FAQs Regarding Room Additions Built with SIPs

What You Need to Know Before You Build Your New Room Addition

What are SIPs?
What makes SIPs faster to install than stick frame structures?
How much is saved on labor when building with SIPs?
How do I protect my room addition from insects, mold, and mildew?
Why is OSB used instead of plywood in the manufacturing of SIPs?
How 'green' are Green Room Systems SIPs?
Are there any health risks to building with panels?
What are the architectural styles that can be made out of SIPs?

What are SIPs? Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are extremely strong, prefabricated insulated sheets with foam cores. This solid construction offers long lasting R-value, moisture resistance, and even blocks wind. Suitable for many residential and commercial building applications, structural insulated panels are viewed today as the cost‑effective, energy‑efficient construction system that saves labor and time. Learn more about SIPs.

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What makes SIPs faster to install than stick frame structures? One advantage of building with structural insulated panels is the ability to install structures, from room additions to entire homes, in a matter of days instead of a matter of weeks. In fact, it takes about a third of the time to construct a entire house with SIPs than it would building with a conventional frame. SIPs combine structural framing, insulation, and sheathing into one easy installation step. Since SIPs are prefabricated to exact design specifications, window, door, and electrical openings can be precut before they arrive on‑site, making installation a snap. Learn more about faster installation with SIPs.

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How much is saved on labor when building with SIPs? Prefabricating structural insulated panels virually eliminates any additional framing needs. Engineered to exact specifications, the panels make straight walls so there is no need to straighten bowed studs. SIPs also provide a uniform nailing surface for both interior and exterior finishing. What all this amounts to is maximum savings on labor and few to no callbacks to the installer.

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How do I protect my room addition from insects, mold, and mildew? Choosing Green Room System with FrameGuard Coated SIPs means your room addition will have the highest protection possible against mold, mildew, and termites. SIPs coated with FrameGuard are protected with organic fungicides and a borate compound tested to be effective. The organic compounds remain close to the surface to provide protection against mold; moldicides inhibit the enzymes' ability to break down the wood and consume the sugars and starches mold needs for growth. Meanwhile the borate component penetrates into wood providing protection against both fungi and termites.

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Why is OSB used instead of plywood in the manufacturing of SIPs? For a number of reasons. First, OSB is more stable than plywood, particularly in high moisture conditions; delamination and linear expansion are much less likely to occur. Second, OSB is available in much longer lengths (up to 28'). Third, it is less expensive than plywood, producing a more affordable finished product.

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How 'green' are Green Room Systems SIPs? Green Room Systems SIP room additions are some of the most energy efficient structures ever developed. SIP construction blocks heat and cold from penetrating the room as well as escaping from the interior room addition. Study after study have proven that SIPs save over 60% in heating and cooling costs in comparison to stick frame construction.

A room addition built with Green Room Systems SIPs is also the eco‑friendly structure. A more environmentally responsible building method, SIPs greatly reduce CO2 emissions over the course of the structure's lifetime. SIPs also reduce construction waste since they can be delivered to the site pre‑cut, complete with window and door openings, to exact dimensions. Each panel contains the insulation, structure, and moisture barrier of the wall system. EPS ‑ the insulation ‑ is manufactured without the use or production of CFCs or HCFCs, and it is recyclable.

There is also no off‑gassing issue to be concerned about. Our SIPs utilize Oriented Strand Board (OSB) as the sheathing and facing material that sandwiches the insulation. OSB reduces wood use by as much as 35% and reduces pressure on mature forests by allowing the use of smaller farm‑grown trees that can be regenerated in 5‑10 years. Exterior grade plywood, for example, requires more mature timber. In so many different respects, building with SIPs is a far greener method of building than conventional stick framing. Learn more about reducing the impact on the environment and saving energy with SIPs.

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Are there any health risks to building with panels? No. EPS core panels do not contain any formaldehyde, CFCs or other harmful or dangerous gases. In fact, when properly ventilated foam core panel room additions are more healthy than conventionally built room addtions. Because panel homes are so tight, it is relatively easy and economical to maintain healthy temperature and humidity levels. You can expect healthier living spaces with you build with SIPs.

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What are the architectural styles that can be made out of SIPs? Entire homes and commersial buildings are being made out of structural insulated panels so virtually any room addition style can be constructed. At Building Concepts, you can choose from four architectural styles: cathedral, victorian conservatory, hip roof, and studio. If none of these styles suite your home or tastes, we can work with you to design a custom room addition. Learn more about room addition designs.

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If your questions did not get answered here, contact Building Concepts to speak to one of Connecticut's most knowledgeable SIP room addition experts.