With Thermocore, it all starts with the foam.
Most structural insulated panels (SIPs) on the market today use two types of foam - polyurethane or expanded polystyrene (EPS). Because of the advantages of polyurethane over EPS foam – especially when it comes to the highest R-value, fire safety and moisture absorption, Thermocore chooses to only manufacture polyurethane foam core panels. We use the best because you deserve the best.
Do you know the difference?
| Thermocore | EPS Panels | |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Used | Polyurethane | Expanded Polystyrene |
| Color | Yellow | White |
| R-value (per inch) | 82% Better 6.9 per inch |
3.8 per inch |
| Thermal Drift | OSB skins prevent thermal drift in Thermocore panels. Thermocore panels tested by BASF that were over 3 years old showed no loss of R-value. | Stable unless exposed to moisture. Due to EPS high perm rating, moisture absorption can cause loss of R-value. |
| Density / Strength Higher density = higher strength |
2.2 lb. minimum | 1.0 lb. |
| Fire Resistance (Exposure to Flame) |
Self-extinguishing (not a fuel source). Thermocore pays for a fire retardant to be added to our foam. |
Fuel for fire |
| Exposure to Heat | Will never melt. Polyurethane is a thermoset plastic. It cannot be melted or reshaped. |
Not recommended for temperatures above 180 degrees due to softening (can be cut with a hot knife) |
|
Vapor Barrier |
Serves as its own vapor barrier. |
Vapor barrier needed Permeance rating of 2.0 to 5.0 |
| Chemical Resistance | Polyurethane is resistant to petrochemicals and other common household chemicals. | EPS is highly susceptible to petroleum-based products, oils, and solvents, which can cause EPS to melt when brought in contact. |
| Manufacturing | Polyurethane bonds to the OSB skins in three ways. Adhesion, chemical and mechanical. It creates the strongest bond in the industry. Thermocore panels carry a limited lifetime warranty against delamination. | EPS panels use a poly-based adhesive to bond EPS to the OSB. The glue is the only bond to the EPS. Most companies only offer a 15-year warranty. |
| Cost | Thermocore panels are often equal or lower costs when compared to EPS while providing more standard features than any EPS company. With Thermocore there are no added costs associated with lumber/lumber install or any upcharge from your electrician to wire your panels. We take care of the electrical at our plant. | EPS panels do not typically come with door and window bucks included. It is an added charge. You will also have to pay a significant upcharge to have your electrical run as EPS companies DO NOT include electrical boxes and conduit, installed custom, as part of their package. |
| ¾ Conduit | Included | Drilled Case (avg $5/ft) |
| 4x4 Electrical Boxes | Included | Electrician added in field |
| Door & Window Cut Out | Included with CNC | Avg $200/window |
| Windows & Doors Framed 2x4’s | Included | Avg $75/frame |
| Roof Ridge Plum Cut | Included | Avg $6/ft |
| Sub Fascia in Place | Included | Avg $3.50/ft |
| Molded Foam Spline | Included | Avg $4.50/ft |
| Sill Plate | Included | Owner Supplied |
| Top Plates, Corners & Nails | Included | Extra |
| Beam Pockets & Column Supports | Included | Avg $250/pocket |
