Structural Insulated Panel (SIP), OSB-faced (90mm, 110mm, 140mm, 165mm, 215mm, 265mm)
Insulated Panel
ATLAS CODE
COM-PNL-INS-003
Category composite
Material Family Panelised
Regulatory Status Combustible
Density
EPS core ~0.90 lb/ft? (?14 kg/m?) per WBDG kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
8-12 kg CO₂e/m² kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Combustible
Lifespan
60+ years yrs
Description
OSB-faced SIPs use an EPS core with continuous insulation. WBDG reports typical whole-wall R?values for EPS SIPs of about R?13.1 (4.5 in), R?19.9 (6.5 in), R?26.0 (8.25 in), R?32.9 (10.25 in) and R?39.8 (12.25 in), depending on thickness. EPS density in panels is typically about 0.90 lb/ft? (~14 kg/m?).
Primary Sectors
[Residential][Commercial]
Typical Uses
- Residential walls (load-bearing and non-load-bearing)
- Roof panels for cathedral ceilings and flat roofs
- Floor systems over crawl spaces or suspended applications
- Commercial buildings up to 4 storeys
- Modular and prefabricated construction
- Passive house and high-performance building envelopes
- Cool rooms and temperature-controlled environments
- Bushfire-prone area construction (up to BAL 30)
- Cyclone-resistant construction (up to Region C/N5)
- Extensions and granny flats
Recycled Content 0-10%
Renewable Content 45-50%
Recyclability 100%
Embodied Carbon 8-12 kg CO₂e/m² kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 150-200 MJ/m² MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Rapid construction (50-55% faster than traditional framing)Superior thermal performance (whole-wall R-value)Excellent airtightness (90% less air leakage than stick frame)Reduced on-site waste (up to 30% less than conventional)Factory quality control and precisionIntegrated structure and insulationReduced labour requirementsPredictable performance across climate zonesLong service life (60+ years expected)Compatible with various cladding systems
Cautions
Higher upfront material cost than traditional framingRequires experienced installers familiar with SIP constructionMoisture vulnerability if not properly sealed and maintainedLimited modification flexibility once installedElectrical and plumbing routes must be pre-plannedRequires crane or mechanical handling for larger panelsOSB susceptible to moisture damage if exposedThermal mass limitations compared to masonryFire rating requires additional protective liningsSize limitations for transportation to remote sites
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-PNL-INS-003
Density (Dry) EPS core ~0.90 lb/ft? (?14 kg/m?) per WBDG kg/m³
Specific Gravity 0.025-0.040
Porosity 98% (EPS core) %
Water Absorption <2% by volume (OSB), <4% (EPS) %
Hardness 35-40 (Shore D)
Surface Roughness Ra 50-100 μm μm
UV Resistance Requires protection
Chemical Resistance Resistant to dilute acids/alkalis
pH Tolerance pH 3-11
Compressive Strength 70-170 kPa MPa
Tensile Strength 140-200 kPa MPa
Flexural Strength 20-30 MPa MPa
Shear Strength 1.0-1.4 MPa MPa
Elastic Modulus 3000-4500 MPa GPa
Impact Resistance High J/m
Bearing Capacity 5.6 kN/m kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Creep Resistance Good
Abrasion Resistance Moderate
Thermal Conductivity 0.033-0.037 W/mK (system) W/mK
Thermal Resistance R2.6-7.3 m²K/W m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 1.3-1.5 kJ/kg·K J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 5-7 x 10⁻⁵ /°C μm/m·K
Melting Point 80-100°C °C
Ignition Temperature 200-260°C °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) STC 37-45
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05-0.10
Optical
Light Transmittance 0% %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 30-40% %
SIPs were invented in 1935 at the Forest Products Laboratory in Wisconsin, USA. Commercial production began in the 1950s with significant adoption in North America from the 1970s. Introduction to Australia occurred in the 1990s, with local manufacturing established in the 2000s. Current Australian manufacturers include SIPs Industries, Smart SIPs, and Ready Cut, with products now fully adapted to Australian standards and conditions including bushfire and cyclone requirements. The technology has evolved from simple foam-core panels to sophisticated building systems with integrated services and certified performance ratings.
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-PNL-INS-003
Flame Spread Index 75-200
Smoke Developed Index 50-150
Combustibility Class Combustible
Ignition Temperature 200-260°C °C
Fire Resistance Rating FRL 60/60/60 to 90/90/90 hours
Toxicity of Combustion Moderate
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 8-12 kg CO₂e/m² kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 150-200 MJ/m² MJ/kg
Water Footprint 50-80 L/m² L/kg
EPD Available Yes
LEED Points Up to 47 points
VOC Emissions <0.01 ppm formaldehyde g/L
Skill Level Intermediate to Advanced
Crew Size 3-4 workers
Installation Time 0.5-1.0 hours/m² hr/m²
Curing Time N/A hours
Setting Time Immediate min
Temperature Range -5°C to 40°C °C
Humidity Range <85% RH %
Required Tools
Crane or telehandler for large panelsCircular saw with fine-tooth bladeFoam gun for panel jointsScrew guns and fastenersHot wire foam cutterMeasuring and marking toolsSafety equipment (PPE)
Certifications Required
SIPA or manufacturer training recommendedStandard builder's licenceWorking at heights certification
Weather Limitations
Avoid installation in rainWind speed <40 km/h for panel handlingProtect from moisture during construction
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-PNL-INS-003
Material Cost AUD $280-550
Installation Cost AUD $130-170/m²
Annual Maintenance AUD $0.50-1.00/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) AUD $200-250/m²
Market Availability Readily available
Lead Time 2-6 weeks weeks
Design Life 60+ years years
Warranty Period 10-25 years years
Maintenance Interval Annual inspection months
Service Temp Range -30°C to 75°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Good
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
APA certification (OSB)ICC-ES evaluation reportsCodeMark certification availableFSC/PEFC certified timberGREENGUARD Gold availableEPD to ISO 14025Low VOC emissions (E1 class)Formaldehyde <0.01 ppmNo asbestos or harmful fibres
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.4 Fire resistance testsAS 3959 Bushfire construction (up to BAL 30)NCC Section C Fire Resistance
Standards Compliance
NCC Volume 1 & 2 compliantAS 1684 Residential timber framingAS 1720 Timber structuresASTM C578 (EPS specification)ASTM E84 (Surface burning)ASTM E72 (Panel strength testing)ISO 14040 (Life cycle assessment)ISO 14025 (Environmental declarations)EN 300 (OSB specifications)EN 13986 (Wood-based panels)EN 13501-1 (Fire classification)
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.