SIPSTECH Manufacturing Solutions are available in mutiple configurations based on the specific requirements of our Strategic Partners.

If you are interested in becoming a SIPSTECH Strategic Partner please contact:
Mike Readwin, Director Strategic Partnerships, 403-277-4000 mikeatsipstech.com
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What are SIPs?
SIPs are high-performance building panels for floors, walls and roofs in residential and commercial buildings. Each panel is typically made using expanded polystyrene (EPS), rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB and other skins can be utilised depending on the application), and other surfaces are also available to meet your needs. The result is a building system that is very strong, predictable, energy efficient, and cost effective.

What R-values do SIPs have?
The R-value of a SIP varies depending on the thickness and type of foam core used. According to a study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the "whole-wall" R-value of a wall with a 3-1/2" EPS core is 14 compared to 9.8 for a 2 inch x 4 inch wood framed wall insulated with R-11 fiberglass insulation. When the performance of the whole wall system is considered, SIPs perform better than traditional systems because they are manufactured in a controlled environment characterised by uniform fabrication of components without gaps or air pockets. They are also designed for efficient field installation that reduces air infiltration, and there are few thermal breaks or penetrations in the panels that are typical of wood frame construction.

How do SIPs compare in costs?
Building with SIPs generally costs about the same as building with wood frame construction, when you factor in the labour savings resulting from shorter construction time and less job-site waste. Other savings are realised because less expensive heating and cooling systems are required with SIP construction.

Why do SIP homes outperform others?
SIP buildings are vastly more energy efficient, stronger, quieter, and more draft free than other building systems, such as stud framing with fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is sometimes used for furnace filters because air moves through so freely. Rigid insulation is used as solid component insulation in almost every industry for its inherent efficiency and lack of air movement. These attributes are built right into a SIP building. Less air leakage means fewer drafts, less noise, lower energy bills, and a much more comfortable indoor environment.

How much more energy efficient are SIPs?
You can slash energy costs by up to 50%. Because SIPs create a tighter building envelope than conventional insulation, your builder can actually reduce the size of heating and cooling equipment. That reduces costs immediately. Better yet, SIPs keep your costs down from season to season, year after year, for as long as you own your home.

How are electrical and plumbing installed?
In commercial construction, wiring is pulled through a conduit. "Chases" or channels are built into the foam cores of a SIP panel that work like conduit. Electricians use a fish tape and feed the wires through panel chases without compressing insulation or drilling through studs. Typically, plumbing is installed in interior walls and floors, but not in exterior walls. Where exterior wall vent pipes are necessary, chases can be formed in the foam cores. Installing island vents or loop vents is also a common practice and can be found in plumbing codes.