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S-Panels Omaha — SIPs FAQ

Smart, efficient, and fast panelized building for residential and light commercial projects.

Are SIPs compatible with other building systems

Yes. SIPs integrate with poured concrete, CMU, ICFs, timber or steel frames, and conventional truss roofs. Hybrid assemblies (e.g., SIP walls with a truss roof) are common.

Are SIPs recognized by building codes

Yes. SIP construction is recognized by model building codes used across the U.S. Residential codes include prescriptive provisions; engineered design is common for high wind, seismic, and commercial applications.

Are SIPs susceptible to insects

Foam cores are not a food source, but pests may tunnel. Options include treated components and metal termite shields at foundations. Follow regional pest-control best practices.

Are SIPs susceptible to mold or mildew?

Airtight SIP shells, combined with proper ventilation and humidity control, do not support mold growth. Design and operate HVAC to maintain target humidity ranges.

Can I use recessed can lights in SIP ceilings

Do not embed recessed cans in SIPs. Use low-profile surface-mount LED fixtures or build a soffit below panels for recessed fixtures.

Can SIPs be modified on site

Yes. Panels can be trimmed with appropriate saws and routed for splines or framing. Re-seal all modified joints with SIP-appropriate sealants/tapes to maintain airtightness.

Can SIPs be repaired if damaged

Yes. A qualified professional should determine whether damage is cosmetic or structural. Repairs may include drying and sealing, panel modification, or replacement.

Can SIPs be used in additions or retrofits

Yes. SIPs are often used to add highly insulated roofs or walls, improve energy performance, and speed installation with minimal disruption.

Can kitchen cabinets be attached to SIP walls?

Yes. Increase fastener frequency per manufacturer guidance or use plywood backers/ledgers. SIP walls are flat and true, often simplifying cabinet installation.

Can plumbing be installed in SIPs

Keep plumbing out of exterior SIP walls when possible. If unavoidable, use interior service chases or a small conventionally framed section and seal penetrations.

Do I need a vented attic with a SIP roof

No. With SIPs, the roof structure is typically inside conditioned space. Some designers add a vented over-roof (cold roof) above panels to enhance moisture robustness or shingle life.

Do SIPs block sound

SIP walls reduce high-frequency noise effectively. For multifamily, STC-rated wall assemblies are available and can be tuned with gypsum thickness, resilient channels, and finishes.

Do SIPs need a separate vapor or air barrier

Properly sealed SIPs form a code-compliant air barrier. Use an exterior water-resistive barrier and design vapor control by climate and assembly.

How are SIPs supported—are there studs in the panels

SIPs act as a composite system. At joints, splines or inserted members handle point loads. Roofs typically bear on beams or purlins; long spans are achievable with proper design.

How are electrical wires installed?

Pre-planned horizontal and vertical chases are molded into the foam core. Electricians pull wires through these chases without drilling studs. Coordinate locations in shop drawings.

How do I attach siding or cladding to SIPs

Follow the cladding manufacturer’s guidance for SIP substrates. Fastener schedules may be adjusted due to less solid lumber. Always provide a proper water-resistive barrier and drainage plane where required by climate.

How do I size HVAC equipment for a SIP building

Work with an HVAC professional who models the low infiltration typical of SIP enclosures. Right-sized systems run efficiently, avoid short-cycling, and maintain steady comfort and humidity.

How do SIPs improve indoor air quality

An airtight shell combined with balanced ventilation lets you filter and dehumidify incoming air, reducing dust and allergens while improving comfort.

How do SIPs perform in a fire

As with wood construction, interior gypsum board (often 1/2 inch) provides a 15-minute thermal barrier in residential use. Commercial or mixed-use buildings may require rated assemblies and/or sprinklers per local code.

How does the SIP design and fabrication process work

You provide construction documents. We create SIP shop drawings with panel sizes, openings, and MEP chases. After approval, panels are fabricated, labeled, and shipped to the site for rapid installation.

How important is ventilation

Very. SIP shells are tight. Use balanced mechanical ventilation (ERV or HRV) to supply filtered, dehumidified fresh air and exhaust stale air for healthier indoor air quality.

How much do SIPs cost

Consider total installed cost. SIPs can reduce framing labor, shorten schedules, cut waste, and right-size HVAC. Many projects find overall costs comparable to or lower than traditional framing. Where can

How much faster can I build with SIPs

Panels arrive pre-cut and labeled. Large wall and roof sections set quickly and speed dry-in. Pre-formed electrical chases in the foam core reduce drilling and layout time versus stick framing.

How much money can SIPs save

Savings come from shorter schedules, reduced labor, smaller HVAC equipment in many cases, and less waste. Owners often see lower utility bills when SIPs are paired with efficient HVAC and windows.

How strong are SIPs

SIPs act like a composite I-beam: OSB facings as flanges and the foam core as the web. They handle in-plane loads efficiently and can be engineered for high wind and seismic designs.

How sustainable are SIPs

Continuous insulation, airtightness, and precise off-site fabrication reduce waste and operational energy use. SIPs are a practical pathway to high-performance, low-carbon construction.

I want to build with SIPs—what are my first steps

Share your plans and goals with S-Panels Omaha. We’ll advise on panelization and MEP planning and support your builder during installation.

What about cold climates and condensation

SIPs eliminate convective loops inside wall cavities and create an airtight shell. With proper ventilation and vapor control by climate, you can minimize condensation risks.

What are SIPs

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are factory-made panels for walls, roofs, and floors. Each panel sandwiches a rigid foam insulation core between structural facings (commonly OSB). They deliver a precise, airtight, and energy-efficient shell that installs quickly on site.

What is shingle ridging and could it occur on SIP roofs

Occasional cosmetic ridging at panel joints can occur on any engineered wood roof deck. It does not affect SIP performance. Over-sheathing or a vented over-roof avoids the issue.

What is the real-world thermal performance of SIPs

Beyond nominal R-values, SIPs excel due to continuous insulation and airtightness, reducing thermal bridging and installation gaps common in cavity walls.

What roofing materials work best over SIPs

Asphalt shingles, metal, and other standard roof coverings can be used. For maximum durability and warranty alignment, many builders prefer standing-seam metal or a vented over-roof under shingles.

What should I consider when building with SIPs versus conventional framing

Most practices are similar to wood framing. Plan staging and lifting for large panels, use the correct sealants at every joint, and coordinate MEP chases early in shop drawings.

Where can I find design and engineering guidance

S-Panels Omaha provides support with panel detailing, MEP coordination, and installation guidance, and can connect you with experienced designers and engineers.

Will shingle manufacturers warranty roofs over SIPs

Policies vary. Shingle temperature depends more on color and orientation. For full compliance, consider a vented over-roof or use alternative roofing like standing-seam metal.