What does SIP mean?

Structural Insulated Panel. A high insulating structural sandwich of Oriented Strand Board or plywood or concrete board skins and EPS foam (Expanded Polystyrene) bonded with a continuous film of durable and water-proof urethane adhesive.

 

What is the application of SIPs?

Walls, Roofs, Floors --they can do it all. They make excellent walls, replacing dimensional framing. As a roof they work very well in place of, or in conjunction with roof trusses. SIPs don't span as far as trusses and require beam or truss girder support for longer spans. Reinforcing joining spline can be employed flush in the system to increase the spans. Dropped or flush beams also work. Floors from SIPs perform better than any other floor for vibration, and insulation.

 

How do SIPs replace dimensional walls?

SIP Building System's wall, roof and floor systems replace all exterior-supporting walls or roof sections in buildings. Diverse in application, Structural Insulated Panels are used effectively in conventional, timber-framed, log home, multi-unit and light commercial construction.

 

Can you put conventional trusses on SIPs walls?

Yes. The panel has a top chord of kiln dried dimension lumber ready to fasten trusses or the next floor level to -- just like a normal wall. If there is a need or want to add a feature vault section in trusses, SIPs do the job more cost effectively than any other building product in terms of total materials cost, installation labor and the excellent insulation properties.

 

How can SIPs be finished?
You can do this by siding or strapping the SIP walls directly. A moisture membrane is needed on the outside of the panel. After that, it's just a matter of following the installation details from the siding or finishing manufacturer. Roof panels can also be finished with any standard material such as shingles or metal roofing.

How is wiring and plumbing installed in SIPs?
Electrical chases are manufactured into our panels at 16" and 45" above the floor and every 4 feet on center vertically in the walls. Special chases can also be installed into our panels to accommodate low voltage wiring. Wiring is simply pulled through the chases after the panels have been installed.

What kind of doors and windows can I use with SIPs?

You can use any type of windows and doors, but good quality double glazed windows and doors would give the best energy savings. You need to be aware that the window and door jams will need to be furred out (or windows and doors will have to be custom made), for the walls are thicker than the standard stick frame design.

 

Do SIPs need a vapour barrier?
No, SIP panels are air tight and as a result water vapor is unable to penetrate the panels.

Why are SIPs so strong?

The sandwich principle creates an I-beam type structure where the loads are carried by the OSB and spread over the entire surface of the wall on both sides. The result is amazing strength -just like a surfboard or a composite wing of an aircraft that utilizes the same foam sandwich technology.

Are SIPs fire-rated?

With 1/2" gypsum board, SIPs has a one hour fire rating which meet residential fire code regulations. As with any fire resistance issue, however, requirements vary by region, occupancy and building classification. You should contact your local building or fire departments to determine the necessary requirements and ensure compliance with local fire codes.

Why do SIPs insulate better than their relative R-value rating?

Air tightness is the main factor, setting up a chain of thermal characteristics. Air movement through an insulation member tears away thermal value. SIPs are 15 times more air-tight than a framed assembly. High efficiency is attained through a combination of the solid EPS insulation without air spaces and the air-tightness created by the urethane glue film and the EPS foam. Ratings of fiberglass R-value are done in static air conditions -not with the reality of the applications. Wind movement on a building creates significant pressure differentials across the wall section and literally sets up a 'wind' in the wall. Also -air voids and channels form at all edges & corners in stud frame with fiberglass batt-insulation systems. This network of voids of insulation are air conduits, allowing the colder air within the stud frame walls to drop to the bottom of the wall cavity which is the starting point for condensation and molds. Further, in terms of comfort, the temperature gradient created by the stud wall puts the cold air at the bottom of the wall, which chills out the foot area of the room adding to very real living discomfort. Occupants of SIP homes can tolerate a cooler living space than a conventional home and still feel cozy and warm.

How does SIPs handle condensation?

FIRST, no condensation = NO moulds. The dew-point in a SIP wall is in an area with no air and no air movement through. Condensation is formed by air presence and changes in temperature. As air cools, its capacity to hold moisture decreases. Extreme condensation is caused by a continued supply of new air through a location that creates a lowering of the air stream temperature and thus repeated condensation. A properly assembled SIP home is more than 15 times more air tight than a new stick-built home.

 

Why is OSB used instead of plywood?
OSB is made from harvesting fast growing new-growth trees, making the resources renewable and sustainable, as no old-growth timber is used.

How much do SIPs cost compared to traditional framing?
Building with SIPs generally costs about $2 a square foot more than building with wood frame construction for the materials, but you will save on labor resulting from shorter construction time, less job-site waste and your energy savings goings up by 60% or more.

Why should I choose sips over traditional framing methods?
Sips walls are straight, plumb and square. The continuous wood surface also offers a sound nail-base for all exterior and interior finishes. No shrinkage of walls that would lead to cracks in the drywall.

Do Sips Contain FORMALDEHYDE?
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 accepted levels. There is more formaldehyde in an apple than there is in a Sips panel.

Do I need an Engineer?
Yes, Ecosips prides itself in building beyond minimal buildings standards and an engineer can make sure structural everything is on track. We have an in-house Engineer who can help if you do not have one.

How do I properly size HVAC equipment?
The high insulating properties of Ecosips allow smaller HVAC equipment to be used. When working with an HVAC contractor, make sure their calculations take into account an accurate estimation of typically low levels of air infiltration in a Ecosips home. Proper HVAC sizing is crucial because an oversized HVAC system will fail to reach the steady operating rate the equipment was designed for. Short cycling HVAC equipment will be less energy efficient and require more maintenance than properly sized HVAC equipment.