Description

The range of structural insulated panels (SIPs) commercially available in New Zealand has expanded rapidly in recent years.

Traditionally used in cold stores and other commercial applications, their use has grown to include more residential construction, including in multi-unit homes.

This bulletin looks at the design, installation and performance of structural insulated panels, with a few notes on non-structural insulated panels.

Scope

This bulletin covers:

• Introduction
• SIP materials
• Building with SIPs
• Things to consider when using SIPs
• Building Code compliance
  • B1 Structure and B2 Durability
  • C Protection from fire
  • E2 External moisture
  • H1 Energy efficiency
• BRANZ research around SIPs
  • Testing of timber-based SIPs for structural integrity
  • Testing of timber-based SIPs under seismic loading
  • Testing magnesium oxide boards
  • Reviewing the literature on SIP fire performance
• Non-structural insulated panels
• More information