Comparing the Cost of SIPs to Traditional Wood- from ecomii

SIPs include the framing, the insulation, and the sheathing, so when it comes time for you to compare the cost of SIPs to traditional wood framing, you want to make sure you’re comparing the costs correctly. When you factor in all these other materials, SIPs are cost competitive to standard wood framing, adding only 5% to 10% to the material costs. But when you factor in the labor savings and construction waste savings, the cost is about the same as wood construction.

The real savings with SIPs will appear in the savings in heating and cooling the finished building. Factor in these operational costs when considering SIP construction.

Buying Advice for Structural Insulated Panels

With dozens of national SIP manufacturers out there, you may find it hard to choose. When you’re deciding on a SIP manufacturer, consider the following:

Where is the manufacturer located? Choose a manufacturer as close to you as possible to reduce shipping costs.

Is the product healthy? Choose a manufacturer that uses formaldehyde-free and low-toxic adhesives. Some manufacturers are switching over to soy-based adhesives, which are better for your health and are the superior choice.

What type of foam does the manufacturer use? EPS foam is the most common type used (choose EPS over polyurethane), but look for alternatives such as polyisocyanurate or recycled content foam.

What type of boards does the manufacturer use? Although OSB is most common, look for wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Consider alternatives such as Agriboard (http://www.agriboard.com), made of compressed straw panels.

What type of backing does the manufacturer use? Alternative panels are available with one side covered in fiber cement siding for exterior use, drywall for interior use, or waterproofing for exteriors. All these options potentially speed up construction, but they require more planning.

Does the manufacturer precut the panels? Choose a manufacturer that precuts the panels based on your architect’s computer drawings.

What does the manufacturer do with its own waste? Choose a company that uses scrap pieces of panel and recycles unusable waste.

Due to their solid insulation core, SIPs offer superior energy efficiency, providing an insulating value from R-15 to R-45. Choose the thickest SIP panel you can use to maximize this high R-value. The panels come in a nominal thickness of 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches. Although thicker panels cost more, you’ll see a dramatic savings on your energy bill if you use them. For every step up in thickness, expect a 20% drop in your heating and cooling bills.

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