Submitted by Peter Coughlin

Energy Efficient

SIP’s have proven to consistently outperform other methods of construction in energy efficiency. The most dramatic results are the reports by the happy customers of Premier; but there remains a significant level of scientific data as well. Perhaps the best measure of how energy efficient an entire wall assembly is, has been developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, (ORNL). The testing method takes into account energy losses for the structural members, corners, joints and around windows, not just the value of the insulation. Results of these tests are shown below:

Stronger

Strength in building materials and systems are judged by their ability to withstand the forces of nature. Data to determine strength properties is gathered by destructive testing. Specific tests are utilized to evaluate a wall’s performance in high winds or earthquakes. The testing program on Premier’s panel systems is the most extensive in the industry. This ongoing program involves independent third party testing agencies that provide state of the art evaluations of structural, fire resistive, energy consumption and sound attenuation properties of the system. Premier is the industry leader in testing and has continually set higher industry standards to ensure your safety and complete code compliance in both domestic and international market areas.

Quality control

Premier employs third party independent quality assurance agencies to assess and audit the quality control process in our manufacturing facilities. These agencies include PFS Corporation and Underwriters Laboratories. Premier also requires their suppliers to undergo similar processes to ensure the delivery of raw materials that meet Premier’s exacting specifications.
Premier Building Systems has received several awards for Quality Assurance and remains the only SIP manufacturer nationwide to receive the coveted Commitment to Quality Award from PFS Corporation. Premier was the first and is still the only manufacturer, nationwide, to utilize controlled environment laminating in their pressing operation.

Prefabricated Panels and Walls for Homes

PBS takes a different approach in servicing our customers. We utilize Computer Numeric Controlled, (CNC) Router technology to prefabricate building openings such as doors, windows and gable walls. The machine’s accuracy is unheard of in the construction industry. We cut panels with furniture finish tolerances.
Premier was the first in the world to develop and implement fully computer driven prefabrication. This cutting edge technology once again exhibits Premier’s commitment to our customers, our quality and efficient use of resources.

Fire resistant

One often asked question about SIP construction is the performance and safety in fires. PBS exceeds all North American Standards for residential construction. In addition, we have completed exhaustive testing for multi-family and commercial structures requiring one-hour fire resistive assemblies. Panels perform very well in these tests due to the lack of oxygen in the core. With a rigid EPS foam core, there is no oxygen present. Without oxygen, combustion cannot occur. When covered with an appropriate thermal barrier, like gypsum board, all national fire safety standards can be met for any ‘Type V’ structure.

Straight walls

SIP construction uses flat foam and engineered non-veneer OSB to make panels. This means no bulging studs. No twisted lumber. No shrinkage due to drying. No cups or warps as found in out dated stick framing. Drywall installers have flat surfaces and don’t have to look for studs to screw into. Cabinets hang on a flat plane without shims or ugly nailing misses. Counter tops can be installed with little or no scribing the counter to the irregular surface of stud framing. Pictures can be mounted without having to find suitable structure behind the drywall.

Jumbo panels

Larger panels mean more floor, wall or roof area put in place each time a panel is set. Panels up to 8 feet by 24 feet are common. Premier was one of the pioneers of this jumbo SIP technology. Commercial contractors rely heavily on these for both fast track and large area jobs. They typically require a boom truck or crane due to their large size and weight. While these panels are a wonderful option, they aren’t for every structure or job site. Consult your Premier Sales Representative to find out if they are a good idea for you.

Standard electrical chases

Premier Panels have horizontal chases pre-cut at 16 and 45 inches off the floor. There is also a vertical chase spaced every four feet. Just drill access holes during the framing and your electrician won’t even have to drill studs.

Easy to use

In the real world of construction, contractors like using wood products. One attribute about panels is their consistency as an engineered wood product. Framing contractors are used to wood products, and have the tools and expertise to cut them, when necessary. Panels come with detail booklets and fully engineered shop drawings that show every numbered panel in sequence. Some have said it’s like putting together a big Lego set, except the pieces are numbered and the instructions are easier to understand.

Seismically superior

In 1995, a 7.2 earthquake rocked Kobe, Japan. The entire city was devastated. Among the ruins, however, stood six panel homes utilizing Premier roof panels that survived, almost unblemished, a testament to the strength of panel construction. These panels were manufactured at our plant in Washington state.