Frequently Asked Questions

SIPs are a high performance building system suitable for all types of construction. Sometimes referred to as "sandwich panels" or "stress skin panels", SIPs contain a structural foam (insulating) core bonded between two structural skins. At Enercept, we use expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam for the insulating core and typically use oriented strand board (OSB) for the exterior and interior skins. SIPs are manufactured under factory-controlled conditions and can be fabricated to fit nearly any building design. The result is a cost-effective structure that is energy efficient and 2 1/2-times stronger than stick-built.

When you factor in material cost, labor expense, and job site waste with the benefit of a lifetime of energy savings, the Enercept system is a lower cost building solution.

No. Enercept SIPs were tested at the University of South Dakota and no traces of formaldehyde were detected. The panels do not produce off-gassing of dangerous chemicals either.

There are three methods of heat transfer: convection, conduction, and radiation. R-value is the measure of resistance to heat loss by conduction only. The most import factor in thermal efficiency is the continuity of the insulation. The Enercept SIPs system results in a solid envelope of insulation where even the connection posts have a foam core. Therefore, Enercept SIPs have the ability to resist heat transfer by both conduction and convection (air movement). With this in mind, it is reasonable to assume that a conventional home would require an R-40 wall to compare with a 6-inch Enercept wall (R-24.)

A ventilated roof is not necessary in most climates. Model codes allow both vented (cold roof) and non-vented (hot roof) roof assemblies. Because SIPs are insulated, conductive loss of heat is avoided, negating the problems usually associated with a non-vented roof. If you must ventilate your roof, 2x strips can be attached to the top of the roof and then covered with sheathing to form a vented layer over the SIPs.

Enercept structures are very air-tight compared to other building methods. Generally, a WRB, water-resistive barrier is applied to the exterior of the structure. Seam tape is provided for all interior panel connections and an air exchanger is strongly recommended. These measures will protect your home from moisture, and will create exceptional indoor air quality.

The Enercept building system has been evaluated by third party evaluation agencies for compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).  Enercept offers a limited lifetime warranty (copies available by request.)

Connecting Enercept wall SIPs to the subfloor or foundation wall is very similar to traditional stick framing methodology. Watch this video as Enercept's Jon Golz explains how easy it is.

Do you like the open, vaulted ceiling look of the soaring great room? Or, maybe you want a loft area or bonus room over the garage, but the trusses are in the way. Or, you just want to move the insulation envelope to the exterior of your structure. What do you do? Enercept has the answer for you. Watch and learn about a system that dates back to the 1930’s.

A high-performance SIP building enclosure often allows smaller HVAC equipment to be specified. Proper HVAC sizing is crucial to an Enercept home because an oversized HVAC system will fail to reach the steady operating rate the equipment was designed for. This leads to an inefficient HVAC system which can lead to uncomfortable conditions for the occupants. This video will help answer many of your HVAC questions.

Homes built with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have very few studs. So how do you hang pictures and things on the SIP walls of your home? Enercept's Jon Golz explains that it's extremely easy to hang anything you want on SIP walls.

What is a fly-by-corner? Well, it's SIP panel that is designed to be more easily trimmed to compensate for any growth that may have occurred during the erection of the panels. This video explains the importance of a fly-by-corner. 

The strength of construction is one of the biggest arguments in favor of panel construction over traditional wood framing. When you hear about panel buildings surviving hurricanes and earthquakes while their traditionally framed neighbors shatter into sticks, you must take notice.