Precision Panel Surpasses 1 Hour Fire Test

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Precision Panel Structures Surpasses Fire Endurance Test

Eagle, Idaho September 2004 - A wall built with Precision Panel Structures’ structural insulated panels (SIPs) achieved a fire endurance rating of 1-hour when tested in accordance with the ASTM E119-00a Fire Endurance Test of Building and Construction Materials at Omega Point Laboratories in Elmendorf, TX.

“This is a further testament to SIPs ability to secure and protect homeowners and their valuable possessions in the event of fire when every additional second can make a difference” said Drew McDaniel, General Manager of Precision Panel Structures. “Of course we don’t claim SIPs are 100% fire proof. But SIPs outperform conventionally framed walls with fiberglass batt insulation where air pockets can actually cause fire to spread faster. Our customers value the added sense of security they get from built home built with SIPs.”

This ASTM test “establishes building and construction materials as safe and not a menace to neighboring structures and to the public.” During the test, the SIP wall was placed under structural load by hydraulic pressure equivalent at 1700 lbs per lineal foot, which is maintained through the fire and water test. The panel is exposed to 1700 degree fires in an enclosed oven for 1 hour. Upon completion of the test, the panel is exposed to a high pressure hose stream. The 10’ x 10’ structural insulated panel wall tested was 5 ½” thick EPS foam faced on both sides with 7/16” OSB and covered on each surface with 2 layers of ½” standard gypsum wall board.

Throughout the test, the SIPs wall panel maintained complete structural integrity with minimal measurable deflection. The wall withstood the entire fire endurance test without passage of fire or gases hot enough to ignite waste cotton on the unexposed side of the wall. During the hose stream test, no openings developed to permit water to project through the unexposed side of the wall.

“The performance of the panels in this test re-confirms SIPs as a preferred building component for homeowners.” added McDaniel. “The EPS core of a Structural Insulated Panel denies fire the oxygen it needs to burn and spread. This gives home occupants more time to escape in the event fire breaks out.”

Precision Panel Structures of Eagle, ID provides its Advanced Framing System to builders and homeowners via its nationwide alliance of panel fabricators. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are a recognized ‘Green’ building material delivering superior structural and energy performance. SIPs are perceived by many Architects, Structural Engineers and Builders as “the best building material in the business” according to Bob Doherty, President of Northeast Panel Systems in New Hampshire, and a Precision Panel licensee.

For More Information: http://www.precisionpanel.com

Contact: Brad Griffin (Brad@precisionpanel.com)