sPanels Technical Info and FAQs

Over 50 Years' Combined Experience | Quick Turnaround Time | 20-Year Warranty

Over 50 Years' Combined Experience
Quick Turnaround Time
20-Year Warranty

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The First Step to Building With SIPs 

The first step is to identify a quality builder who has experience in SIP construction, we have worked with many builders over the years and would be happy to recommend them to you. An experienced SIP builder will manage the plan conversion and review process. For a builder looking to start their first SIP project, let sPanels handle the plan conversions and engineering services necessary to get the project underway. Contact sPanels today and get a FREE estimate.

Also, get structural insulated panels (SIP) that are 60% more efficient than standard construction materials. Check out the following files for more information:

  • How does the structural insulated panel design and fabrication process work?

    The construction of a SIP home or commercial building begins with the creation of the construction documents. Once the construction documents are in the hands of a SIP manufacturer, dealer / distributor, or design professional, they are converted to SIP shop drawings that give the dimensions of each individual panel. The shop drawings are reviewed by the builder, engineer, the building owner, and other involved parties. Once the shop drawings are finalized, the SIPs are fabricated and shipped to the jobsite for installation.

  • How much faster can I build with structural insulated panels?

    SIP homes go up faster than traditionally framed buildings. A properly trained SIP installation crew can reduce labor costs by more than 60 percent compared to traditional stick framing. At sPanels, we can manufacture panels as big as 4ft by 24ft, so all the entire walls can be put up quickly, reducing drying time. SIPs can be supplied as ready-to-install building components when they arrive at the jobsite, eliminating the time needed to perform individual jobsite operations of framing, insulating, and sheathing stick-framed walls. 


    Window openings may be pre-cut in the panels, and depending on the size, a separate header need not to be installed. Electrical chases are typically provided in the core of the panels, so there is no need to drill through the studs for wiring.

  • How strong are structural insulated panels?

    The structural characteristics of SIPs are similar to that of a steel I-beam. The OSB skins act as the flange of the I-beam, while the rigid foam core provides the web. This design gives SIPs an advantage in handling in-plane compressive loads. SIPs can be engineered for most applications.

  • Are vapor barriers required in structural insulated panel buildings?

    Air barriers or vapor barriers are not required in SIP buildings, because properly sealed SIPs create a code-compliant air barrier with a permeability rating of less than 1.0 perm. In addition, the foam core of a SIP is solid and continuous throughout the wall, eliminating the convection and condensation issues that can occur in cavity walls. 

  • What considerations do you need to take into account when building with structural insulated panels vs. conventional framing?

    The majority of construction processes with SIPs are very similar to conventional framing processes. SIPs accept dimensional lumber and are fastened together using staples, nails or screws. Proper sealing is especially crucial in a SIP structure. All joints need to be sealed with specially designed SIP low-expanding foam sealant. Voids between panels and unused electrical chases need to be filled with low-expanding foam. In addition to sealing, planning and consideration needs to be applied to material handling.