BIG SKY R-CONTROL SIPS A Better Way to Build! Frequently Asked Questions What types of structures can be built with R-Control SIPs? R-Control SIPs can be used in all designs: custom homes, engineered homes, restaurants, office buildings, schools, churches ... The options are endless. Homeowners, builders, and designers who want to use a superior building technology can all benefit from R-Control SIPs. Can R-Control SIPs be used for green building initiatives? R-Control SIPS have been used to build many homes and office buildings that achieve EPA’s ENERGY STAR Ratings or USGBC’s LEED Certification. And SIPs are a main component used in ORNL’s NetZero Energy homes as well as the building system of choice by many leading universities for the Solar Decathalon Design competition. Does R-Control have building code acceptance? Extensive testing has been performed by many independent laboratories. R-Control SIPs have been evaluated by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) and conform to the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). R-Control SIPs are manufactured under quality control program monitored by PFS Corporation, a leading third-party inspection agency. Do R-Control SIPs meet fire codes? R-Control SIPs have been fully tested for surface burning characteristics and smoke development, corner room fire test, thermal barrier, and hourly fire tests on wall, ceiling and roof assemblies. All results are in compliance with building code requirements. How do R-Control SIPs perform in earthquakes and storms? R-Control SIPs have exceptional strength to resist seismic activity and high winds. We have documentation of homes which used R-Control SIPs that withstood the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Kobe, Japan, in January 1995. These homes were located just miles from the quake’s epicenter and stood solidly against the tremendous force of the earthquake. R-Control SIP structures have also withstood tornadoes in Tennessee and straight line winds and tree trunks crashing into them in Michigan. Since R-Control structures are so air-tight, do they require additional HVAC considerations? The increased R-value and lower air leakage means that heating and cooling equipment must be designed for a high performance structure. This translates into lower capacity heating and cooling units and, most importantly, lower-cost units. Since R-Control SIP structures are so air tight, air exchangers are required as part of the HVAC system to bring fresh air into the structure, while simultaneously exhausting air from the structure to ensure optimum indoor air quality. Comfort to the occupants is unparalleled. How are windows and doors installed? Openings for windows and doors can be built right into the panels at the factory, or cut in during field construction. Boundary framing is then installed and the window or door is conventionally set. The R-Control SIP Construction Manual is available with complete construction details. Ask Us a Question We've tried to answer questions our customers ask most frequently, but you may have a question we haven't thought of. No problem -- just fill out our contact form, put your question in the "Comments" field, and we'll get back to you ASAP. Your question will help us improve the information we provide here, and elsewhere on our website. So, thanks in advance! SEND A QUESTION Big Sky R-Control SIPs 15 Arden Drive P.O. Box 838 Belgrade, MT 59714 (800) 766-3626 Get in Touch Upcoming Home Shows Schedule a Lunch and Learn R-Shield Products Diamond Snap-Form R-Control and the R-Control logo are registered trademarks of Western R Control, LLC, and ThermaFoam, LLC. Perform Guard is a registered trademark of AFM Corporation. R-Shield, Diamond Snap-Form and Diamond Snap-Tie are registered trademarks of Big Sky Insulations, Inc. LEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council. © 2017 - 2021 Big Sky Insulations, Inc.