News Release 7/30/07
| For Immediate Release July 30, 2007 |
Contact: | Chris Schwind chris@sips.org 253.858.7472 |
APA Begins Work on American National Standard for SIPs
APA–The Engineered Wood Association received accreditation as a standards developer from the American National Standards Institute in May of 2007. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) coordinates the development and use of voluntary consensus standards in the United States, and represents the needs and views of U.S. stakeholders in standardization forums around the globe.
One of APA’s first tasks is to seek consensus on developing an industry standard for structural insulated panels (SIPs). Currently, there are no existing American National Standards covering SIPs. This standard will cover the manufacturing, qualification, quality assurance, design, and installation requirements for SIPs.
A completed consensus standard will facilitate the use of SIPs by architects, engineers, and construction professionals by providing design specifications based on a minimum standard that can be used with products from a variety of SIP manufacturers. Additionally, the consensus standard can be incorporated into major building codes.
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) worked closely with APA in the development of a code change proposal for SIPs that was recently adopted in the 2007 supplement of International Residential Code. SIPA Executive Director Bill Wachtler says that the American National Standard will further SIPA’s goals of building code acceptance and market expansion.
“A standard will allow us to apply the best design, construction and manufacturing methods from each of our members, paving the way for wide acceptance among code officials, designers and builders,” said Wachtler. “We applaud APA’s efforts to ensure consistent quality of SIP production and grow the SIP industry through the development of a consensus standard,” he added.
APA has a long and extensive history in building codes and standards development activity to advance the use of engineered wood products. Dr. B.J. Yeh, director of APA’s Technical Services Division, said of APA’s accreditation, “This is an exciting validation of one of APA’s core strengths—application research and standards development.”
Standard PRS 610.1 for Performance Rated Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) is currently accepting applications for committee members. To learn more, visit the Standards Development webpage at www.apawood.org.
About SIPA
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a nonprofit association representing manufacturers, suppliers, dealer/distributors, design professionals, and builders committed to providing quality structural insulated panels for all segments of the construction industry.
About APA–The Engineered Wood Association
APA–The Engineered Wood Association (formerly American Plywood Association) is a nonprofit trade association whose domestic and international members produce a variety of engineered wood products. APA's primary functions are quality inspection and testing, applied research and product promotion.
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