F.A.Q.'s about FisherSIPS

DO SIPS TAKE THE PLACE OF STANDARD STUDS?
YES.  By using FischerSIPS. on your walls, you will still have a top & Bottom plate, 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 plans that have been designed for stick construction.

CAN SIPS BE USED ON THE CEILING OR ROOF?
YES.  Using SIPS as a flat ceiling gives you a fully insulated deck beneath your attic.  This means less space to heat & cool.  It also gives you an attic floor that can be used for storage.  Using SIPS as your roof panels is 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.

CAN SIPS BE USED AS FLOORING?
YES. By using SIPS in 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.

WHAT KIND OF R-VALUE DO YOU GET?
Panels rate at R-17 (4.5”), R-25 (6.5”), R-31 (8.25”), R-39(10.25”), .  In addition, because SIP panels are so much more airtight and have thermal mass properties, they have been known to out-perform these fiberglass ratings by up-to 50%.   A Recent study by Oak Ridge National Laboratories in Oak Ridge,TN  shows 4 ½” SIP wall out-performing 2×6 stud framing with fiberglass insulation.

DO YOU PUT YOUR SHINGLES RIGHT ON TOP OF THEM?
Put down your felt paper first, then, YES, your shingles get nailed to the roof panels.  Most shingle manufacturer’s will not warranty their shingles over SIPS. 

IS THE FOAM TOXIC?
Although EPS foam is toxic, it is much less toxic then 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.

HOW DO SIPS PERFORM IN A FIRE?
SIPs Tend to fare better in a fire than stick construction.  Drywall is still required on the interior to meet code.   In a fire situation, 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.

DO SIP PANELS MEET CODE?
YES.  FischerSIPS panels are approved by a Code report. SIPS can also be found in the IRC for walls.

HOW DO YOU WIRE THE ELECTRIC IN SIPS? 
Our panels have a wiring chase the is pre-drilled into each panel.   There is one at 16” and 48” horizontally all around the walls and verticals every 8’.  The electrician will need to use a fish-tape and old work boxes to pull the wiring through the chases and screw the boxes to the OSB facing.

HOW DO WE KNOW HOW TO PUT THEM TOGETHER?
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 a set of plans supplied by FischerSIPS.