When you compare Sips (structural insulated panels) to Stick (frame) construction there are a lot of areas to take in consideration: Cost of a completed wall, speed of installation, insulation value and energy savings along with strength of the wall system.  In the two diagrams above you can see that both walls have an insulation value around R-24.  The Sip wall already R-24.3 when it comes to the job site.  The Stick wall at R-24 must be assembled with many components before reaching R-24.  Even though Stick construction is the old standby for building it is quickly becoming the “dinosaur” due to rising energy costs and availably of quality raw products.  At first glance it looks like both walls will perform the same due to the fact they both have the same R value but this is not correct.  While we are talking the same size wall and the same windows and door cutout we have many hidden “short circuits” in the stick wall such as: headers, studs, cripple studs, laps, joints and an extra top plate.  These items pull energy out of your home by themselves let alone take up space that should be insulated in the first place.  As you can see the Sip wall is insulated in available wall surface area at 93.7% while the Stick wall is only insulated over 79% of the available wall surface.  Besides the above the Sip wall insulation does not allow any air movement within the wall while the Stick wall loose insulation allows air movement pulling air through the entire wall

Remember when comparing wall systems and insulation R-values not all systems are created equal even if they have the same R value!

If you need information on building with Sips give us a call we are the distributors for Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio for R-Control panels made right in Grand Rapids, Mi.  If you wish to stop by our office we are at 8460 Algoma Ave, Rockford, Mi.  616-866-1469 or 888-450-green

Dream It.  Green It.  Build It.

Thanks and pray for our country

Paul Kaiserlian cgp

paul@greenwaybuildingservices.com