Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were made for moments like this—when speed, simplicity and workforce efficiency matter more than ever. Whether you're new to SIPs or just need a refresher on their core advantages, it’s time to get "Back to SIP Basics." With today’s labor market tightening and the pressure to meet ever-stricter energy codes and sustainability goals, now is the perfect time to revisit the fundamentals of SIP construction.
Construction labor shortages continue to strain project timelines, budgets, and quality control. Traditional framing is labor-intensive. It often requires multiple trades—framing crews, insulation installers and air sealing specialists—to complete sequential tasks. This adds complexity, introduces scheduling delays and increases the risk of errors.
SIP construction dramatically simplifies the process.
Crews can complete SIP enclosures in days instead of weeks. A single SIP panel combines structural framing, continuous insulation and air barrier in one integrated system. Panels arrive at the jobsite ready to install, reducing the number of steps and skilled trades needed.
Proven Labor and Time Savings
According to data from RSMeans Time Motion Study, SIPs outperform conventional stick framing in speed and efficiency:
- 55% faster than conventional stick framing with batt insulation
- Up to five times fewer framing crew members required
- Cuts onsite labor time nearly in half for residential wall and roof construction
These savings aren’t theoretical; they’re backed by real-world comparisons that show SIPs shaving days off construction calendars. By simplifying the build and reducing reliance on scarce skilled trades, SIPs help builders stay on schedule, maintain quality, and reallocate labor where it’s needed most.
More Than Speed: Energy Efficiency That Performs
And here’s the payoff: even with less material and fewer layers, SIPs still outperform conventional construction methods in energy efficiency. Thanks to their solid core and reduced thermal bridging, SIP walls and roofs deliver consistent, measurable R-values.
What does that mean for your projects?
- Measurable energy savings over time
- Reduced HVAC loads and operational costs
- Consistent thermal performance across climates
- Easier code compliance with fewer components
So while you’re cutting labor and material costs, you’re also delivering a building envelope that meets or exceeds modern energy standards.
Learn more about R-values and real-world performance
See how SIPs reduce thermal bridging
Consistent Performance. Predictable Results.
Each panel is manufactured to meet precise design specifications, delivering reliable thermal, structural, and air-sealing performance from the start. Because SIPs arrive ready to assemble, there's less reliance on field modifications or overlapping trades to meet quality expectations.
What builders can expect:
- High R-values that meet or exceed code without added materials
- Airtight construction that reduces infiltration and HVAC demands
- Durable assemblies that retain performance over decades
- Streamlined installation that improves quality control and reduces callbacks
This integrated performance translates to better building envelopes with less room for human error. When fewer trades are involved and panels are prefabricated to design specs, the result is a streamlined process with fewer callbacks and better quality control.
Get Back to Basics
Whether you’re building custom homes, multifamily housing or commercial structures, SIPs offer a simpler, smarter way forward. When labor is tight and schedules matter, builders need solutions that eliminate complexity without compromising performance. That’s what SIPs are built for.
Learn More About SIPs