Common Questions

WHAT ARE SIPs?

SIPs is an acronym for Structural Insulated Panel. Joining high performance rigid urethane 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 building across North America and are shipped around the world for use on the widest variety of buildings imaginable.

WHY ARE SIPs SO MUCH BETTER?

SIPs outperform other building methods in virtually every category because the insulation is a component of the system, rather than an afterthought thrown in when everything else is almost done. Even 4″ SIP walls have been proven to surpass 6″ frame walls in thermal efficiency.

WHY DO THEY OUTPERFORM OTHER HOUSES?

SIP buildings are vastly more energy efficient, stronger, more quiet and draft free than older technology systems like stud framing with common fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is sometimes used for furnace filters because air moves through them so freely. Rigid urethane insulation is used as a solid component in almost every industry for its inherent efficiency and lack of air movement. These attributes are built right in to 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.

HOW ARE ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING INSTALLED?

There are “chases” that are built into the urethane foam cores of the SIPs that work like conduit. Electricians use a fish tape and feed the wires through panels without compressing insulation or drilling through studs. Plumbing is not usually placed in walls, especially exterior walls, but through the floor into the bottom of cabinet

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