 e use Murus polyurethane filled SIPs in all of our homes. They are a natural choice in our goal to design homes that are extremely energy efficient and comfortable. We have been customers of Murus for over 10 years and are consistently impressed with the quality of the products and service. Visit them at Murus.com.
Murus fabricates their panels in a covered facility with computer precision. This increases the panels' accuracy and predictability at the job site.
POLYURETHANE VS POLYSTYRENE
Structural insulated panels are made from either polyurethane or polystyrene. There are several differences between these two types of foam.
• POLYSTYRENE
 Polystyrene (the disposable, white "coffee cup" material) has an R value of 3.85 per inch and is thermoplastic. When heated to high temperatures, or in a fire, thermoplastic materials will melt before they catch on fire. In a styrene panel, when the styrene melts, the panel quickly becomes nonstructural. Since the foam is encapsulated within the OSB (oriented strand board) high temperatures and fire would take a while to melt the foam.
Because of the way polystyrene panels are made, they are structurally not as strong as polyurethane panels. Polystyrene panels are stronger and better insulated than frame construction, in most cases, and are a bit more expensive. (If they were really less expensive than frame, tract builders would use them since they base their materials decisions heavily on cost.)
Polystyrene panels are much more common and are available locally across the country. The reason for this is that the manufacturing process is simple. Sheets of styrene are glued to skins, usually OSB. This process is easy and relatively inexpensive. Typically, door and window openings are cut on site, which creates waste and is a less predictable method of getting square and level openings. Polystyrene panels are less expensive than polyurethane panels, however.
Follow the arrows to read about polyurethane panels.
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