What is an SIP – Structural Insulated Panel?
Structural Insulated Panels, SIPs, are a modern building material utilizing the benefits of sandwich panel construction. SIPs are most often used in the walls or roof, and provide many benefits. An SIP panel is much like a common sandwich panel. A rigid insulating foam core is sandwiched in between skins. Most often this skin material is made of oriented strand board (OSB), but the skin can also be composed of other composite materials. Most SIPs are custom made for the specific house or building, and are factory cut-to-size. Panels can be shipped to a building site in sizes up to 8 x 24 feet. Installation is quick and effective as the insulating panels are simply placed into location and secured; a whole wall can go up quickly. The spaces for windows are pre-cut, and headers are often not necessary. As well, chases and conduits are pre-installed in the structurally insulating panels for electrical needs. This panel then provides not only insulation to the structure, but also provides
