Brief Intro to SIP Panels
All you need do is Google “What Are SIP Panels?” to get a lot of information one what they are, how they’re constructed and a laundry list of what can go wrong with them. You will also discover why SIPs are not YBH True panels.
According to Wikipedia, a SIP is defined as “A structural insulated panel, or structural insulating panel, formed of sandwich panel used in the construction industry. SIP is a sandwich structured composite, consisting of an insulating layer of rigid core insulation sandwiched between two layers of structural board, used as a building material.”
FYI – structural board means “Chip Board”.
YBH True Panels – True Wall Panel
The core of the YBH True Panel system is traditional dimensional lumber construction. SIPs are foam insulation sandwiched between sheathing (most commonly 1/2” Chip Board) typically adhered with glue. When manufactured incorrectly, the layers of the sandwich may cause issues with panel delamination. Improperly installed, vented, or “flashed” SIP panels can lead to moisture accumulation and rot in the SIP panel skin. Over time, this can lead to panel structural failure.
Yankee Barn Homes’ True Wall Panels are a real 2×6 framed wall, built in our factory using only the highest quality materials. Each panel consists of 2×6 studs at 16” on center, polyisocyanurate insulation with spray foam between each stud bay, pre-installed Low E or better windows (your choice Andersen® or Marvin®) installed and flashed, insulated headers, and ZIP® sheathing. Each panel is built with a lifting loop and panel joint for quick and easy assembly on site.
YBH True Panels – True Roof™ Panel
Yankee Barn Homes’ True Roof™ system uses a built-in vent. Roof panels are constructed using 2×10 studs or larger, framing fastened with nails rather than with a chemical bond or adhesive to maintain structural integrity. Crossing layers of polyisocyanurate insulation reduces thermal breaks and heat loss. Built into the panel is a full-width roof vent to assure a cold roof deck (required by many shingle manufacturers’ warranties) helps minimize ice dams and prolongs shingle life. The panel joint design creates very low risk for panel gap and retards air infiltration.
A Word About Polyisocyanurate
Polyisocyanurate is the most thermally efficient rigid board insulation available in the marketplace and provides the highest R-Value per inch of thickness. “Polyiso” is far better for the environment than polystyrene, a common alternative. Polystyrene contains a type of hydro fluorocarbon that is 1,430 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Polyisocyanurate is an ideal choice for green build design, offering reduced fossil fuel consumption, highest thermal efficiency, zero ozone depletion, zero global warming potential, and uses recycled content. Yankee Barn Homes is one of the only panelized build companies to use polyiso.