, RAYCORE SIPs deliver the performance, flexibility, reliability, energy savings, and cost-effectiveness you need for successful projects.
For more information about how RAYCORE SIPs can enhance your next construction project, visit RAYCORE Structural Insulated Panels - SIPs ® website!
By Email at: info@raycore.com or by Phone: 1.877.552.2440 or…
