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Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

For a number of reasons I consider the Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) composing the exterior walls of this house to be the skeleton of this project, and one of the key ingredients for a high performance home. Compared to a traditional stud wall of the same thickness, SIPs offer an air and water tight barrier, far superior insulating value, and increased strength.

I often call them the Simply Indispensable Product for a reason... Studies at the Oak Ridge National Lab and at Brock University (Canada) have compared wall systems - a SIP wall beats a stud wall every time.

Compare SIP and stud walls

I have to warn you, SIPs can be very costly if you buy them the wrong way! SIPs are more expensive to purchase than “two by fours” and fiberglass. If your builder can’t realize labor savings, and pass that savings onto you, chances are SIPs will be too expensive for a cost conscious consumer. Before you give up, read on…

 

In June 2007 I introduced Penn Lyon Homes (a modular home factory) and the Murus Company (a SIP manufacturer) to one another. The factories are just 90 minutes apart, and both produce very high quality products. (It happens to be very convenient for the engineers of both companies to work together closely.) Now, 6 months later, we are getting ready to break ground on the world’s first true SIP / Modular hybrid.

I say, “true” SIP / modular hybrid because others claimed to have created a SIP / modular hybrid but, in “their hybrid,” part of the house was built modularly, another part was built with SIPs onsite. “Our hybrid” is a true hybridization of the two technologies.  The house will be constructed in Penn Lyon's modular factory with Murus' structural insulated panels (SIPs) replacing the standard 2”x6” exterior walls. 

The final cost of our house has not been determined yet, but [really good] estimates show that combining the construction efficiency of modular building, with the energy and construction efficiency of Structural Insulated Panels, will result in a “no brainer” product.

I personally believe that if Penn Lyon and Murus do a good job at educating builders and the public (I am trying to help with that), I can't understand why anyone would order a new modular house without SIP walls.  

I can feel the excitement in the air when I communicate with anyone at Penn Lyon, Murus, or Avalon. The result of our efforts should be nothing short of revolutionary. I can hardly wait to see the results!

To learn more about SIPs, visit the Structural Insulated Panel Association website: here.

Submitted by egouin on Fri, 11/30/2007 - 15:01.
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