FRP-Clad Panels

A high quality, energy-efficient construction system finished structures beautifully while saving labor, time and cost

USA SIPS/FPC FRP clad panels are high quality foam core panels suitable for many commercial building applications. They are one-piece components that can be used in walls for wet or wash down areas. Each panel is made of an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core bonded between an outer layer of rugged Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and an inner layer of FRP. The FRP applied can vary in color, thickness, and texture.

Expanded Polystyrene Foam Core
Each USA SIPS panel contains one pound of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) per cubic foot of core. Higher densities are available for special applications. Depending on the strength and energy-efficiency your application requires, you can specify four standard thicknesses for your USA SIPS panels.

EPS is an inert, stable cellular plastic with superior insulating qualities. Unlike many other foam products, EPS is "Ozone-Friendly" - no CFCs are used in the production of USA SIPS panels. Other characteristics of EPS include:

Structural Integrity - EPS retains its shape indefinitely. It will not shrink, decompose or disintegrate due to age or weather.

Thermal Stability - The insulating value of EPS does not decrease with age.

Toxicity - EPS is formaldehyde-free.

Low Water Absorption - EPS has a closed cell structure. Its water absorption level is so low that moisture and the elements will not significantly affect its insulation values.

Permanence - EPS is an inert, organic material. It provides no nutritive value to plants, animals or micro-organisms. It will not rot and is highly resistant to mildew.

Flammability - Like many construction materials, EPS is combustible. It should not be exposed to flame or other ignition sources. However, you can expect a building made with USA SIPS products to survive a fire that would completely destroy a "stick-built" home. The panels have passed rigorous fire endurance tests required by national codes, and their solid core construction eliminates the "chimney effect" caused by hollow stud walls. See technical bulletins for further application information.

Exterior and Interior Skins
The oriented strand board outer skin on USA SIPS panels is exterior rated Exposure I by the American Plywood Association (APA). Exterior phenolic resin permits the panels to be used with normal construction delays.

The interior skins are FRP, continuously bonded to the OSB skin. The surface is ready for installation.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort
USA SIPS panels decrease cooling and heating costs even more than their R rating would seem to indicate 'because they form a solid thermal envelope around the structure, uninterrupted by studs, sills or headers. This substantially reduces air infiltration compared with conventional construction techniques. The panel's solid core of insulation also eliminates the convection looping that can occur in the gaps and spaces typical in batt insulation.

Strength and Durability
The durability of SIPS panels has been proven through testing required by national code authorities, plus their actual performance through over 20 years of use.

FRP - Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics
Ask our sales rep. for complete details on the types of FRP available.

* calculated R-factors are for the composite panel, and include: two sheet of 7/16" OSB at .57; air films at .68 interior and .17 exterior, and EPS at 3.85 per inch at 75 degrees F and 4.35 at 25 degrees F.

Notes:
The above details are based on basic panels without FRP applied.