Structural Insulated Panels
Structural insulated panels (SIPS) are a building material used to
construct walls, roofs and floors. They are high performance; manufactured for residential and light commercial buildings. They are extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective. Construction saves time, money and labor. This is a first rate alternative for your residential, commercial or civil construction, not a second best choice.
Let us put structural insulated panels in your construction project
Get a free estimate by calling 406-545-5848
SIPS are the frame, insulation, and exterior sheathing all in one.
They are structurally self-sufficient. The design is extremely strong and eliminates the need for additional framing. SIPS are also used as curtain walls for steel frame or timber frame. How strong are structural insulated panels? They not only replace conventional framing, but withstand high wind, and seismic forces. We can quickly construct an exterior building envelope that is strong, airtight, and energy efficient.
Small wonder they are an extensively used alternative construction material for homes and buildings. They are pre-cut, so assembly is rapid. This keeps your labor costs low. As a general construction contractor, we can attest to the strength and durability.
How much faster?Structural insulated panels go up faster than traditionally framed homes or buildings. They can be manufactured as big as 8x24 feet, so entire walls can be put up quickly. They arrive at the jobsite ready to install, eliminating time for framing, insulating and sheathing. Window openings may be precut. Electrical chases are typically provided in the core so there is no need to drill through studs for wiring. There is a uniform nailing surface for both interior and exterior finishing. Check out this video on how they go together.
How about energy efficiency?
- Structural insulated panels are one of the most environmentally responsibl
e building systems available. It is high density foam insulation and is extremely air tight, meaning the amount of energy used to heat and cool a structure can be cut by up to 50 percent. Reducing the amount of energy used contributes to a clean environment.
- The Department of Energy tested the performance of entire wall assemblies. The R-value of a SIP wall outperformed a fiberglass insulated wall with an R-value four times as high!
- Building with structural insulated panels can cut home energy consumption by up to 50%, making it easy to reach Energy Star qualifications. In addition, SIP homes are significantly more airtight than wood frame construction. As much as 40 % of a home’s heating and cooling loss is due to air leakage.
Cost Comparisons Builders who start using SIPs don't turn back. The green, environmental product-features in SIPs are great, but what really makes builders happy is that they can provide a far superior product to their customers while simultaneously saving money. After all, who doesn't like a bigger bottom line?
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Comparison to Stick Frame Construction on 2,000 sq. ft. home. |
SIPs House
(roofs, walls & floors) |
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Overall Labor Savings |
Pre-cut panels arrive to the jobsite ready to install, and can save up to 60% on combined labor on overall framing, trim/millwork, window, door and flooring installations. |
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HVAC System Reduction |
Up to 40% smaller HVAC system |
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Jobsite Waste Savings |
Up to 60% less jobsite framing lumber waste |
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Reduced Call Backs |
Stronger, straighter roofs, walls and floors that don't bow, warp or bend, and reduce builder callbacks by up to 50%. |
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Framing Material Costs |
Our SIPs arrive to the jobsite pre-cut and pre-insulated. The material cost for SIPs (as compared to traditional stick frame lumber and insulation packages) is only about 5% higher in raw good costs. This cost includes floor plan conversion to SIP panel construction. |
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End Building/Home Owner Utility Savings |
Up to 60% savings on energy bills for you the customer. Definitely a selling point. |
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Bottom Line |
SIPs are the superior roof , wall and floor framing product, and are extremely competitive to a builder's overall budget (compared to stick-frame construction). |
Let us custom design your SIPS home or building We have the latest computer design software, and can provide the plans and scales needed for the manufacturer to engineer and then custom-fabricate.
How are structural insulated panels made? By sandwiching a thick layer of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB), plywood or fiber cement. Bonding the foam core to the stiff outer skins creates a web-and-flange structural strength (the same principal as an I-Beam). The basic design concept is simple. The materials are made under strict factory supervision and control.
The earth friendly insulation is a lightweight rigid foam plastic composed of 98% air, and requires only a small amount of petroleum to produce. The foam insulation used in panel cores is a non-CFC that does not threaten the earth’s ozone layer. Since completed materials are prefabricated in the factory, there is less jobsite waste to be dumped into landfills.
Get a free estimate of structural insulated panels for your home or building
Call 406-545-5848 today
We build with structural insulated panels in Billings, Montana, Great Falls, Sidney, Butte, Bozeman, Missoula and Lewistown, and also in Cody, Wyoming.