What are Structural Insulated Panels?
How long have SIPs been in use?
Why would I want to build a SIP structure versus a traditional “stick-frame” house?
How strong are SIPs?
Can I build faster using SIPs?
What is R-value and how do SIPs rank?
What makes SIP construction air tight and why is that important?
How do SIPs perform in fires?
What testing has been done on SIPs to prove their effectiveness?
Are SIPs compatible with other building systems?
If I am builder and I decide to build with SIPs will I save money?
How much money will homeowners save if they live in a SIPs home?
Are SIPs environmentally responsible?
How can I become a Preferred EH Systems’ Builder?
Are there other advantages to buying SIPs from EH Systems?

17. What are Structural Insulated Panels?

1. Structural Insulated Panels, commonly known as SIPs, consists of a layer of expanded polystyrene sandwiched between oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs make buildings stronger, more durable and more energy efficient than traditional stick-frame construction

17. How long have SIPs been in use?

1. SIPs were invented in the 1930s and through the years have been proven to be an effective building method in many applications.

17. Why would I want to build a SIP structure versus a traditional “stick-frame” house?

1. Residential and commercial buildings constructed using SIPs are stronger and more energy efficient. They can be built in less time than traditional stick-frame construction with more sustainable materials and very little construction site waste.

17. How strong are SIPs?

1. Buildings made of SIPs offer exceptional structural strength—up to three times stronger than stick-frame construction-- and can withstand up to 155 mph winds, the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane.

17. Can I build faster using SIPs?

1. Yes. Building with SIPs allows the builder to get the building envelope to “dry-in” faster. Our designs allow builders to erect a SIP envelope all in one operation. This envelope includes framing, insulation, electric chases and exterior sheathing and can be erected in the same amount of time it would take to only frame the exterior of a traditional stick-frame structure.

17. What is R-value and how do SIPs rank?

1. R-value is defined as the resistance of a material to heat transfer. A material with
   a high R-value is a better insulator. Testing shows the whole wall R-value of a
   4.5” SIP wall is 14.23 compared to a traditional 2x4 wall panel with Batt Insulation with an R-value of 9.72.

17. What makes SIP construction air tight and why is that important?

1. Properly installed SIP walls are sealed at the joints, floor, and roof with special sealants that make the home essentially airtight. Air tightness is an extremely important component in reducing a home’s energy usage since as much as 40 percent of a home’s heating and cooling loss is due to air leakage. The airtight construction also protects against dust, bugs, pollen, molds, and other allergens.

17. How do SIPs perform in fires?

1. All EH Systems’ SIPs comply with flame spread requirements set forth by UL, Class C (III) and building codes. Additionally, due to the air tight nature of SIPs, fire tests conducted inside a SIP envelope have resulted in fires being extinguished because of the lack of new oxygen infiltrating the SIP envelope by air infiltration.

17. What testing has been done on SIPs to prove their effectiveness?

1. Oak Ridge National Labs has conducted extensive testing that confirms SIP construction outperforms traditional stick-built construction in structural strength, energy efficiency and fire testing. For further information regarding our tests, please contact our sales team at 830-629-2468.

17. Are SIPs compatible with other building systems?

1. Yes. SIPs serve as a great roof solution for concrete blocks or insulated concrete forms and they are seamlessly compatible with stick framing. SIP builders can use SIP walls and a conventional truss roof or stick walls and a SIP roof.

17. If I am builder and I decide to build with SIPs will I save money?

1. Yes. Builders who use SIP construction can qualify for a $2,000 tax credit and save a substantial amount of money in labor costs because of the speed of construction. Homeowners may also qualify for tax incentives, credits or deductions and commercial owners may qualify for up to a $1.80 per square foot tax credit.

17. How much money will homeowners save if they live in a SIPs home

1. Homeowners can save up to 50 percent or more on their energy bills and can qualify for energy efficient mortgages and reduced insurance rates. The money saved on these expenses typically more than pays for the approximate 10% higher upfront construction costs.

17. Are SIPs environmentally responsible?

1. Yes. Homes built using SIPs provide exceptional indoor air quality while requiring smaller HVAC systems, often resulting in a reduction in fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to frame construction, SIPs use approximately one third of the wood and reduce job site waste. The OSB used in the construction of SIPs is made from wood scraps and fast growth forests and is considered a sustainable resource. There is less formaldehyde in our OSB than occurs naturally in wood.

17. How can I become a Preferred EH Systems’ Builder?

1. EH Systems offers a Builder Training Program that provides builders with a "hands on" approach to learning. We offer a detailed training program where participants are taught our unique system not through text books but by actually building with SIPs. Once builders complete the program they are Preferred EH Systems Builders. For more information on the training program, please call Wayne Wall at 830-629-2468, xt. 213.

17. Are there other advantages to buying SIPs from EH Systems?

1. Builders who finish the EH Systems' Builder Training Program are provided a Builder Service Representative (BSR). Our BSRs are on site for the builder's first two projects. This is an exclusive feature and EH Systems is the only SIP manufacturer in the country that offers this additional training. A BSR provides builders with on-site training and quality control to help ensure your client receives a superior product. Our Preferred Builders also have regular access to our Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Department that is available to answer questions or provide needed instructions. Our CAD department is one of the most sophisticated in the country and assists homebuilders in converting conventional “stick-frame” home plans to SIP home plans.