| KC Panels | Other SIPs |
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R-value
| 7 to 7.5 per inch | 3.5 to 4 per inch |
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| Foam Cutting Tools | Urethane can not be melted so must be mechanically removed. A special router is used for this purpose. | Styrene can be cut out using a hot wire, because of the low melting point. |
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| Connecting Method |
KC Panels have a connecting "tongue" that is manufatured as part of the panel, eliminating the need to install the splines. This connection system only requires 2 rows of nailing, reducing total install labor. |
Most panel to panel connections require separate splines that must be installed and require 4 rows of nailing to attach. |
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| Material Waste |
Because of the unique manufacturing process, KC Panels does not manufacture the "hole" that is cut out for windows so there is no charge for that material. Moreover, after cutting panels to size we combine the remaining pieces to make additional panels. This difference can save over $1,000 on a single home. |
Panel material is sold by the square foot. The standard process is to make the panels full size and then cut or remove the material for the windows and other openings. This waste material is included in the total cost of the project. |
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| Dimensional Tolerance |
Urethane cores are injected molded into the skins. The expansion of urethane is very dependent upon temsperature, humidity and other factors. This expansion process is more difficult to control resulting in some thickness variations. |
Due to the manufacturing process, styrene panels have the opportunity to have tighter tolerances for thickness than urethane panels. Styrene cores are cut with a hot wire and then laminated to the skins. This cutting process should be very controlled. |
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