How do SIPs react to fire?
Because of the solid foam core in a SIPs wall, fire cannot run up the wall cavity. The combustion gases of EPS have been determined to be non-toxic in accordance with the Federal Hazardous Substance Labeling Act. SIPs have passed every standard fire test required of wood based or type V construction.
Residential building code requires that foam insulation be separated from the interior of the building by a material that remains in place for at least 15 minutes of fire exposure. . Structural insulated panels faced with 0.5 gypsum drywall meet this requirement.Commercial builders may need a one hour fire-rated wall or roof, which is achieved by testing and listing a specific wall or roof assembly to ASTM E119 with an accredited certification agency. Individual SIPA member manufacturers should be contacted to confirm listed assemblies they can provide.
