SIPs

ICFs

SIPs or Structural Insulated Panels have been around since the early 1930's. They are made like a sandwich composed of two sheets of oriented strand board (a durable and stronger version of plywood), plus rigid, extruded, polystyrene foam (EPS) which comes in different thicknesses and various predictable insulation values (based upon the value R 4 per inch of thickness).

These sandwich panels provide 2-3 times the strength of a traditionally built wall, floor and roof, because they have the properties of a continuous column or I-beam. These panels don’t twist, warp or crack. Instead, they provide perfectly square and plumb walls, roofs and floors…which are a huge benefit to every builder.

Building with sips puts you into an entirely different category from stick framing. There is a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency and strength of the building for many reasons. Sips eliminate the heat loss from thermal bridging through the studs which is normally experienced. This thermal bridging dramatically undermines the overall efficiency of a wall.

What really matters in the efficiency of your house isn’t just the value of the insulation but something called “Whole Wall R-VALUE”. This is a test in which the entire wall is tested including the studs, bottom plates, top plates etc. The important information that comes out of this is that the SIP wall consistently performs at the rated level of it’s insulation over the entire wall. Usually in whole wall testing the sips achieve a performance of R23 to R25. Stick framing on the other hand performs far below the rated level of its insulation usually coming in between R10 and R13 depending on the quality of the insulation installer.

SIPs combine structural framing, insulation, and sheathing into one step - eliminating the need to pay numerous trades

SIP building structures can be erected on extraordinarily short time-frames, thereby allowing for construction to be carried out at inhospitable or inopportune times

SIPs have built-in features for plumbing and electrical installation, thereby reducing on-site trade time, and streamlining the construction process

EPS (SIP insulation) maintains its integrity over time whereas batt insulation deteriorates

SIPs can be cut to suit any building requirement - allowing for them to be used in all design situations

SIPs are an excellent sound-barrier, making for quieter, more useable spaces

The elimination of studs in the building structure, means that interior fittings can be placed anywhere on the walls - not just where underlying structures permit

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Energy efficiency increases the resale value of homes by $ 20 for every $ 1 in annual energy savings.

Compared to stud-framing SIP panels are far more resistant to breakdown from moisture and natural decomposition.-framing) settles and absorbs moisture

SIPs eliminate the need for third-party insulation and vapour barriers - eliminating the material, labour, and organizational costs associated with installing these features

SIPs are precision fabricated according to CAD plans, thereby reducing the possibility of builder errors, and allowing for buildings with tighter construction

In SIP-made buildings, superior insulation quality allows for 40-60% savings on heating, forever!

SIPs reduce construction effort by 50%, greatly reducing build times, and build costs

SIPs incredible rigidity and structural strength, allowing for them to span large distances without the need for support walls

SIPs can be cut to fit almost any kind of window or door - allowing for excellent aesthetic design flexibility

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