F.A.Q.'s about Structural Insulated Panels

YES. Structural Insulated Panels replace the studs used in traditional construction. The finished building will still have a top and bottom plate that attaches to the SIP, but the studs themselves are not required. SIPS get their strength from the combination effect of the OSB laminated to both the inside and outside of the foam. SIP panels can be used in most residential house plans designed for stick construction. Learn more about SIP panel walls.

YES. You have two options. First, using SIPS as a flat ceiling creates a fully insulated deck beneath your attic. This means less space to heat and cool. It also creates an attic floor that can be used for storage.  Alternatively, using SIPS as roof panels in place of roof decking can be a great way to achieve a “Vaulted Ceiling.”  Taking the place of roof trusses, our SIP panels will run from a Ridge beam to the exterior walls. Learn more about SIP roof panels.

YES. SIPs are most often used as flooring when there is an overhang or an exposed floor, such as a house on stilts. By using SIPS on the floor, you now have a fully insulated floor system.  Although they are not often used as flooring (because it is more difficult to run plumbing & wiring through them), they can be. Learn more about SIP floor panels.

Panels rate at R-17 (4.5”), R-25 (6.5”), R-31 (8.25”), and R-39(10.25”). In addition, because SIP panels are so much more airtight and have thermal mass properties, they have been known to outperform these fiberglass ratings by up to 50%. A recent study by Oak Ridge National Laboratories in Oak Ridge, TN, shows a 4 ½” SIP wall outperforming 2×6 stud framing with fiberglass insulation. Learn more about SIP R-Value properties.

Yes. First, put down felt paper, then nail your shingles directly to the roof panels.  Most shingle manufacturers will not warranty their shingles over SIPS.

Although EPS foam is toxic, it is much less toxic than Urethane or Isocyanurate foam.  It is even less toxic than a pine 2×4 stud.  SIP panels do not out-gas and will remain stable in R-value over time, unlike urethane.

SIPs tend to fare better in a fire than stick construction. Although drywall is still required on the interior to meet the code, there is little chance of the “Chimney effect,” in which the fire gets behind the drywall and burns up between the studs. On a SIP panel, the drywall is fastened to a solid surface behind it, thus reducing any chance of the “chimney effect” and giving the owner precious extra minutes to get out of the home.

YES. FischerSIPS panels are approved by a Code report. SIPS can also be found in the IRC for walls.

Our panels have a wiring chase that is pre-drilled into each panel, one at 16” and 48” horizontally, and a vertical chase every 8’.  The electrician will use a fish-tape and old work boxes to pull the wiring through the chases and screw the boxes to the OSB facing.

Before you order your SIP panels, we’ll custom design an SIP plan based on your house plans. Our kits will come pre-cut to size and shape with the lumber installed and ready to assemble (RTA). All panels are numbered and will match your SIP plans. Learn more about SIP construction.

Plumbing can pass through a SIP panel but is typically not recommended. Plumbing should always be installed on the interior of a house or in a plumbing wall to prevent the pipes from freezing in the winter.

100+ years. SIP homes are built using engineered products, which means they should last longer than a typical stick-framed home.

A SIP house is typically 5-7% more expensive to build than a stick-framed home. However, homeowners usually recoup costs within five years by saving on heating and cooling bills. Unlike solar panels or a high-efficiency HVAC system, SIPs do not require maintenance or replacement. While SIP materials are more expensive than traditional construction, many builders and homeowners also save on labor costs because SIPs are easier to construct.

OSB is made with a marine-grade adhesive. While the OSB may swell, water will generally not hurt a SIP panel unless it is left exposed for long periods of time (like any other wood product).

Yes, it is recommended to use house wrap to keep the OSB dry and prevent it from rotting.

It is not generally recommended, but certain parts of the country do require a vapor barrier.

SIPS are very large and heavy. You will need a larger crew and maybe a piece of equipment to move/set them. SIPS come pre-cut from the factory, so if your foundation is not square, you will have to make adjustments on-site. Because they are a better product, SIPS are more expensive upfront vs stick framing, but they will be far more energy efficient.

Structural Insulated Panels are used for walls, roofs, and sometimes the floor in residential and light commercial construction. They replace both the framing and insulation in the home with a single product.

OSB, EPS (expanded polystyrene), and glue are the typical components of a SIP.

Yes, SIPS are wood and thus can hold a screw.

Yes, SIPS are load-bearing. Consult your manufacturer or engineer for load tables.

All homes need a foundation. SIPs will be attached to either the foundation or floor deck.

For most TVs, simply screw into the OSB to mount the wall hanger. If the TV is really large or heavy, install a 1x furring strip onto the SIP wall first, then use a larger screw into the furring strip for the wall hanger.

SIP Roofs are designed to be non-ventilated roofs. A mechanical form of ventilation is suggested to move the air in a SIPS building.