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What Are Structural Insulated Panels?

SIPs provide a unique alternative to stick-built concerns such as energy efficiency, resource supply and lengthy construction times. Structural Insulated Panels (or SIPs) are composed of a continuous core of rigid foam insulation, which is laminated between two layers of structural board with an industrial adhesive at controlled pressure to form a single, solid panel. The result is a simple, fast, highly efficient structural system, which provides superior thermal performance and substantially greater strength than conventional stud construction.

The energy efficiency of a SIP structure means reduced heating and cooling loads, which in turn can mean savings in HVAC equipment. The most important factor in today's construction industry is the speed and simplicity of SIP construction. By combining three stages of conventional shell construction -- framing, sheathing and insulation -- into a single unit, a SIP structure can be erected much faster, with less specialized labor, than outdated stick-building methods. This can mean lower labor and loan expenses, and quicker occupancy. The structural integrity of SIPs opens up many exciting new design options -- such as cathedral ceilings -- that might not be practical or affordable with traditional construction methods.

It's very important for anyone considering a SIP structure to work with a reputable manufacturer who can provide design assistance, technical support and training as part of the package.

Panels can be either 4’ or 8’ wide, and for length, they start at 8’ long and range up to 24’ long in increments of 2’, (8’, 10’, 12’, 14’, etc.). Panels are generally shipped to the job site on a flatbed truck. They are shipped either as whole "blanks" and cut on site or as pre-cut panels and installed like a fine jigsaw puzzle with minimal amounts of job site waste and even quicker erection time. Panels can be cut in a facility with more precision due to controlled site conditions. This also greatly minimizes waste materials on the job site. Panels can be cut to width, length and height with window and door openings as well as hip, valley and bevel cuts. SIPs are a versatile construction component that can be used by itself or incorporated with other building methods such as timber frame construction, log or a combination known as a "Hybrid."

Key Benefits of Panels

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Structural Integrity - EPS retains its shape indefinitely. It will not shrink, decompose or disintegrate due

to age or weather.

•

Thermal Stability - The insulating value of EPS does not decrease with age.

•

Toxicity - EPS is formaldehyde-free.

•

Low Water Absorption - EPS has closed cell structure. Its water absorption level is so low that moisture and the elements will not significantly affect its insulation values.

•

Permanence - EPS is an inert, organic material. It provides no nutritive value to plants, animals or micro-organisms. It will not rot and is highly resistant to mildew.

•

Flammability - Like many construction materials, EPS is combustible. It should not be exposed to flame or other ignition sources. However, you can expect a building made with SIPs to survive a fire that would completely destroy a "stick-built" home. The panels have passed rigorous fire endurance tests required by national codes, and their solid core construction eliminates the "chimney effect" caused by hollow stud walls.

Insulating Properties

EPS Foam Core

3 5/8"

5 5/8"

7 3/8"

9 3/8"

R-factors* (@75°)

R-factors* (@25°)

*Calculated R-factors are for the composite panels, and include: two sheets of 7/16" OSB at .57 each; air film at .68 interior and .17 exterior, and EPS at 3.85 per inch at 75° F and 4.35 at 25° F.