Solid Core Buildings - Energy Efficiency
STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANEL SYSTEMS


EPS solid core buildings are proven efficient
A study by the Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL) proves that a 4-inch structural insulated panel wall outperforms 2"x4" stick and batt construction, and even edges out 2"x6" construction in terms of thermal performance. Structural insulated panels are the structural elements, there are no studs or braces to cause breaks in the insulation. The end result is a more comfortable, energy efficient structure that performs up to spec in real world conditions.

Stick and batt construction can be subject to poorly installed or even missing insulation. The nature of structural insulated panels combines the structural and insulation elements joined as one. There are no hidden gaps, because a solid layer of foam insulation is integral to panel construction.

State-of-the-art technical analysis of whole wall performance indicates that the losses in a stud wall are much greater than expected. On average, the other standard components in stick and batt construction can reduce R-values in as much as 30% of the wall area.

That is not the case with structural insulated panels. The ORNL study found that structural insulated panels perform at approximately 97% of their stated R-value overall, losing only 3% to nail holes, seams, and splines. Wiring chases are precut or preformed into the foam core, providing a continuous layer of insulation keeping the elements at bay and the interior free of drafts and cold spots.

A structural insulated panel wall also outperforms stick and batt when it comes to maintaining consistent interior temperatures, and that translates to improved occupant comfort. As shown in the graph, the interior surface temperature of frame construction drops precipitously at every stud, while the SIP wall remains consistent across its entire surface. No temperature dips mean improved occupant comfort, regardless of where you are in the room. That's a big part of what people are talking about when they say they can immediately "feel the difference" in a SIP-built residential or commercial space.

With a SIP system, thermal efficiency and comfort are built in at the factory, and now the lab results prove it.

Tests prove Solid Core buildings are superior in thermal performance.
The Brock University study: Comparing identical buildings
When it comes to quantifying actual heat loss in different wall systems, the Brock University study provided an excellent opportunity for accurate comparison between structural insulated panel and stick construction in the real world.

The two structures involved in the study were rental housing units, located immediately adjacent to one another. Both buildings were identical and had similar east-west orientations, ensuring the same exposure to outdoor temperature and wind conditions. Except for brief periods both houses were occupied throughout the course of the study, which took place over a 12-month period from February 2000 to January 2001. Both units were heated with a natural gas / forced air system.

One unit was constructed with 4.5" structural insulated panels, while the other used 2x6 studs with batt insulation. Both houses were constructed according to the Ontario Building Code (OBC). The units were built by the same crews, with no one being aware that scientific tests would be conducted afterwards.