Building with SIPS
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) are a building frame product that has several properties that make them a favorable choice to use as the frame for any new home or addition construction .
Preping the SIPS for shingles
Framed SIPS first floor complete
SIPS are made of one layer of foam positioned between two layers of oriented strand board (OSB). Although SIPS can be veneered using a variety of materials to fit different building needs, OSB construction is the most common. This design eliminates both thermal bridging and air infiltration found in stick framing methods.The average stick built home has enough air leakage that if added up would equal a 10″ square opening to the outside. Although with modern blower door testing and sealing products this can be remedied it proves a labor intensive way to achieve mediocre energy performance results when compared to a building with SIPS construction. A well designed and planned home or addition allows for factory pre cutting of the SIPS. Utilizing this cutting service drastically reduces on site construction time, material handling, waste and labor allowing an entire home to be framed, sheathed and insulated in literally a matter of a few days. We don’t believe in or promote SIPS because it puts more resources in our pocket, we do it because testing has proven that over time they will continue to keep them in yours!
The idea of SIPS dates back to the mid 1930’s and the first actual foam core panel was produced by Alden Dow, son of the founder of Dow Chemical Co., a then student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Although the U.S. has lagged a bit in embracing this building technology it is utilized in Canada much more, due to colder weather climate and higher building code requirements.
Please contact us via email or phone with any questions you may have about building with SIPS. We’ve included here a couple of links that we feel might be both helpful and interesting.