Wall & Roof Panel Options
All panels use 7/16" OSB facings bonded to a 1.0 lb/cu ft EPS foam core. R-values listed are guaranteed minimums — not theoretical peaks.
| Panel Type | Total Thickness | Core Thickness | R-Value | Panel Weight (4×8) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Wall | 4½" | 3⅝" | R-19 | 122 lbs | Wall panels — most Missouri homestead shells |
| Upgraded WallDreamStart Default | 6½" | 5⅝" | R-26 | 127 lbs | Wall panels — high-performance builds, cold climates |
| Heavy-Duty Roof | 8¼" | 7⅜" | R-33 | 158 lbs | Roof panels — cathedral ceilings, maximum insulation |
Real-World Thermal Performance
These aren't simulated lab numbers. They're from documented builds tested under real conditions.
Why Guaranteed R-Value Matters
Batt insulation is rated in a lab under ideal conditions. In the field, compression, gaps around wiring and pipes, and installation inconsistency routinely reduce actual performance by 30–40% below the labeled R-value. You never know what you actually got.
EPS SIP panels are factory-manufactured. The insulation is bonded under controlled conditions in exact thickness — so the labeled R-value is the actual R-value. The R-19, R-26, and R-33 ratings are guaranteed minimums, not theoretical peaks.
Structural Performance Data
EPS SIP panels aren't just insulation — they're engineered structural members that carry vertical loads and resist lateral racking.
All EPS panels are engineered to meet International Building Code requirements for vertical and horizontal load — not just residential guidelines.
EPS SIP panels carry twice the vertical compressive stress load of conventional 2×6 stud walls at 16" o.c. Useful for snow loads and multi-story configurations.
Panel-to-panel and panel-to-foundation connections provide twice the horizontal shear resistance of standard stud walls — critical for wind and seismic performance.
Panels are factory-cut to your design's exact dimensions in Graettinger, Iowa. No field-cutting errors, no waste. Precision ±1/8" on all openings.
Full Material Specification
EPS Solid-Core SIP Panel — Material Data
Fire Barrier Requirement — Owner-Builder Responsibility
EPS foam is combustible and must be covered by a thermal barrier (minimum ½" drywall) on all interior-facing surfaces per IRC R316 and IBC 2603. This is standard practice required by every SIP manufacturer — and it's the owner-builder's responsibility to complete during interior finishing, not part of the shell package DreamStart delivers.
Factory Precision, Not Field Guesswork
Every DreamStart panel is factory-cut in Graettinger, Iowa to your design's exact dimensions — openings, corners, and all. No field-cutting. No guessing.
Your shell design goes to EPS Engineering. They produce a complete cut-sheet package with exact panel dimensions, spline locations, and a panel manifest.
Panels are cut to ±1/8" tolerance by CNC equipment in the Graettinger, IA facility. Openings for doors, windows, and utility chases are factory-cut — never field-cut.
Panels arrive numbered to match the assembly drawings. Your crew (or your local GC crew) installs them in sequence. No layout decisions on site — all coordination is already done.
EPS Manufacturing Plant Locations
SIP vs. Stick-Frame: By the Numbers
Stick-Frame (2×6, 16" o.c.)
EPS SIP (Solid-Core)
Common Questions
What R-value do EPS SIP panels provide?+
EPS Buildings guarantees three wall panel R-values: R-19 (4.5" panel with 3-5/8" core), R-26 (6.5" panel with 5-5/8" core), and R-33 (8.25" panel used for roof applications). These are guaranteed minimums, not theoretical peaks — unlike batt insulation where installed performance can be 30–40% below rated value due to gaps and compression.
How airtight are SIP panels compared to stick-frame?+
A documented EPS SIP build using 6" wall panels achieved 1.41 ACH50 on a blower door test — up to 15× more airtight than comparable stick-built construction. Most stick-frame new construction scores 5–8 ACH50. IECC code requires ≤3.0 ACH50 in most Missouri climate zones.
Are EPS SIP panels insect-resistant?+
Yes. EPS foam used in these panels is EPA-registered for insect resistance and tested to ASTM D3345. The foam is not a food source for termites or other pests — unlike organic insulation materials like cellulose. This is one reason DreamStart chose EPS over polyurethane SIP systems.
Where are EPS SIP panels manufactured?+
EPS Buildings operates manufacturing plants in Graettinger, Iowa (HQ — where all DreamStart panels are factory-cut), Perryville, Missouri, and Clyde, New York. DreamStart shells use panels factory-cut in Graettinger, Iowa to the exact dimensions of your design.
How strong are SIP panels structurally?+
EPS SIP panels are engineered to IBC code and carry twice the vertical compressive load and twice the horizontal racking resistance of conventional 2×6 stud walls. This is why SIP structures perform well under Missouri wind loads and heavy snow.
What does DreamStart's EPS Authorized Dealer status mean?+
DreamStart Building Company is an EPS Buildings Authorized Dealer, meaning your local builder secures EPS panels directly from EPS at DreamStart's quoted pricing, and the project follows EPS's assembly standards. This protects the buyer — you get factory-backed panels and drawings that document the specific assembly requirements that keep the warranty intact. Shell erection is performed by a local builder you hire, not by DreamStart.
Related Reading
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