Common Structural Insulated Panel Questions

Below are the answers to the common questions Duratherm get asked by people interested in their SIP building system.

1.  Why is this a “green” product?

When asking the question what qualifies a material as “green,” the particular properties of the product are weighed in both the  short-term and long-term balances. The question of short term effects are based on the immediate environmental effects required to produce the product. Both the  production method  and the renewable resources that are used to make the product are evaluated. For example, Rosewood for guitars is not easily renewable. Cement and cellulose for the cempanel are very abundant.  Smoke from coal burning power plants that create electricity is harmful; however, production of the panels creates no direct greenhouse gases. Therefore, in the short-term, panels do indeed qualify as a “green” product. In the long-term, the final products of homes and buildings made with the panels contribute to a smaller long-term carbon footprint in that it is far more energy efficient to heat and cool. These are just some of the reasons that SIPs have been approved by the UN for green self-sustainable building projects.

2.  What are some of the Advantages of building with SIPs?

• eco-friendly building product
• savings of time and money
• stronger and lighter than many other building products
• durable and resistant against damage by water, fire, harmful insects
• proven to better withstand hurricanes and earthquakes

3.  How do SIPs perform in an earthquake?

The Mexico City earthquake in 1985 recorded G-forces greater than 4 and has been used to develop computer models for risk analysis of differing construction methods. SIPS have been tested to withstand a G-force greater than 7 without effecting the structural integrity. By many experts, SIPS are considered the most effective safe house for the money. Read our Simple Explanation of Earthquakes to understand why SIPs are your best choice for building a safe home to withstand earthquakes.

4.  What R value do the SIP with cement sheet skins have?

• The R value of a Duratherm sip 4″ wall panel is R-26
• The R value of a Duratherm sip 6″ roof panel is R-39
• Vacuum insulated panels have the highest R-value polystyrene insulation at roughly R–6 and R–5 per inch.
• (United States R-values quoted here are approximately six times SI R-values as used in Australia etc.)

5.  Prices for building construction with SIPs?

Building with SIPs is generally more affordable than traditional methods. If your architect designs with SIPs in mind, the savings can be even greater. When we review plans, we often suggest ways to improve efficiency in both time and materials—leading to cost reductions of 10% to 40% compared to standard stick-frame and brick construction.
For a detailed price list, shipping costs, or a custom quote for your project, feel free to email us at [email protected]. We're also happy to answer any questions you have about SIPs and how they can work for your build.

6.  How strong are the SIP wall, SIP roof and SIP floor panels from Duratherm?

10cm thick panels are used for the wall SIP while 15cm thinkness is recommended for roof or floors. As you can see from the following image, the SIP panels are easily strong enough to support the weight of a car.

7.  How should I design with SIP panels?

How to Design with SIP Panels

Follow these few steps to design with SIP panels.

1. Download and install the Sketchup design application for a free trial
2. Use the free SIP wall and/or roof models by DurathermSIPs found in the 3d warehouse.
3. Drag, copy or paste, move and rotate the SIPs to design your building.

Follow these basic guidelines to know how to design with SIP panels.

• Use the snap function so that the panels touch correctly.
• With corners the SIPs need to overlay and not butt together.
• Make the rooms the sizes of multiples of the panel dimensions.
• Try not to cut the panels. But when you do, have a use for the off-cut.​

Using these design tips you can easily and quickly draw quite complex designs with SIPs.

Sketchup two level tropical SIP house design

Sketchup house design drawing with SIP walls & beams

Sketchup model of wall & roof SIP panels

8. ​ How to build with SIP panels

Due to the many recent earthquakes that destroyed homes, more people are looking for alternative building materials other than concrete & steel to build earthquake proof housing. SIPs provide the safety people desire and building with SIP panels is so much faster too.

contact us for more information