SIPs vs. Conventional: Energy Efficiency
SIP walls are superior to conventional walls in a number of ways. SIPs combine a high insulation R-value with speed and ease of construction. The solid foam core eliminates air movement within the walls and minimizes thermal bridges through wood studs. Together, all these reduce air infiltration, and with proper installation, make a tightly sealed/ easily controlled house.

SIPs vs. Conventional: Sound Construction
Building panels come in many forms, known as foam-core panels, stress skin panels, nail-base panels, sandwich panels, or curtain panels. Many of these building panels are nonstructural, while some have no insulation; and the term "panelized construction" can also include prefab stud walls and other modular forms. Global Building Solutions' SIPs are structural, with self-supporting characteristics providing superior insulating properties to a building.

SIPs vs. Conventional: Strength
When installed according to Global Building Solutions' recommendations, SIPs meet all building codes and pass the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards of safety. Fire investigators have found that in buildings constructed of SIPs the panels held up well. For example, in one case where the structure exceeded 1,000°F (538°C) in the ceiling areas and 200°F (93°C) near the floors, most wall panels and much of the ceiling remained intact. An examination of the wall panels revealed that the foam-core had neither melted nor delaminated from the skins. In similar cases, a lack of oxygen seemingly caused the fire to extinguish itself. The air supply in a structural insulated panel home can be quickly consumed in a fire.

SIPs vs. Conventional: Speed
Lack of skilled construction workers and the amount of time to build are major contributors to the difficulties facing current construction methods. The use of SIPs reduces labor time by 35-45% and construction costs by 40-50%.

How are SIPs resistance to weather?
Structural Insulated Panels have exceptional strength to resist typical loads caused by seismic activity and high winds. SIPs structures have also withstood tornados in Georgia and straight-line winds and tree trunks crashing into them in Michigan. Find out more on our SIPs quality page.

What is a SIP?
SIP stands for Structural Insulated Panel. Most SIPs consist of two layers of wood sheathing or fiber cement board laminated to a foam core. When installed in a home, the SIP provides both structure and insulation. While most commonly used in walls, SIPs can also serve as load-bearing floor, ceiling and even foundation components. Most SIPS are designed carry the entire range of structural loads in a building.

What gives a SIP its strength?
The resulting sandwich panel product acts like an engineered I-beam, resisting both compressive forces from above and buckling forces from the side. Engineering tests show that, depending on the type of structural test being administered, SIPs range between two and seven times stronger than traditional framing.

Does the foam lose R-value over time?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam stabilizes at a relatively high R-value (about R-4 per inch) once it is placed in a home's wall and ceiling system; at that point, the R-value of a fully cured EPS panel is about twice that of a fiberglass wall.

Are SIP homes too tight for good indoor health?
No. Research indicates that the best way to provide a home with good indoor air quality requires two essential steps. First, the home has to be built as tightly as practical; it is easier to control air movements in a tight home than in a leaky one. Second, you need some upgraded mechanical ventilation features that can provide a steady flow of fresh air.

Are building codes a problem?
Global Building Solutions has a cordial relationship with regional code bodies, which facilitates acceptance of their products by local code officials. Yet while SIPs have been around for several decades, some code officials still aren't familiar with them, so check with your local building department. Global Building Solutions is happy to follow up with local code authorities, if assistance is needed.

What about shingles on SIPs roofs? Do I need to ventilate?
A ventilated roof is not necessary in most climates as once thought. Using Global Building Solutions' panels results in an open, vaulted ceiling - the opportunity for a hot attic does not exist. CertainTeed Corporation warrants their shingles over GBS roof systems with or without ventilation.

What about SIPs in fires?
To the surprise of some building researchers, data from extensive laboratory fire testing as well as reports from house fires indicates that SIP structures tend to be more resistant to house fires that standard wood-frame structures.

Are ants and termites a problem in panels?
All Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam used in the construction of GBS Structural Insulated Panels is manufactured with an additive formulated to resist normally occurring exposure to wood-boring insects, specifically carpenter ants and termites. It is a process which uses a natural mineral (Borate), and this non-toxic treatment is Registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, meeting the standards of ASTM D3345 and WPA EL 12-72. This same treatment has been proven to not support the growth of three types of common Mold, as well as Mildew, far outperforming foam untreated for mold resistance. Further, the foam used in GBS SIPs is environmentally sound – the product contains no CFC’s, HFC’s or HCFC’s. The additive allowing for termite repellence and mold resistance is inert, non-nutritive, highly stable, and therefore will not decompose, decay, or produce undesirable gases or leachates. It is also recyclable, safe for waste-to-energy systems and landfills.

Is a SIP a "green building product?"
SIP homes require considerably less framing lumber than a conventionally framed home. Note too that 95% of a tree can be used when it is cut into wood chips to make OSB for SIP facings, vs. 63% of a tree when it's sawn into solid lumber. The panel's foam core is recyclable, thus reducing the need for raw material and reducing the amount of material reaching our landfills. Construction material waste is a major component in landfill volume.

Do SIPs contain formaldehyde?
The answer to this question is technically yes, realistically no. This is the case because the amount of formaldehyde emitted by the oriented strand board (OSB) used in SIPs is less than 0.1 PPM (parts per million). This is well below levels established as acceptable by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD). In fact, the HUD Standard now in effect exempts OSB that is produced with these phenolic type adhesives. Large chamber testing demonstrated that emissions of formaldehyde from OSB is less than would be encountered in the normal atmospheric levels of an urban environment. Testing done by APA - The Engineered Wood Association, has been extensive and conclusive. With their permission, a report that provides more detail on this subject has been reprinted and is available from the APA or SIPA offices. The rigid foam cores and the structural water base adhesives used in the panel manufacturing process have no formaldehyde content and are inert plastics prior to leaving SIP manufacturing facilities. (courtesy SIPA)

Do SIPs walls cost more than frame walls?
A SIPs home will retain its energy efficiency for the life of the home, and will give the homeowners an “upgrade” that will result in actual dollars and cents savings.

Are panels a nearly foolproof product?
No. Like anything else, panel manufacturing requires considerable quality control in the factory. Make it a point to ask us about our QC process. Additionally, a knowledgeable designer or engineer needs to review plans to make certain that the panels selected for a particular plan are capable of meeting the structural loads involved. And later at the job site, assembling panels into a strong, airtight and watertight shell requires someone in the lead with some SIP experience.

Why should I choose Global Building Solutions Panels over stick-built framed methods?
• Save On-Site Construction
• Time & Money
• Quiet & Comfortable
• Excellent Quality
• Energy Efficient
• Hurricane and Earthquake resistant strength

Tell me more about how you deliver these panels, as well as the costs involved.
Panels are delivered by common carrier on a flat-bed trailer. Panels are bound in units and are very compact, and do not take up a lot of load space.

How do I wire and plumb a panel house?
Wiring and plumbing are simple, and not much different than in any other house. Plumbing is no different, as there are rarely any pipes run through exterior walls. Electrical is only slightly different, and electricians who have worked with SIPs generally agree that it is easier, once they learned the differences. All of our panels come with horizontal electrical chases at socket and switch height (and can be custom-ordered if different or additional chases are required) through the panels to facilitate running wiring through the exterior walls (keep in mind that all interior walls are conventionally framed and therefore, no different).

How long does it take to build with SIPs?
Our SIPs can be installed in much less time than a site built stud frame. This reduces site labor costs, pilferage, carrying costs and exposure to the weather. SIPs also provide structure, sheathing and insulation in one component. This reduces the number of subcontractors required, supervision costs, and administrative overhead.

What style of houses can be built with SIPs?
All styles - see our Sample Plans Page

Bottom line, are SIP houses better?
Assuming the SIPS are properly installed, a Global Building Solutions SIP house will be stronger, more energy-efficient, and more comfortable.

For more information about Structural Insulated Panels, click HERE