Sip’s Versus Stick-Frame: How Do They Compare Today?
History of SIP’s
It’s often forgotten that the technology for Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) have been around for almost a century. The first SIPs in North America were used as a prototype for test homes for the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. Originally designed and put to the test by famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright for his concepts for affordable “Usonian” houses in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Many of these houses were built using a version of these SIPs and are still around to this day, showing that SIPs have stood the test of time.1
Mass production of SIPs began in the 1960’s following WWI. However, it wasn’t until the 1990’s, with the advancement of CNC technologies for the cutting of SIPs manufacturers gained the ability to cut the panels accurately using machine technology. This recently developed automation with CNCs allowed for increased efficiency in the production process, which helped reduce the cost of producing them. It’s only really since the early 2000’s when the technology really took off and started to become ubiquitous in the construction industry.
Construction Cost Comparisons
Today, there’s a reason why SIPs have slowly started to become the ideal choice for builders and designers alike. Since the rise of the modern suburb, the majority of low rise residential construction in North America has been built with two-by-six framed stud walls filled with batt insulation. SIP’s have offered an alternative to the traditional framed wall, by using foam core filled OSB panels that assemble in a panelized fashion. Their efficient panelized assembly and high performance components have given them a reason to contend with standard stick framing methods.
While they have slightly higher upfront costs, there are many factors that go beyond the material costs associated with building a SIP project. Due to their use of higher grade sheathing and solid core insulation, there is a 5-10% higher upfront cost.
However, due to the use of off-site fabrication, reduced assembly time, and lessened need for additional need for hardware and fasteners, SIP homes significantly outperform stick frame homes. These high performing advantages allow them to be major cost savers in the long run on heating and cooling. Overall construction costs can be reduced by up to 30% less compared to a typically stick frame build.
SIP’s Challenging Construction Standards
More than ever, the construction industry has been facing labor shortages, which means that builders are currently forced to come up with more cost effective and innovative building solutions. In BC, the results of a new survey showed that 80% of construction companies currently don’t have enough workers, which is up from last year.2
With the current labor demands, having fewer workers means that their time on-site has become more valuable. SIPs allows for this build time to be significantly reduced, which lends more time for laborers for more projects. Now that the SIPs technology has been around for over a century now, and advanced rapidly over the past 30 years, they’ve finally begun to challenge construction norms when it comes to framing standards. Many builders are catching onto the SIP movement, and choosing to work with SIPS over stick framing for their cost-effectiveness and ease of assembly.
The SIPs Advantage
SIPs have been ahead of the curve for a while now, when it comes to construction standards and pushing the boundaries for sustainable building. In BC, we’ve also been more proactive than other provinces when it comes to adopting sustainable construction practices. One of the key components of the upcoming comprehensive new building code requirements for residential construction is more stringent requirements for energy efficiency. By choosing to build with SIPs, it’s an easy way to meet those requirements.
Despite their higher upfront costs, it’s clear that the overall savings are nearly a third of the typical cost of a stick frame build. This is significant in the long run for home builders, and results in more long-term savings on heating and cooling needs. At West Eco we aim to share the savings value and versatility that comes with working with SIP panels. Reach out to a SIP consultant today to see how these panels could save your team time and money on-site now!
For more information about how SIPs meet the demands of high performance buildings and changing code requirements, please refer to the high performance page on our website. By choosing to build with SIPs, you’re able to be consciously ahead of the curve about changing requirements.
Sources:
- Keith, Simon. Whole Building Design Guideline. (2017). Structurally Insulated Panels. https://www.wbdg.org/resources/structural-insulated-panels-sips
- Dawson, Fabian. (2023). Canada desperate for construction workers. https://newcanadianmedia.ca/canada-desperate-for-construction-workers/
- West Eco. (2023) The SIPs Advantage.https://westecosips.com/sips-advantage/