Sandwich Panels Ready To Take Bite Out of Structural Market

Use of structural insulated panels is spreading fast with the increasing awareness of these energy saving building components. Some even forecast they will eliminate framing crews.

Also called foam core, stress skin or sandwich panels, structural insulated panels have an expanded polystyrene core pressure bonded between skins of plywood or oriented strand board.

They provide incredible strength, cost saving installation and, best of all, excellent insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs. The foam core acts like an ice chest, virtually eliminating air and moisture infiltration. Panels range from 4' x 8' up to 8' x 28'.

While sandwich panels were first introduced in the 1920s, they weren't used in quantity until about World War II, when they were especially useful in the aircraft industry. Mobile homes became a primary user and, by the 1980s, they were being used for walls, floors, roofs and ceilings in residential and commercial buildings.

While the push is on to get retailers to stock 4 x 8's, panels are currently sold direct from the distributors.

The Merchant Magazine

Manufacturers admit public acceptance will be gradual. "The old ways die hard," explains Stan Dimmick, president of Korwall Industries. "The building industry has used 2 x 4's and 2 x 6's for many years. The building officials also are very wary of anything new or different. Trade unions are very skeptical of anything they don't control. The sandwich type construction does away with a framing crew altogether."

Company Promotes Wellness

In an effort to promote good health awareness and physical well being, Western Lumber Co., National City, Ca., recently held a half day health and wellness fair for employees and members of the community.

Service providers presented information relating to nutrition, physical fitness and medical health with blood pressure and cholesterol testing available. Displays included lectures, promotional material, prizes and give-aways.

(See editorial, p. 6 for some comments on wellness fairs.)

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The Redwood People

Simpson Timber Company Redwood Division P.O. Box 1169

Arcata, CA 95521-1169

CREDITS FROM TOP PIIOTO: ABCHITECT PAUL FELIERS; ABCHITECT FICHAFD KOTTLER; DESIGNER KNUT HOFNELAND; EUILDER RICHARD SIMELE: BUILD€R PETER PFLAUM.