SIPs – At a Glance
Superior Alternative to Conventional Stick-Framing
SIPs offer a superior alternative to conventional stick-framing because they provide for more strength and flexibility and they reduce energy bills dramatically. SIPs also reduce construction time and costs since they can be assembled easily and quickly.The technology for Structural Insulated Panel buildings has developed over the past 60 years. Recent political and economic issues have caused panel systems to become cost-competitive with traditional construction methods. Specifically, rising lumber prices and the fluctuating quality and availability of conventional lumber have increased the economic advantage of panelized structures. In addition, as energy costs rise, state and federal agencies are raising the minimum standards for energy efficient structures. For these reasons the SIP construction has become one of the fastest growing segments of the residential building industry.
In SIP construction the rigid insulation blankets the entire structure in a well-sealed envelope. Less air leakage means fewer drafts, less sound transmission, and a much more comfortable indoor environment. Molds, mildews, and dust are reduced. SIP-enclosed buildings are more fire resistant than stick frame buildings because there are no air cavities in the walls to create the ‘chimney effect’. Air temperature and quality are easily controlled, which drastically reduces energy consumption and thus heating and cooling costs. Even the heating and cooling systems themselves are often downsized to account for the efficiency of the SIPs. SIPs have been shown to need 1/100th of an air change per hour to heat or cool outside air to room temperature. Conventional homes often average between one and two air changes per hour. Audits continue to prove that money is saved year after year in these super-insulated, airtight structures. Often energy bills can be reduced by 50% or more by switching to SIP enclosures. Who’s to argue with a safer, healthier, more energy-efficient living environment?
