Structural insulated panel

Abstract

A generally planar structural insulated panel for building construction includes interior and exterior facings of weather resistant plastic impregnated paper (PIP) disposed on opposed outer surfaces of an inner insulating core such as of plastic foam or an agricultural product such as wheatboard or strawboard. Spaced elongated, linear studs are attached to either the outer or inner surface of one or both of the PIP facings. The spaced studs, which are preferably comprised of metal or wood, increase the panel's strength, facilitate connecting the panel to a building structure in a secure manner, and facilitate attachment of a structural facing such as of gypsum or cementous composite or exterior siding to the panel. When attached to the inner surface of a PIP facing, the stud is disposed in the panel's insulating core. When disposed on the outer surface of a PIP facing, the studs provide a gap between a PIP facing and an outer facing such as of exterior siding to allow for water drainage. In one embodiment, slots are provided between the insulating core and the interior and exterior facings on one or more edges of the panel or about the entire periphery of the panel for receiving a metal C-shaped channel, or spline. The peripheral C-shaped channel substantially increases panel strength, and facilitates connecting adjacent panels together as well as installing the panel in a building structure with or without the use of 2× dimensional structural lumber.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.