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Why the Best Building Envelopes Are Designed as Systems
High-performance buildings don’t rely on better materials alone. Learn why systems-based building envelopes deliver more..
The U.S. construction industry is facing one of the most significant workforce challenges in decades. According to recent industry data, the sector needs hundreds of thousands of new workers just to keep pace with demand — with forecasts calling for roughly 349,000 net new workers in 2026 alone to maintain supply-demand balance.
Even with slowdowns in some segments, labor demand remains acute: surveys show 92% of firms report difficulty hiring skilled workers, and about one in three construction projects are delayed because crews can’t be found.
What Builders Are Asking About Labor Shortages
Q: Why is labor shortage such a big deal right now?
• Retirement of experienced tradespeople, fewer young people entering the field, and competing demand from booming sectors like data center construction are all squeezing the workforce.
Q: How does this impact my project costs and schedules?
• When crews are hard to find, wages rise — and slower schedules mean higher carrying costs, prolonged financing interest, and frustrated owners.
Q: Is there a way to build faster without more hands on deck?
• Yes — and that’s where structural insulated panels (SIPs) can transform your build process.
SIPs Reduce On-Site Labor — And Keep Projects Moving
Traditional stick framing requires sequential tasks by multiple trades: framing crews, insulation installers, then sheathing crews. That means more labor hours, more subcontractors, and more scheduling complexity.
SIPs simplify this dramatically:
- Prefabricated panels arrive ready to install, replacing studs, insulation, and sheathing in one system.
- Builders can reduce framing labor by up to 55% compared to conventional methods, according to independent time-motion studies.
- Faster installs shrink project timelines — in some cases cutting framing work by weeks instead of days.
This doesn’t just lower labor hours — it reduces the number of specialized skilled trades you need on site, which is critical when qualified crews are hard to recruit.
Affordable senior housing in Flagstaff, AZ consisting of 60 units uses Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). The SIPs were installed in just a couple days.
Beyond Labor: Other Concerns Builders Are Facing Today
While workforce shortages top the list, other industry headwinds matter too — and SIPs help here as well:
Rising Material & Labor Costs
Even as wage pressures persist, SIPs can help control costs by reducing waste, minimizing rework, and shrinking the overall construction timeline.
Project Delays & Carrying Costs
With fewer schedule risks due to weather or multi-trade coordination, SIP builds are often more predictable — and predictable schedules lower financing and holding costs.
Energy Codes & Long-Term Efficiency
Builders and owners are increasingly focused on energy performance. SIPs deliver a tight building envelope with excellent insulation — helping meet code targets and homeowner expectations alike.
Why More Builders Are Choosing SIPs Today
✔ Less dependence on scarce skilled labor
✔ Faster construction timelines
✔ Reduced framing and installation waste
✔ Better energy performance and client satisfaction
✔ Clear, predictable builds even when crews are thin
When labor markets tighten — as they continue to in years to come— the ability to build efficiently without sacrificing quality becomes a competitive advantage.
Learn More
If labor shortages are slowing you down or squeezing your margins, it’s time to explore how Premier SIPS can change your project outcomes with fewer crews and faster schedules.
👉 See how SIPS stack up against stick framing and get a custom panel estimate for your next build.
Start The Project Conversation
High-performance buildings start with better systems.
Premier SIPS deliver a building envelope that outperforms traditional framing in efficiency, strength, and long-term durability. If your project demands higher performance and greater predictability, let’s talk.
