Common Structural Insulated Panel Questions

Below are the answers to the common questions Duratherm get asked by people interested in their SIP building system.

1.  Why is this a “green” product?
  • When asking the question what qualifies a material as “green,” the particular properties of the product are weighed in both the  short-term and long-term balances. The question of short term effects are based on the immediate environmental effects required to produce the product. Both the  production method  and the renewable resources that are used to make the product are evaluated. For example, Rosewood for guitars is not easily renewable. Cement and cellulose for the cempanel are very abundant.  Smoke from coal burning power plants that create electricity is harmful; however, production of the panels creates no direct greenhouse gases. Therefore, in the short-term, panels do indeed qualify as a “green” product. In the long-term, the final products of homes and buildings made with the panels contribute to a smaller long-term carbon footprint in that it is far more energy efficient to heat and cool. These are just some of the reasons that SIPs have been approved by the UN for green self-sustainable building projects.

2.  What are some of the advantages of building with SIPs?
  • eco-friendly building product
  • savings of time and money
  • stronger and lighter than many other building products
  • durable and resistant against damage by water, fire, harmful insects
  • proven to better withstand hurricanes and earthquakes

3.  How do SIPs perform in an earthquake?
  • The Mexico City earthquake in 1985 recorded G-forces greater than 4 and has been used to develop computer models for risk analysis of differing construction methods. SIPS have been tested to withstand a G-force greater than 7 without effecting the structural integrity. By many experts, SIPS are considered the most effective safe house for the money. Read our Simple Explanation of Earthquakes to understand why SIPs are your best choice for building a safe home to withstand earthquakes.

4.  What R value do the SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) with cement sheet skins have?
  • The R value of a Duratherm sip 4″ wall panel is R-26
  • The R value of a Duratherm sip 6″ roof panel is R-39
  • Vacuum insulated panels have the highest R-value polystyrene insulation at roughly R–6 and R–5 per inch.
  • (United States R-values quoted here are approximately six times SI R-values as used in Australia etc.)

5.  Prices for building construction with SIPs?
  • Compared to timber house construction there can be a price saving from 10% to 40% depending on the complexity of the design.

PictureSIPs holding up a van
6.  How strong are the SIP wall, SIP roof and SIP floor panels from Duratherm?
  • 10cm thick panels are used for the wall SIP while 15cm thinkness is recommended for roof or floors. As you can see from the following image, the SIP panels are easily strong enough to support the weight of a car.
7.  How should I design with SIP panels?
  • Read some SIP design guidelines on the page, "How should I design with SIP panels?" To know more but we suggest downloading and using the free application Google SketchUp and SIP models that have been uploaded.
DurathermSIPs helping
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Photo of a SIP panel with a car testing the panels strength.
Duratherm Building Systems MexicoWe are a new generation of Structural Thermal-Acoustic Insulated Panels for use in housing and commercial construction.

In our Mexican fabrication plant, we manufacture SIP Panels of the highest quality to allow our customers local & international the best return on their investment while making sure they enjoy a safe and comfortable energy efficient building for years to come.

New times demand new products. We offer product options that make the most efficient use of our natural resources. Lets care for our environment.

Committed to good stewardship of our planet.

PDF Technical Manual 2017
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information about how to best use
DurathermSIPs.