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What is SIP Construction?

Photo taken from the open second floor showing the detail of the painted wood ceiling and exposed beams in a contemporary log home

 So, what is a SIP and why would I want it in my new timber frame home?SIP stands for Structural Insulated Panel.

While they aren’t something new, they may be new to you as they still represent a very small percentage (and growing) of use in new home construction, particularly in the Southeastern USA. SIPs have been around for many years and have been used in thousands of homes and commercial structures. While there are several variations to choose from, a SIP is basically a sheet of OSB or plywood, a thickness if rigid foam insulation and a second sheet of OSB to create a “sandwich.”
So the real question is, “Why would I want to use SIPs in my home?” Well there are several reasons to consider, so many in fact that we feel they are a great construction method for use with our timber frame packages. These are structurally sound enough to build a home by using the panels to form the walls and roof of the structure, but there are a number of other reasons.

  1. Energy efficiency – imagine having the cost to heat and cool your home being HALF that of a conventionally framed home for the rest of your life. Would you enjoy that? It’s not only possible with a SIP home. It’s documented! SIP panel homes offer a few big advantages. LESS seams means less air infiltration. Higher R values mean less heating/cooling capacity needed to keep your home comfortable year round.
  2. Faster to build – our SIPS are delivered to your home site already cut and numbered. It is like a giant jigsaw puzzle. In a typical home the panels can be assembled in just a couple of days, with NO WASTE! Saving time saves you money!
  3. SIP panels are two to three times more structurally capable than stick framing. Study after study shows how a SIP panel home will keep you safe as well as warm.

Yes, we have tons of technical data we would be glad to send you about our SIP systems! Just ask us and we will load you up with enough data to make you dizzy.

But bottom line it’s cleaner, greener, safer and will make your cost of ownership of the timber home you’ve dreamed of the envy of everyone you know!