HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING CONTINUED

The City of El Paso recently adopted the 2021 International Building Code for building and construction. A key component of this ICC is greater energy efficiency requirements. Under this new Code, new construction must have walls with an insulating R Value of 19 with roofs requiring an R Value of 49.

While this does present a challenge, it also represents an opportunity.

This opportunity comes in the form of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). SIPs provide high performance exterior walls, roofs, and floor panels.

For homeowners, the opportunity is significantly reduced energy costs, less air leakage, and more resistance to disasters (hurricanes, fires, etc.). For builders, SIPs offer significantly reduced labor costs, time savings, and ease of construction as compared to traditional stick-frame methods.

According to a study by BASF, using SIPs can cut labor costs by up to 55%.

SIPs are made by sandwiching a core rigid foam insulation between two layers of structural sheathing, typically OSB (oriented strand board) and then loaded onto a press. The resulting panels are very lightweight, energy efficient and remarkably strong. In fact, a single panel can support the entire weight of a pick-up truck with no discernible deflection.

Because our panels are made in a factory, door and window openings are pre-cut, along with electrical chases. The entire wall and roof sections assemble quickly and easily. Our team was able to assemble a 1410 square foot wall assembly in about 12 hours.

Furthermore, no sheathing or insulation is required on-site, and framing crews can quickly learn how to install SIPs.

Long term, life cycle analysis has shown that SIP homes have a tremendous positive environmental impact by reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the home’s life cycle. SIP designs can save 45% more CO2 with a 5.1-year energy payback and a 3.8-year greenhouse gas payback compared to stick framing examples.

Thus, structural insulated panels, SIPs, are one of the most environmentally responsible building systems available.

A SIP building envelope provides continuous insulation, is extremely airtight, allows for better control over indoor air quality, reduces construction waste, and helps save natural resources.

SIPs are also exceptionally strong. The structural characteristics of SIPs are similar to that of a steel I-beam. The OSB sheathing acts as the flange of the I-beam, while the rigid foam core provides the web. This design gives SIPs an advantage when handling compressive loads. SIPs are used for high wind designs in excess of 180 mph and are approved for Florida’s strict High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). The load-bearing area of SIPs is equivalent to building with 2 x 10 framing at 16 inches on center.

Notes

The City of El Paso has adopted the 2021 International Building Codes, together with the 2020 National Electrical Code. Starting October 1st, 2023, the 2015

R = 49 (from 36); walls = 19 (from 13);

Anytime after Sept 1 must comply;