Part 3 of the Proof in Performance Series – Disaster Resilience That’s Real
When the environment throws its worst at a structure—whether it’s wildfire, earthquakes, or hurricanes—materials matter. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are more than energy‑efficient; they’re engineered to endure. This next installment of the Proof in Performance blog series details independent studies and testing from FEMA, SIPA, and national research agencies that confirm how SIPs perform under extreme conditions—proving they can protect what matters most.
>> Read Proof in Performance, Part 1: Why SIPs are Stronger by Design
>> Read Proof in Performance, Part 2: Real-World Energy Savings
FEMA’s Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction (Fact Sheet 1.7) recognizes SIPs as a strong option for fire‑resistant construction in Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) zones. These areas face increasing wildfire exposure and require assemblies that minimize ignition risks, resist heat transfer, and reduce the presence of combustible surfaces. SIPs’ continuous OSB skins, limited air gaps, and sealed joints help slow flame spread and ember penetration—meeting WUI and ICC‑ESR 4524 compliance for exterior wall construction.
What it studied: How SIP assemblies resist ignition, flame spread, and ember exposure in WUI and high‑heat conditions.
Key takeaway: SIPs meet FEMA WUI guidance for ignition‑resistant construction and perform better than conventional framing with multiple air cavities and exposed joints.
⇒ Read FEMA 499 Fact Sheet 1.7
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) conducted missile‑impact and high‑wind testing to evaluate SIP performance in hurricane‑force environments. The tests simulated debris strikes and 140 mph+ wind loads—conditions that often lead to catastrophic failure in traditional wall systems. SIP walls maintained integrity after impact, with no breach of the inner skin or structural core.
What it studied: SIP wall performance under simulated hurricane wind and debris impact.
Key takeaway: SIPs withstood Category‑4‑level conditions and debris impact without structural failure, validating their use in hurricane‑resistant building envelopes.
⇒ View SIPA Missile Testing Documentation
The USDA Forest Products Laboratory and APA – The Engineered Wood Association jointly evaluated SIPs under cyclic and lateral‑load testing to assess seismic performance. Panels were tested for their ability to deform, recover, and maintain load capacity during repeated shaking cycles. SIPs exhibited strong ductility and stable shear resistance across multiple test phases.
What it studied: Cyclic shear and lateral‑load resistance of SIP walls in seismic conditions.
Key takeaway: SIPs maintained full structural integrity through high‑amplitude cyclic testing, confirming their suitability for seismic zones A–F.
⇒ Read USDA Lateral Load Performance Study
In additional APA durability testing, SIPs were subjected to repeated lateral loads designed to replicate long‑term stress from seismic and wind forces. The panels’ load‑deflection curves showed minimal degradation even after multiple cycles, indicating excellent fatigue resistance and long‑term performance.
What it studied: Durability and deformation behavior of SIP shear walls after repeated load cycles.
Key takeaway: SIPs demonstrated consistent structural capacity over time, confirming superior long‑term resilience compared to dimensional‑lumber framing.
⇒ Read APA Cyclic Shear Wall Testing Report
Disaster resilience is no afterthought—it’s essential. The research and testing consistently show that SIPs deliver across wildfire, hurricane, and seismic scenarios, giving builders confidence that their structures will stand when it matters most.
Next up in the series: Indoor air quality, moisture resilience, and long-term durability — because performance isn’t just about strength and energy.