Panelhead

What is a Panelhead?

If, the first time you saw Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), your first thought was "Why isn't everyone building this way?" you're a Panelhead.  We work with other SIP enthusiasts to realize their dream of a strong, energy-efficient home for a reasonable price.  We have contacts throughout the United States that can make a SIP home affordable for you.

What matters in design for cost of building?

When using SIPs, although virtually any design can be produced, SIPs are most economical when fabrication is reduced and the house geometry is optimized to reduce square footage and waste.  This means that the least expensive SIP designs focus on standard size panels and simple designs.

Examples of economical SIP design include Cape Cods (using shed dormers), loft cabins, ranch, mid century, Craftsman bungalows and other plans that promote either attic living space or low pitch cathedral ceilings.  SIPs naturally produce cathedral ceilings so taking advantage of that decreases cost.

Wall height also matters, 10' high walls cost 25% more than 8; walls- but since there are cathedral ceilings it usually doesn't matter what the wall height is for comfort.

About standard SIP sizes

Manufacturers fall into 2 groups on panel sizes manufactured- jumbo or four-bye.  Jumbo starts with 7/16" x 8' x 24' osb sheets and 4' x 8' thickness EPS is laminated between (or foamed in a press for urethane). Four byes typically start with 7/16" x 4' x 8, 9', 10', 12' 16' or 24; osb sheets and foam to size up to 16'

Jumbos make more sense whenever access is good on the job site or pre-fabrication is desired.  If you want to fabricate on site or if lift access is limited, smaller panels are desirable.  

Urethane or EPS?

Urethane gives a higher r-Value per inch of thickness, but is more expensive when figuring cost per r-Value and is more difficult for site adjustments or field fabrication.

EPS is cheaper per r-Value and stronger per r-Value (with either foam strength is determined by foam thickness, so a 6 1/2" urethane r-36 SIP spans about 30% less than an r-38 10 1/4" EPS SIP).

Most estimates are that 95% of the SIPs manufactured are EPS.

Blank or Fabricated?

The choice for blanks or fabricated panels (cut specifically to fit your design) is often determined by what your local SIP manufacturer is set up to produce.

Some manufacturers are basically laminators and can only produce blanks- standard size and thickness panels- usually very inexpensively.  Stands to reason since they do not have to support the overhead of a fabrication operation.

Others view their job as more servive- with panel plans, fabrication and other services built into their estimates.

It is a good idea to get a bid both ways to determine what makes the most sense in your situation.