Structural Insulated Panels

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) have been around for more than half a century, but despite their many benefits, they hovered at the far edges of the building industry for decades.

Structural Insulated Panels
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) have been around for more than half a century, but despite their many benefits, they hovered at the far edges of the building industry for decades. With the recent interest in green building and energy efficiency, though, they have gained popularity as a viable alternative to stick-built framing.
Consolidating framing, insulation, and sheathing into one installation step, SIPs are primarily constructed with two outer skins of OSB laminated to an insulating foam core of either expanded polystyrene or polyisocyanurate. A study by Oak Ridge National Labs has shown that SIPs provide a more energy-efficient and airtight structure than stick framing because they create a wall with continuous R-value; wall studs create a thermal break, counteracting the effects of batt and even foam insulation.
“SIPs are typically 40 to 60 percent more energy efficient than stick construction,” says Damian Pataluna, president of FischerSIPS LLC, adding that tested structural strength, efficient use of natural resources, warranties, and reduced cost of labor add to their appeal.
The panels are factory-built, some supplied as blanks with no cut-outs, others with window and door openings designed into the panel and with electrical chases routed, reducing waste on the jobsite. Most manufacturers offer ready-to-assemble systems that require no on-site cutting.
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