Structural Performance 

Ease of installation, energy efficiency, and the fact that Premier panels are a green building product interest our clients in building and designing with SIPs. But without sufficient structural performance, they wouldn't be a viable option. Fortunately, they are.

Shear (Lateral) Forces : SIPs are two-sided shear walls. (Shear forces are lateral loads, which would be created by wind and seismic events. It is a force that tries to push or tip the wall or building over.) When compared to one-sided stick-framed shear walls, which is typical construction, SIPs provide higher shear values.

As of 2007, code minimum nailing and construction requires a stick framed wall that is built to withstand 260 pounds of shear per linear foot. A one-sided stick framed wall can be nailed more to strengthen it enough to withstand 640 pounds per linear foot. Premier's six inch panel's value is approximately 850 pounds per linear foot.

Gravity & Other Loads : Either stick framing or SIPs are strong enough to build up to a three story home when considering gravity (vertical) forces. Stick framed walls have higher values than SIPs for walls, but Premier's panels have sufficient strength. Where there are especially heavy or concentrated loads, posts can be incorporated in designs with SIPs just as is done with stick framing, which improves structural performance.

SIPs used on the roof also experience gravity load, but it is not lengthwise through the panel but width-wise. In most homes, panels may be used. Gabled roofs are more conducive to panels than hipped roofs, and very complex roofs may be best trussed and/or stick framed.

To ensure consistent performance, Premier's panel manufacturing process is monitored by a third-party certification agency. This is part of the stringent in-plant quality control process developed to assure panels meet long-term requirements as a structural component. Premier panels have been tested by an independent laboratory.

Ease of installation
Energy efficiency