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Insulspan structural insulated panels

Insulspan structural insulated panels are manufactured in Blissfield Michigan. The panels for the En-House were personally delivered by Insulspan Rep. Josh Seiser on Monday evening, December 7th. This building system consists of two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) sandwiched around an expanded polysyrene (EPS) core.

These panels are being used for the interior walls of the En-House, but could be used for interior, exterior and even roof framing. They sit in a base of 2x4 studs, for which the channel is designed. A deeper channel is required in the panels at the end of the chain so that an entire 2x4 can be buried.

In order to get this depth, foam is cut out using a hot wire tool. The burning foam releases an annoying gas and this should be done out-of-doors or in an area with active ventillation. 2x4 studs are also placed and nailed between the panels to connect them. Nails should be placed every 8 inches.

When one is up, another can be lifted into place. The panels are easily carried and handled by two people. The sides of the panels interlock around the 2x4 stud and are nailed securely. They are quite sturdy once nailed. The continuous nature of the panels reduces air infiltration down to near zero. The foam acts as the insulation and gets an R 16-18.

Due to the ease of installation, the three interior walls were completed in only a few hours. Next steps for the En-House construction include framing the roof and exterior stairs.