RECOMMENDATIONS

Structural insulated panel systems provide a material-and labor saving alternative to traditional wood framed walls with batt or blown-in insulation and two outer layers of structural sheeting material.

Most of them use OSB as facing material but several other options are available: plywood, waferboard, sheetrock, and metal. OBS and waferboard do not contain urea formaldehyde or outgas toxic materials.

They can be produced with different insulation materials: moulded expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene and urethane. The use of extruded polystyrene and urethane foam is not recommended because they use CFC's or HCFC's as blowing agents. Prefer moulded expanded polystyrene with borate treatment.

Adhesives are very important to define product durability and indoor air quality, warranty is required for both elements.

 COMMENTS

Panels can permit flexibility of the indoor spaces.