Saw an article in Automated Builder about some new fiberglass DuraSip Panels from Structural Insulated Panel Systems LLC in MS.  They look like a great product but could not find anything online nor is the article yet on the AB site.

Anyone have any info on them?

duh, found it.

http://durasip.com/

Slenzen, Do you have a feel for the pricing on the fiberglass SIPS?  I wonder how the price would compare to metal-skinned polyurethane SIPS?  Please pass on to us what you learn beyond what is listed on their web site.

Any idea why they are using phenol formaldehyde as the FRP resin? I know that it is much cheaper than epoxy or polyester resins. Maybe it is more fire resistant?

The panel won't burn as fast.

Slenzen;

Thanks for the post, I have always felt that this could be the ultimate SIP for strength , their numbers are thru the roof.

I am going to research for myself as well

The article is in the march edition of Automated Builder. It seems as though they post the magazine online a month or so later.

Here are the highlights that I condensed from the article:

"It says full production expected this summer, waterproof sandwich panels, seamless, up to 8' width, length up to 80', 1"-10" thick, can use varying strength of fiberglass and/or galvanized steel angles/channels imbedded prior to lamination. They take a variety of texture coating in only one coat. Fully engineered to meet any strength requirement. Will compete w/ precast for sound walls, block walls, cladding for tilt up. 1-4 lbs weight per sq ft depending on thickness of resin, foam and fiberglass used. Very economical(well everyone says that ;). On drawing boards are panels for foundation walls, floors, walls, roofs in residential. Continuous production line for more efficient production. The future for fiberglass skin sandwich panels will offer numerous advantages in cost, speed, durability compared to wood SIP and especially stick."

ALTON, they said nothing specific about pricing in the article and I don't know anything more beyond that or the website.

DICK, there is some info on their website about the fiberglass choice.

Happy building!

Wow! 8' wide by 80' long would be a bit difficult to transport, but doable - and very cool.

I didn't see any technical specs on the panels, but given the specs for the fiberglass sheet, I would think that they could compete very favorably with steel SIPs. Since they are using the phenol formaldehyde binder, they are probably producing the FRP in sheets and then laminating them to EPS cores. To cure the PF requires heat (and probably pressure) treatment, so you couldn't do a typical fiberglass layup, but I don't have a problem with laminating pre-manufactured sheets.

I would be a bit concerned with screw pullout strength, though. They might need to add metal strips (or something) at fastener locations between the foam and FRP to increase the pullout strength.

Hi Slenzen

We supply MgO boards and SIP from China. Fiberglass SIP is very costly.

Sam

oh - building materials from China - SIGN ME UP! LOL!

Sam,

What is the price per square foot of MgO panel versus fibergalss panel.  I would like to know the difference in price.  I didn't know pricing for the fiberglass was available yet.

thanks,

Torben

I have been keeping my eye on Nyloboard , but has not become affordable yet

has anyone had any dealings with this company.

http://www.innovida.com/designs_residential.asp

I checked out the Innovida website and couldn't see any pricing information but I'm guessing that if it's some sort of fiberglass skin with a polyurethane or similar core it's not cheap.  I also bet it's nasty to work with for doing any changes.  Having some experience working with fiberglass and epoxy I can testify to how strong the products are but chemically I have some doubts on them and of course price is a major concern.

There was another article recently on fiberglass sips as a solution for third world housing. Their site also lists poultry houses, mini storage, sheds, outbuildings, ag buildings which generally are in lower cost categories. I inquired awhile ago but didn't hear from them. Anyone have cost info of this system?

i see durasip is manufacturing low cost housing.

http://www.durasip.com/housing.html

Here is a little more info: www.neshobademocrat.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=297&ArticleID=18785&TM=74995.8

I'd think to deal w/any panel connection issues, they'd want to use a metal U channel to encase the edges of the panels.