Would a home built with 2x6 sticks or 6-inch insulated pre-constructed panels be stronger and last longer?

Answer

Answer

Your question is a little dificult to answer not knowing the configuration of your building.

And there are a couple different kinds of insulated panels: 1. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) which consist of insulating foam sandwiched between an exterior panel (usually Oriented Strandboard OSB)and an interior panel which can be of a variety of materials, including gypsum board. SIPs can come in sizes from 4' X 8' panels to 8' X 28' panels. 2. Prefabricated wall preinsulated wall panels which are conventional framing sandwiched similar to the SIPs.

The benefit of SIPs is the ability to create a very efficient energy envelope with minimal thermal bridging, and because their structure consists of several stages of traditional building in a single piece, the labor to install them, by an experienced crew is quite cost effective.

SIPs provide a certain level of structural strength in and of themselves, but may require some intermediate support where a span of two or more panels is required. They are comonly used as the exterior wall and roof envelope on traditional timber frame structures. Thicker SIPs can also be used to enclose a roof structure and, again, provide a very efficient energy envelope.

Sips require some alternate methods of running wiring and plumbing along with some careful planning and coordination between tradesmen during construction, but SIPs suppliers are generally pretty good about supplying clear information about erection methods and techniques.

Prefabricated wall panels offer some of the benefits of SIPs, but they're a little heavier size for size and don't offer the same level of energy efficiency.

Both panel systems are fabricated under controlled conditions so are exceptionally flat and square.

First answer by ID1046955525. Last edit by Hammerbeam. Contributor trust: 107 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 102 [recommend question]