Although not new, structural insulated panels (SIP) have recently garnered more attention than ever, thanks to the builders’, manufacturers’ and homeowners’ interest in green building and energy efficiency. With a view to energy efficiency, SIP is a good option. If you’ve ever been involved with any kind of construction in any way, you will notice that builders often use what look like large boards in place of conventional stick frames. Essentially, they’re replacing traditional house envelopes with SIP – and the best part about SIPs is that they can be used in place of any building material. SIPs are used in place of exterior walls, roofing material, floor boards and insulating the foundation.
The most obvious benefit of SIPs is that they have excellent insulating properties. A house built with one of the first ‘versions’ of SIPs in 1937 is still standing, after years of withstanding Wisconsin’s severe climate. The house was dedicated by then First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and is currently used as a day care centre by the University of Wisconsin. Since then, SIPs have gone through many changes. The SIPs today play a significant role in reducing a house’s energy consumption requirements – particularly heating requirements, are quite low on maintenance and high on durability leading to lower operating costs and are easier and more efficient to construct. The only possible drawback that we might consider is their suitability over the long term in Northwest wet weather.

Comments are closed.