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R-Control Design Characteristics

SIP Makeup

SIPs are a simple laminated structure, made of two sheets of OSB glued to an R-Shield® expanded polystyrene (EPS) core.

The entire face of the core is coated with a structural grade adhesive meeting ICC ES AC05 before it is married to the OSB. Following lamination, the panel is pressed while the adhesive crosslinks and cures.

R-Shield EPS cores are UL-certified, and comply with U.S. product standard ASTM C578 Type 1, with a minimum density of 0.95 pounds per cubic foot and minimum compressive strength of 10 psi. They also meet the acceptance criteria standards of ICC-ES AC12. Panel thickness ranges from 4-1/2 to 12-1/4 inches.

We exclusively use OSB that complies with the APA's voluntary product standard PS2-92, and all our OSB has the APA or TECO performance mark. Thicknesses of 7/16, 5/8 or 3/4-inch may be used, depending on the application.

Structural Performance

The lamination of engineered OSB to a rigid EPS foam core creates a remarkably strong and dimensionally stable building component.

SIPs demonstrate similar or better structural performance in any application where traditional framing is used, including those involving transverse, shear, header, and both uniform and point axial loads.

Our Load Design Charts provide detailed guidelines and formulas for design with SIPs in load-bearing applications.

Cavity and Continuous Insulation

R-Control SIPs meet or exceed the most advanced and rigorous energy code requirements for ceilings and walls, both in the United States and internationally.

Due to the nature of their construction and assembly, SIPs comply with both the cavity and continuous insulation requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

The solid EPS foam core fulfills cavity insulation requirements, and SIPs joined via block splines meet continuous insulation requirements.

Unlike with traditional framing, no additional steps or materials are needed. SIPs are inherently continuous and sealed when assembled.

Rigorously Tested

R-Control SIPs are regularly and extensively tested by nationally recognized laboratories.

They've been consistently proven to meet or exceed all structural and fire code regulations, and used successfully in tens of thousands of commercial, residential and governmental building projects.

R-Control's tests demonstrate compliance with myriad building codes, including the following major characteristics:

  • Structural and performance under loads
  • Fire resistance
  • Thermal performance
  • Air transmission
  • Sound transmission and absorption
  • Component performance, including OSB, EPS core and adhesives

Mold and Termite Resistant

The EPS cores of R-Control SIPs contain Perform Guard®, an EPA-registered additive that resists termites. Perform Guard is in the core of every panel that we manufacture.  It is recognized by ICC ES to be in compliance with Acceptance Criteria 239.

R-Control SIPs can also be treated with FrameGuard®, a factory-applied coating that protects the SIP's OSB facing against mold, fungi and termite damage.

FrameGuard has been tested for compliance with ASTM D3273. It has won a Green Building Award from the National Association of Home Builders, and is listed in the GreenSpec directory of environmentally preferable products. Field tests have shown a substantial reduction in the growth of mold on wood treated with FrameGuard.

Boost R-Value with R-Control MAX

Big Sky now offers R-Control MAX SIPs, an innovative product that uses an R-Shield MAX core containing graphite. The graphite reflects radiant heat energy like a mirror, increasing the material’s resistance to heat flow and raising its R value.

An R-Control MAX SIP has about 20% greater R value than a panel made with standard EPS. Using R-Control MAX can either increase the thermal performance of a given panel thickness or, alternatively, allow a designer to specify a thinner panel.

R-Control MAX panels come in the same configurations as, and offer all of the options and benefits of, standard R-Control SIPs.

Benefits for Architects

Learn how R-Control SIPs enable you to meet energy efficiency, quality, performance and other design goals.

Technical Library

Need more detail about the characteristics of R-Control SIPs? Check out our library of technical bulletins.
Big Sky R-Control SIPs
15 Arden Drive
P.O. Box 838
Belgrade, MT 59714
(800) 766-3626

R-Control and the R-Control logo are registered trademarks of Western R Control, LLC, and ThermaFoam, LLC. Perform Guard is a registered trademark of AFM Corporation. R-Shield and Premier ICF are registered trademarks of Big Sky Insulations, Inc. LEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.

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