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Frequently Asked Questions



Here we have a collection of commonly asked questions about EC&D, Inc., Energy Efficient Building Systems and Green! If you do not see the question that you would like answered here, just ASK and one of our specialists will answer it for you!


Questions (5)
What are SIP’s?

SIP stands for Structural Insulated Panel. Most SIPs consist of two layers of wood sheathing laminated to a foam core. Some SIPs come with other facing materials: metal, drywall, fiberboard, or even plastic. When installed in a home, the SIP provides both structure and insulation. While most commonly used in walls, SIPs can also serve as load-bearing floor, ceiling and even foundation components. Most SIPs that are designed carry the entire range of structural loads in a building; however, SIPs with one drywall facing are just used as cladding panels around timberframe structures.

Why are SIPs so much stronger?

SIPs structural characteristics are similar to a steel I-beam. The skins act like the flanges of an I-beam, and the rigid core provides the web of the I-beam configuration. This composite assembly yields stiffness, strength, and predictable performance. Not only do test results show SIP panels to be between two to seven times stronger than traditional framing, but also natural disasters have proven it time and again. Homes built with SIPs withstood the Great Hanshin (Kobe, Japan) and North Ridge earthquakes, as well as Hurricane Andrew.

How much more energy efficient are SIPs?

You can slash energy costs by up to 70%. Because SIPs create a tighter building envelope than conventional insulation, your builder can actually reduce the size of heating and cooling equipment. That reduces costs immediately. Better yet, SIPs keep your costs down from season to season, year after year, for as long as you own your home. How are electrical and plumbing installed? In commercial construction, wiring is pulled through conduit, phases2 or channels are built into the foam cores of a SIP panel that work like conduit.

How do SIPs compare in costs?

Building with SIPs generally costs about the same as building with wood frame construction, when you factor in the labor savings, shorter construction time and less job-site waste as well as other savings realized because of the incredible energy efficiency of SIP construction.

Why do SIP homes outperform others?

SIP buildings are vastly more energy efficient, stronger, quieter, and more draft free than other building systems, such as stud framing with fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is sometimes used for furnace filters because air moves through so freely. Rigid insulation is used as solid component insulation in almost every industry for its inherent efficiency and lack of air movement. These attributes are built right into a SIP building. Less air leakage means fewer drafts, less noise, lower energy bills, and a much more comfortable indoor environment.