FAQ

Q?What are Structural Insulated Panels?: A.
Structural Insulated Panels, commonly known as SIPs, consists of a layer of expanded polystyrene sandwiched between oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs make buildings stronger, more durable and more energy efficient than traditional stick-frame construction.
Q?How long have SIPs been in use?: A.
SIPs were invented in the 1930s and through the years have been proven to be an effective building method in many applications.
Q?Why would I want to build a SIP structure versus a traditional “stick-frame” house?: A.
Residential and commercial buildings constructed using SIPs are stronger and more energy efficient. They can be built in less time than traditional stick-frame construction with more sustainable materials and very little construction site waste.
Q?How strong are SIPs?: A.
Buildings made of SIPs offer exceptional structural strength — up to three times stronger than stick-frame construction — and can withstand up to 155 mph winds, the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane.
Q?Can I build faster using SIPs?: A.
Yes. Building with SIPs allows the builder to get the building envelope to “dry-in” faster. Our designs allow builders to erect a SIP envelope all in one operation. This envelope includes framing, insulation, electric chases and exterior sheathing and can be erected in the same amount of time it would take to only frame the exterior of a traditional stick-frame structure. It is typical for SIP framing to take just a few days rather than weeks needed for stick-built construction.
Q?What is R-value and how do SIPs rank?: A.
R-value is defined as the resistance of a material to heat transfer. A material with a high R-value is a better insulator. Testing shows the whole wall R-value of a 4.5” SIP wall is 14.23 compared to a traditional 2×4 wall panel with Batt Insulation with an R-value of 9.72.
Q?What makes SIP construction air tight and why is that important?: A.
Properly installed SIP walls are sealed at the joints, floor, and roof with special sealants that make the home essentially airtight. Air tightness is an extremely important component in reducing a home’s energy usage since as much as 40 percent of a home’s heating and cooling loss is due to air leakage. The airtight construction also protects against dust, bugs, pollen, molds, and other allergens.
Q?How do SIPs perform in fires?: A.
All Legendary Panels’ SIPs comply with flame spread requirements set forth by UL, Class C (III) and building codes. Additionally, due to the air tight nature of SIPs, fire tests conducted inside a SIP envelope have resulted in fires being extinguished because of the lack of new oxygen infiltrating the SIP envelope.
Q?What testing has been done on SIPs to prove their effectiveness?: A.
Oak Ridge National Labs has conducted extensive testing that confirms SIP construction outperforms traditional stick-built construction in structural strength, energy efficiency and fire testing.
Q?Are SIPs compatible with other building systems?: A.
Yes. SIPs serve as a great roof solution for concrete blocks or insulated concrete forms and they are seamlessly compatible with stick framing. SIP builders can use SIP walls and a conventional truss roof or stick walls and a SIP roof.
Q?How long have SIPs been in use?: A.
SIPs were invented in the 1930s and through the years have been proven to be an effective building method in many applications.
Q?If I am a builder and I decide to build with SIPs will I save money?: A.
Yes. Builders who use SIP construction can qualify for a $2,000 tax credit and save a substantial amount of money in labor costs because of the speed of construction. Homeowners may also qualify for tax incentives, credits or deductions and commercial owners may qualify for up to a $1.80 per square foot tax credit.
Q?How much money will homeowners save if they live in a SIPs home: A.
Homeowners can save as much as 50 percent on their energy bills and can qualify for energy efficient mortgages and reduced insurance rates. The money saved on these expenses typically more than pays for the approximate 10% higher upfront construction costs. Energy efficient homes such as those constructed with SIPs have also been shown to have a higher market value.
Q?Are SIPs environmentally responsible?: A.
Yes. Homes built using SIPs provide exceptional indoor air quality while requiring smaller HVAC systems, often resulting in a reduction in fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to frame construction, SIPs use approximately one third of the wood and reduce job site waste. The OSB used in the construction of SIPs is made from wood scraps and fast growth forests and is considered a sustainable resource. There is less formaldehyde in our OSB than occurs naturally in wood.
Q?Are there other advantages to buying SIPs from Legendary Panels?: A.
Legendary Panels can provide you with a Builder Service Representative (BSR). Our BSRs are typically on site for the builder’s first two projects. This is an exclusive feature and Legendary Panels is the only SIP manufacturer in the country that offers this additional training. A BSR provides builders with on-site training and quality control to help ensure your client receives a superior product. Our customers also have access to our Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Department that is available to answer questions or provide needed instructions. Our CAD department is one of the most sophisticated in the country and assists builders and framing crews in converting conventional “stick-frame” building plans to SIP building plans.