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SIP Supply chooses to use polyurethane foam
insulation instead of expanded polystyrene (EPS) for several reasons.
First, polyurethane is a far better insulator. SIP polyurethane foam has a
stable R-value of R-7 per inch of thickness, versus R-4 for EPS. This
means that you can achieve R-28 with 4.5-inch walls. EPS-insulated walls
would have to be nearly twice as thick to achieve the same R-value.
Second, when polyurethane foam is injected into panels, the panels are
stronger than EPS panels. While the EPS is simply glued onto the
substrates, injected polyurethane foam adheres and bonds to every surface
(substrates, top-plates, splines, cam-locks, electrical boxes, etc.), and
then becomes rigid. Polyurethane panels can withstand higher compression
(or axial), transverse (or flexural), and racking loads.
Third,
polyurethane has better fire, flame, and smoke characteristics.
Polyurethane does not melt at any temperature. It will withstand constant
service temperatures up to 180-degrees Fahrenheit and will not char up to
275-degrees Fahrenheit.
Fourth, polyurethane allows the
optional use of cam-locks,
embedded into the foam. This saves labor in the field and makes strong
panel connections. Cam-locks cannot be embedded into EPS. Simply put,
polyurethane foam is a superior product for structural insulated panels.
PUR Fact:
: A
strong and durable bond exists between foam and skins. Heat and pressure
created by the chemical reaction of the expanding polyurethane foam forces
complete adhesion of the foam core to the skins.
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