Structural Insulated Panels: Homebuilding Wave of the Future

Structural insulated panels are the wave of the future when it comes to homebuilding. Actually, they are older than you might think. Birthed in the 1930s, and further tested in the 1940s, SIPs have stayed under the radar for decades. In the coming years, SIPs will emerge as their benefits become apparent to the builder, the homeowner, and tree hugger.

Resembling Oreo cookies, SIPs consist of a foam core between two rigid panels. They are used to form the outer walls and roof of a building. The panels can be made with anything from plywood to fiber-cement. The core is generally made of foam, but other materials are also available.

What makes SIPs so great?

Decreased Cost of Labor

Their rigidity allows a house to be built without a stick-structure (skeleton frame) for support, or the specialized labor required for framing. Acting as their own stick-structure, SIPs are secured directly to the foundation. SIPs are also very lightweight, some requiring only two men to carry a section of a wall. Conversely, it also takes fewer men to secure the walls.

Lighting Fast Setup

Companies that build SIPs generally ship them pre-cut or close to it. Setting up a house built with SIPs can be done in a matter of days as opposed to months. Global Building Solutions, based out of Charleston, South Carolina, demonstrated the benefit of SIPs by sending three men to build a house in the Alaskan wilderness. They set up the walls and roof of the house in one day. Laying the foundation was the longest part of the build.

Better for the Environment

It takes large quantities of wood to build a home. Homes built with SIPs tend to use 50-75% less wood. SIPs also use a larger percentage of each tree that is cut down. Because SIPs generally come pre-cut from the manufacturers, less waste is produced at construction sites.

Extremely Durable

The legendary strength of SIPs has allowed them to stand up to hurricanes, Alaskan winters and falling trees. SIP homeowners generally suffer little damage when compared to their stick-structured neighbors. The original SIP building, built in Wisconsin in the 1930s has endured its harsh climate to this day and is still in active use.

Energy-Efficient

SIPs are so well insulated, they are almost too efficient. In a day where saving energy is king, SIPs offer to reduce heating and cooling costs through better insulation. The airtight seal between the foam core and outer walls of SIPs make the panels hard to beat when it comes to energy savings. Used in the roof as well, SIPs eliminate the hot attic, allowing for beautiful vaulted ceilings.

As the industry picks up momentum, builders will look to SIPs to cut their labor costs. Eco-Friendly SIPs will help keep the tree-huggers off your back by using less wood. Savvy homeowners will look to Structural Insulated Panels for their benefits in the areas of durability and energy savings.

Source:
http://www.globalbuilding.net/
http://www.sips.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_insulated_panel