What are SIPS?
A Structural Insulated Panel (SIP or SIPS) is a monolithic structural system which provides superior insulation and structural performance in exterior walls, roofs, ceilings, and floors. Engineered wood facings (OSB) and solid ridged structural insulation (EPS) are welded together with a structural adhesive creating a composite with exceptional strength. SIP by SIPS Louisiana is used in both residential and commercial construction.

What does SIPS do?
SIPs create tight, super-insulated, stable structures which resist fire, wind, insects, and decay. Properly installed SIPs provide a lifetime of security and comfort.

Will they work for me?
SIP Panels marketed by SIPs Louisiana are code compliant, including having been evaluated and judged in compliance with the requirements of the Postal Windstorm requirements.

Are SIPS new?
Development of “stressed-skin” panels (SIPS) for buildings began in the 1930s. Engineering and durability testing was conducted at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, Wisconsin, a facility operated by the U.S. Forest Service.

FPL tested the concept of using skins to carry a portion of structural loads by building a small house in 1937. Wall studs in the panels were 3/4” x 2 ½,” rather than the usual 2” x 4”. The structure is still in use today and is a daycare center run by the University of Wisconsin.

FPL scientists reasoned that if skins could take part of the structural loads, maybe they could eliminate framing entirely. The SIP engineering theory was developed and tested, and a complete structure was built in 1947 using corrugated paperboard. This structure was heated, humidified, and exposed to Wisconsin weather for 31 years.

The structure was disassembled periodically for testing to observe changes in panel stiffness, and bowing was minimal.

In 1969 foam cores were introduced to form the modern structural insulated panel. This implementation of ridged EPS cores gave SIPS the stability and predictability need for developing a standard for building code compliance.

What is the process?
SIP projects start with a quote. Most clients provide us with a set of plans (typically not developed for SIPS) from which we determine the square footage of the areas requiring SIPS. Structural load paths are also determined to ensure adequate support. After the quote is accepted we sign a contract with the owner/builder and develop the shop drawings (see terms for definition). Shop drawings are produced from the client’s plans, enabling SIP production and installation. After the client reviews and approves the shop drawings the production process begins. The OSB and EPS are laminated, and then placed under pressure to allow for the adhesive to cure. After a quality check the panels are then moved to the cutting are where the panels are cut per the shop drawings, specific to each individual project. The process continues through to electrical chase boring and final quality control check.