Structural Insulated Panels, aka SIPs, are an alternative to tradional construction methods. SIPs have been tested to be approximately 2 1/2 times stronger than traditional stick-framed construction. SIPs are will also cut heating/cooling bills by 40-60%.
A structural insulated panel consists of a foam core "sandwiched" by sheeting material, typically OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood. Alternative materials have also been used as sheeting. The lamination of these products into a solid core building material provides both strength and a thermal barrier to prevent heat loss.
A building utilizing SIPs is environmentally friendly not only due to the energy efficiency, but also due to the fact that very little wood is utilized in SIP construction. A traditionally framed structure will consist of approximately 24% solid wood. The same structure utilizing SIPs will contain approximately 3% solid wood. SIPs require little or no harvesting of old growth forests to create larger framing members.
Many customers just learning about SIPs hear the word "panel" and think that they can only create boxes. The fact is that construction with SIPs is only limited by your imagination. A few photos are enclosed show the creative possibilities that can happen while building green.
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