Technical Reports

Efficient Wood Use in Residential Construction A Practical Guide to Saving Wood, Money and Forests, self-published by the National Resources Defense Council (1998; 112 pages). "Building industry professionals can save money and time by building more efficiently. Based on case studies and expeiences of builders in the field, the authors present information on a number of proven wood-efficient approaches to design." Features SIPs, trusses and other panels, OVE (Optimum Value Engineering), wood waste reduction, and design for enhanced durability.

Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory, Center for Housing Innovation, University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403 (541-346-5647). Ask for their extensive list of published reports. Their reports feature results from design innovations to reduce costs and materials in SIP structures as compared to conventional stick-framed construction.

Got a problem? Solve it with SIPs. SIPA / Oak Ridge National Laboratory Whole Wall R-Value Test Report
A double-sided color page that summarizes the ORNL test results that prove that a 4" SIP wall beats a 2" x 6" stick frame wall in thermal efficiency. Once and for all, the problem of what constitutes that most thermally effective, energy efficient, high performance wall has been resolved: SIPs are the solution. This is a wonderful piece of literature to help you educate clients on the thermal efficiency of a SIP structure. Oak Ridge National Lab Testing Summary

ORNL Test Results on CD-ROM
Get the entire Oak Ridge National Laboratory Whole Wall R-Value Test Report at your fingertips. The report provides you with valuable information to re-enforce the findings that a 4" SIP wall outperforms a 2" x 6" stick and batt wall. Purchasing the CD-ROM allows you to look at the test numerous times without the possibility of lost or torn pages.

Strength and Energy Performance Properties of Foam Core Sandwich Panels
This report, prepared by SIPA and the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) EPS Division addresses: energy efficiency, environmental benefits, strength and performance characteristics of structural insulated panels.

Side-by-Side Evaluation of a Stressed Skin Insulated Core Panel House and a Conventional Stud Frame House
Side-by-side energy testing and monitoring was conducted on two houses in Louisville, KY between January and March 1993. Both houses were identical except that one house was constructed with conventional 2x4 studs with a truss roof while the other house was constructed with structural insulated panels for the walls and second floor ceiling. This report, by the Florida Solar Energy Center, documents the superior energy performance of the panel house.

Structural Foam Core Panels in Northwest HUD Code Manufactured Housing: A Preliminary Assessment of Opportunities and Obstacles
This study, by Pacific Northwest Laboratory, reviews foam core panel materials, fabrication processes, and construction techniques and details. The study compares cost data and presents results from a survey conducted with three regional manufacturers.

Market Potential for Structural Insulated Panels in Residential and Light Commercial Buildings
This 1991 study characterizes the present market size and future growth potential of stressed skin panels with foam cores and wood based facings. The report, sponsored by the Natural Resources Research Institute describes the results of market assessments of panel manufacturers and surveys of builders, architects, and other decision makers throughout the United States. The report comes with attachments including a list of panel producers and detailed survey results.