Insulated panels mean big savings
December 06, 2003 — 12:09 p.m.
Dear Jim: We heard about structural insulated panel system
(SIPS) houses at a home show. We are going to build our
dream home next year and we are exploring different building
methods. What is a SIPS house? Are they efficient? Do they
look strange? — Ron B.
Dear Ron: Using the structural insulated panel system method
would be ideal for your dream home. This is one of the most
energy-efficient house construction methods available and
it is extremely durable. Some of the SIPS manufacturers
offer lifetime warranties on their homes.
Year-round utility bills for such a home should be less
than half of those for a standard code stick-built lumber
house. SIPS homes are very airtight, which gives you precise
control over the indoor air quality (allergens, humidity,
dust, etc.). Super-insulated, airtight walls also block
most outdoor noise.
With this construction method, the insulated shell of a
home acts as the supporting structure. This eliminates the
need to first frame walls, stuff them with insulation and
then cover the indoor and outdoor surfaces. Those tasks
are all accomplished with a single thick, strong panel.
SIPS simplicity and strength allows for more architectural
flexibility. From the exterior, which could be brick, stucco,
etc., and the interior, a SIPS house is indistinguishable
from an ordinary house. The only difference you might possibly
notice is the thicker walls at the windows.
Using vented roof panels makes it easy to build cathedral
ceilings.
SIPS panels have polyurethane or expanded polystyrene rigid
foam insulation sandwiched between two layers of structural
oriented strand board. The panels are available in various
thicknesses. Some have an insulation value of R-45. You
can also use them for the floors and ceilings. Panels are
available with drywall or paneling already attached to the
indoor surface.
The panels, made in a factory, are as long as 24 feet.
There are few joints in the walls to leak air. Engineers
at the factory take your house plans and make all the panels
to the exact sizes needed. They can cut the window and door
openings at the factory or it can be done at the site.
The panels are attached to each other by various means.
Some use tongue-and-groove edges and others use vertical
splines for an airtight, strong fit. A unique design uses
a cam lock, which secures double tongue-and-grooves. The
bottom attaches to the foundation and the top to a header.
Once the SIPS panels are designed and made, the actual
construction at your building site is quick and doesn't
depend on good weather. Chases for the electric wiring are
already cut in the foam to reduce the labor costs for the
electrician. Because of the airtightness, it's a good idea
to have a fresh air heat recovery ventilation system, which
will provide excellent indoor air quality.
Write to me at the address at the end of the column (or
instantly download at www.dulley.com) for "Update Bulletin
No. 738," a buyer's guide to insulated panel construction
and manufacturers. Please include $3 and a business-size,
self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Dear Jim: Is it best to keep the furnace blower fan running
continuously or let it cycle on and off? I don't like all
the noise when the fan runs continuously. — Harold
M.
Dear Harold: In most situations, it is better to let the
fan cycle on and off with the furnace and not run continuously.
Running it continuously will increase your electric bills
because blower motors are quite powerful.
If you have another source of heat, such as an efficient
fireplace, running the fan continuously will help to circulate
the heat. Also, if you have allergies, running the fan more
often may improve the indoor air quality. Readers may write
to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.
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