Structural Insulated Panels

Structural insulated panels [SIPs], also called foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are sheets of foam insulation sandwiched between oriented strand board or another type of composition wood.

Unlike traditional wood construction, SIPs use no studs in the construction process. These strong, super-insulated structural building components can be used for floors, walls and roof.

How it works

SIP contractors develop a design with your homebuilder. In the factory, these designs are transferred to panels up to 24 feet wide and eight feet fall - using such large components minimizes the number of joints where air can leak into your home.

After the panels are cut to the right shape, including window and door openings, they're shipped to the building site. The panels arrive lettered and numbered, allowing for quick installation.

Energy savings

The panels offer an R-value of between four and six per inch, depending on the type of foam used. In fact, SIP walls can be built to a lower R-value because the panels are significantly more airtight than stud walls.

Other benefits

SIPs also offer a few more advantages over standard framing:

• They're shipped pre-assembled from the factory, meaning the shell of your home can be constructed in just a few hours rather than a few days.
• They're three times stronger than conventional stud walls.
• They can be cut to any shape, allowing for greater design flexibility.
• The insulating material is protected by the wood panels, reducing the risk of moisture damage.
• The panels are built to your contractor's specifications, so construction waste is dramatically reduced.
• The composite wood in the panels uses recycled wood chips instead of newly-cut lumber.

Older types of SIPs did have concerns with fire safety and insect damage, but improved manufacturing techniques, along with proper installation, have eliminated the problems.

Costs

While SIPs cost more than traditional building materials, they require less labor to install, making the total construction cost about the same.

Learn more:

• Frequently Asked Questions about SIPs - By the Structural Insulated Panel Association
• Structural Insulated Panels - By Toolbase.org
• Structural Insulated Panels - By the U.S. Department of Energy