DENVER, CO — In December 2008 a fire in the Grand Junction, Colorado, KREX-TV studio broke out as a result of an electrical problem. Both the local fire department and BATF investigated the fire. Although it was apparent where the fire started, none of the investigators could identify the other details of its origin. The final consensus was that a natural gas heater hanging from the studio ceiling was most likely the source.

The unfortunate occurrence was exacerbated by timing; the fire had broken out during an NFL championship game. Needless to say, football fans on the western slope and Grand Junction area were not pleased to have missed the game.

The KREX building was damaged beyond repair. Ron Tillery, studio manager, seized the opportunity to build a new studio that would be more energy-efficient and correct a longstanding problem with noise coming from a helicopter pad on the roof of the neighboring St. Mary’s Hospital, the largest hospital in the KREX area. “Our studio was right in the line of flight for the hospital helicopter pad, and the noise was a problem for us for years,” said Tillery. “We set out to build an entirely new studio for the television station that would improve our facility in every aspect.”

Tillery was interested in insulating the studio for heat as well as acoustics. “We told the architect, Design Specialists, that we wanted to have the best possible acoustics and energy efficiency in our new building. They suggested we use SIPs (structural insulated panels) for the roof. The panels are already sandwiched with R-38 EPS insulation and ready to put in place, and our architects felt the SIPs would give us the best thermal insulation available.” SIPs also offered acoustical benefits because of the airtightness of a SIPs-built building.

According to Frank Kiesecker, VP Sales and Marketing for ACH, SIPs work well for blocking out mid- to high-range frequencies that are airborne. “Low frequency noise would be best handled by a heavy, dense material like concrete,” explained Kiesecker. “But concrete roofs require a difficult, more complex construction. In the case of KREX, the helicopter noise was of a higher frequency, so the SIPs were able to block out some of the noise from the sheer airtightness of the SIPs connections.”

R-Control® SIPs are a strong structural system consisting of Foam-Control® Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation laminated to oriented strand board (OSB) forming a structural panel. SIPs can be custom fabricated to virtually any architectural design. They make inside finish work easier to complete; drywall goes up fast and cabinets are quickly bolted directly into the OSB panel. EPS, the core product for SIPs systems, is a unique material, having excellent insulating qualities. It is lightweight, strong, resilient, non-corrosive and dimensionally stable.

According to Tillery, although none of the construction crew had worked with SIPs before, there were no problems with the installation. “We broke ground in late November of 2008, gradually moved in to parts of the building throughout the winter, installed our new set and technical equipment in the spring, and did our first high-definition broadcast on August 10, 2009,” said Tillery.

“What is remarkable about the new KREX building is that everything is new,” Tillery added. “We went from analog broadcasting equipment that was 25 years old—maybe older—to the most current technology available today, all digital. So not only is our building new, but our equipment is entirely state-of-the-art. Everyone working with it had to re-learn their jobs because of the new technology.”

About Structural Insulated Panels

R-Control Structural Insulated Panels are manufactured by ACH Foam Technologies, headquartered in Denver. They are distributed through construction channels nationwide. SIPs have been used for over 30 years in residential and commercial projects for their high R-Value, superior strength and quick and easy installation. Learn more about Structural Insulated Panels.

About ACH Foam Technologies

For specifications, technical data and studies go to www.achfoam.com or call ACH Foam Technologies at 800.525.8697.For over four decades ACH Foam Technologies has been an industry leader in EPS manufacturing, providing products for construction, geotechnical, packaging, and industrial applications. With locations throughout the U.S., ACH is positioned to offer convenient, valuable, and complete solutions for its customers. ACH recycles 100% of its post-industrial EPS and is actively involved in recycling post-consumer EPS as well.