Combining SIPs with Other Systems
Introduction
Building with structural insulated panels (SIPs) works best when they’re integrated as early as possible into the design. However, often prior to construction, a building’s materials are re-evaluated to ensure that they’re best suited for their applications. There’s a common misconception that choosing to build with SIPs later in the design process means that you’ll have to complete the structure and layout of your new build. In reality, while structural elements may change, SIPs offer a lot of new opportunities for offloading structural elements from the interior and allowing for more open-spanned spaces.
SIPs for northern climates
In many parts of northern BC and Alberta where the frost line is higher, buildings are often built well above the grade on pier foundations to avoid any disruptive soil movement from moisture changes when the ground thaws. Typically concrete slab floors are often avoided for this reason, while SIP systems are ideal as the assembly can be quickly installed above the ground once the foundations have been put in place.
SIPs with steel framing
Structurally insulated panels also work great in conjunction with steel framed systems. While they’re normally used in lighter residential and commercial applications, structures such as schools or recreational centers often have high performance goals and tight municipal timelines. SIPs allow for a quick assembly for greater areas, and the combination of a steel structure with SIPs provides remarkable structural capabilities for larger spanning spaces and open halls.
Combining SIPs with stick framing
One assumption about working with SIPs over stick framing is that they’re more difficult to install in custom conditions, compared to framing that takes on-site adjusting. SIPs come already pre-cut to custom sizes, ensuring that they’re able to fit into custom conditions with precision. Stick framed assemblies also come with a variety of issues that come up over time that can easily be prevented. For example, regular stick frame floors can lead to a variety of issues, especially if installed poorly. While form-core provides continuous insulation, batt insulation often ends up dropping a few inches from the weight of gravity over time, which ends up creating air gaps in the flooring. These air gaps can lead to moisture build up, and also creates potential for rotting in the underside of the floor to take place.
Other benefits to SIP floors include the sound dampening that comes with using foam-core insulation. Many basement suites are renovated and added to a house after the fact, and having a floor already insulated allows for a basement to be easily converted into a secondary suite if need be.
Timber framing and SIPs: the perfect combo?
Heavy timber and SIPs often work great together because of their mutually structural benefits. Heavy timber is often used as a novel addition to a more “grandiose” space where the structure is visible and is featured as a design element.
While heavy timber is aesthetically beautiful and environmentally beneficial, it’s also a costly addition. Adding structural panels to the exterior envelope reduces the load on the interior, requiring fewer timbers (which can be costly for a custom build).
Conclusions
Working with a SIP consultant means we’re able to look at every condition of your new build from an energy savings standpoint, but also from a practical standpoint. The capacity of SIPs with other ubiquitous building systems make them a great alternative to use for your new addition, added suite, or raised deck or sunroom. Check out our building resources guide for installation tips for SIP applications with other systems!
