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SIP is an acronym for Structural Insulated Panel. Joining high performance rigid foam insulation to oriented strand board (OSB) produces these engineered wood building components. The result is a building product that is predictable, resource efficient and cost effective. SIPs are used as floors, walls and roofs on all types of buildings across North America and shipped around the world for use on a wide variety of buildings.
SIPs outperform other building methods in virtually every category because the insulation is a component of a system, rather than thrown in when everything else is almost done. Even 4” SIP walls have been proven to be more energy efficient than 6” stud framed walls. A study by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (www.ornl.gov) proves that a 4-inch SIP wall outperforms 2"x4" stick and batt construction, and even edges out 2"x6" construction in terms of thermal performance. Because SIPs are the structural elements, there are no studs or braces to cause breaks in the insulation. The end result is a more comfortable, energy efficient structure that performs to specifications in real-world conditions. Unlike stick and batt construction, which can be subject to poorly installed - even missing – insulation, the nature of SIPs is such that the structural and insulation elements are joined as one. There are no hidden gaps, because a solid layer of foam insulation is integral to panel construction.
SIP buildings are vastly more energy efficient, stronger, quieter and draft free than older technology systems, like stud framing with common fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is sometimes used for a furnace filter because air moves through so freely. Rigid insulation is used as solid component insulation in the refrigeration industry, for example, for its inherent energy efficiency and lack of air movement. These attributes are built right into the SIP building. Less air movement or leakage translates into less drafts, fewer penetrations for noise, lower energy bills and a significantly more comfortable and controllable indoor environment.
SIPs are a structural composite, much like an ‘I’-beam. The OSB skins act like the flanges, and the rigid EPS core is similar to the web. In short, the components work together, rather than against one another. This composite assembly yields stiffness, strength and predictable responses. Not only do test results show panels are stronger, but real life natural disasters have proven it time and again. The Great Hanshin (Kobe, Japan) and North Ridge (California) earthquakes, hurricane Andrew, a Colorado tornado, a Portland gas explosion, an Omaha fire, and a 175 mph typhoon in Taiwan have done more to prove SIP strength to the homeowners than all of the scientific tests combined.
There are actually “chases” which are built into the foam cores of New Frontier SIPs that work like conduits. Electricians use a fish tape and feed the wires through panels without compressing insulation or drilling through studs. “Live” plumbing is not usually run through exterior walls (by code). Most plumbing runs under floor systems and up into the bottom of cabinets. Where exterior wall vent pipes are necessary, chases can be formed in the foam cores. Island vents or loop vents are also common practices and can be found in the plumbing codes.
Fire requires three components: fuel, ignition and oxygen. SIPs have no ‘air’ within their solid cores of insulation. The fire cannot “run up the wall” cavity even when balloon framed like it can in a stick framed structure. SIPs have passed every standard fire test that is required of wood based or Type V construction. A key element of fire safety is protection of the SIPs and any other underlying structure with thermal barriers like gypsum wallboard.
You can count on it! Structural Insulated Panels are the ONLY upgrade to your new home that will always pay you back, never need replacement due to wear and tear and will never go out of style. All other upgrades (countertops, floor coverings, appliances, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, etc.) will eventually need replacement for one of these reasons. For return on investment, SIP homes surpass stick-frame and most other ‘shell construction systems’ quite easily. Your SIP package will account for a fraction of your structure's cost; usually ten percent or less. These dollars can be made up very quickly in energy savings alone. Over the life of the home, the savings are quite staggering.
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