Steel structural insulated sandwich panels (SIPs)

Steel SIPs, or Steel Structural Insulated Panels, are structural framing panels, about 4" wide, made of densely packed expanded polystyrene, commonly referred to as EPS, sandwiched between two exterior sheets of galvanized steel. These panels provide structural framing, insulation, and exterior sheathing all in one piece. The panels, in theory, are similar to OSB SIPs, which is more well-known than the steel SIPs panels. OSB, or oriented strand board, is simply replaced with steel sheets to create the steel SIPs.

Insulated steel sandwich panels

Applications

Steel SIP construction can be used for most residential applications. Steel SIPs are recommended for commercial buildings like office complexes and less than two or three story applications.

Advantages

Steel SIPs are two to three times stronger than conventional stick-and-brick constructions. This allows for more design flexibility and open floor plans.

The steel SIP panels offer high R-values. Compared to a conventionally built-home, a steel SIP wall system is at least 25 percent more efficient. This saves the homeowner or occupant on heating and cooling costs

Steel SIPs allow for an airtight envelope that will last over time. The steel, unlike wood, will never settle, compress, warp, rot, twist, etc., meaning you don't have to worry about creating gaps. Gaps mean air penetration which means higher costs to heat and cool the home or building.

Since steel SIPs won't settle or warp, you no longer have to deal with walls and ceilings cracking. Also, walls will be level and square.

With no air penetration, allergens and dust do not constantly come into the home or building. Reducing allergens and dust in the interior of the home make for a healthy atmosphere indoors, where we typically spend 80% of our time.

Steel SIPs emit no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They do not "off-gas" potentially harmful chemicals (like formaldehyde) and carcinogens into the home or building. OSB and stick lumber cannot offer such benefits.

With cleaner air (especially with our air purifiers) and a well insulated structure due to the steel panels, the home or building houses comfortable interior conditions.

Steel SIPs have received the highest seismic rating possible in the state of California. They are also resistant to hurricane-strength winds. They are rated to withstand wind loads up to 155 miles per hour.

Steel SIPs are not vulnerable to termites. Compare this to OSB SIPs that, unless the wood is treated, is food for pests. The steel panels also discourage the growth of mold and mildew.

Steel SIPs are constructed in the manufacturing plant. Since they are made in a controlled environment, the quality is considerable higher.

Not only do the steel panels keep outdoor air out, but it also keeps outdoor sounds out. Steel SIPs offer superior sound acoustic insulation.

Steel is recyclable and made from at least 28 percent recycled materials. Also, there is very little construction waste. These factors make a steel home or building have a smaller environmental footprint.

Steel SIPs are fire resistant. In tests, the steel SIPs produced no smoke and did not allow the fire to spread. Compare this to stick-built or OSB SIPs homes and building that burn easily and actually add fuel to the fire.

Disadvantages

Steel SIPs require an insulation break between the exterior of the panel and the exterior shell of the home or building. This is unlike ICF, which has the form built in, or OSB SIPs for example. Compared to its advantages, steel SIP systems probably have the least amount of drawbacks of any framing methods.

Misconceptions

Some think steel SIPs, and steel framing for that matter, are dangerous during lightening storms. This is not only incorrect but really incorrect. Steel homes and buildings are actually safer than conventionally-built structures because the steel acts as a continuous ground.

What makes it "green"?

High levels of insulation and an extremely airtight envelope mean cooing and heating costs are cut by 50-60 percent. This means less energy is drawn from coal plants around the country, equating to less greenhouse gas emission.

The air in the interior of the home, with our measures added, will be cleaner than the air on the outside of the house, making a healthy, allergen-less home or building.

The steel is made from at least 28 percent recycled steel. It is also recyclable.

The EPS (interior of the panel) only uses a small amount of petroleum to produce. The material saves more energy than is required to produce it.