Tested Tough: What Research Says About SIPs’ Structural Performance

Part 1 of the Proof in Performance Series – Why SIPs Are Stronger by Design

In an industry driven by performance, it’s not enough to say a product is strong;  you need the data to prove it. That’s exactly what Premier SIPS brings to the table.  After all,  performance shouldn’t just be promised—it should be proven. In this new Proof in Performance blog series, we’re highlighting the third-party research, structural testing, and long-term data that validate the benefits of SIPs. From energy savings to seismic strength, the numbers tell the story.

Let’s start where it counts: structural performance and long-term durability. Here's a quick look at the industry-backed studies that confirm why SIPs are one of the strongest building envelope systems available.

SIPs Deliver Structural Strength You Can Rely On

1. Structural Analysis of SIPs: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) 

As part of the Department of Energy’s Building Envelope Research Program, ORNL found that SIP assemblies demonstrate significantly higher racking strength than conventional stick-framed walls. The continuous bonding of foam core to OSB skins distributes loads evenly and minimizes weak points—making SIPs a more resilient choice in both vertical and lateral load situations.

• What it studied: How SIP wall assemblies respond to axial and transverse loads under lab testing.
• Key takeaway: SIPs demonstrated superior strength under load compared to conventional wood framing.
  Backed by the U.S. Department of Energy testing agency.  

⇒ Read the ORNL Structural Analysis Report

2. Durability Testing for SIPs: APA (Engineered Wood Association) 

The APA conducted multiple tests to demonstrate how SIPs can withstand repeated seismic loads and perform reliably in high-stress conditions. Ultimately proving that the composite nature of SIPs makes them highly effective at distributing forces across entire wall surfaces.

• What it studied: Structural performance after long-term cyclic loading and environmental exposure.
• Key takeaway: SIP walls withstood harsh cyclic shear wall testing and maintained their structural integrity.

⇒ Read the APA Cyclic Shear Wall Testing Report

3. Structural & Durability Testing: National Research Council Canada 

This comprehensive study validated SIPs for use in demanding climates and structural applications, demonstrating high performance in terms of moisture resistance, long-term load, and overall reliability.

• What it studied: Long-term compliance testing for strength and reliability in cold climates.
• Key takeaway: SIPs exceeded performance requirements in snow loads, moisture, and freeze-thaw conditions.

⇒ Read the NRC Structural & Durability Report

4. Creep Behavior of SIPs: USDA Forest Products Lab 

Creep testing measures how materials perform under constant stress over time. SIPs showed excellent resistance to creep deformation, even after prolonged exposure to sustained loads. The peer-reviewed results confirmed minimal flexural deflection—meaning panels remain straight and structurally sound, even decades after installation.

• What was studied: How SIPs perform under sustained load over time (creep testing).
• Key takeaway: SIPs showed stable long-term deflection performance, staying within safe engineering limits.

⇒ Read the Creep Behavior USDA SIPs Study - Phase 1 
⇒ Read the Creep Behavior Study USDA SIPs Study - Phase 2
⇒ View Flexural Testing After Creep - USDA SIPs Study Peer Review

5. Lateral Load Performance of SIP Walls and Diaphragms: USDA

Tested under simulated real-world conditions, SIPs showed superior performance in resisting lateral forces—further proving their value in seismic zones, high-wind areas, and buildings where racking strength is critical.

• What it studied: The ability of SIP walls and diaphragms to resist lateral forces such as wind and earthquakes.
• Key takeaway: SIPs performed exceptionally well under lateral loads, offering reliable strength in seismic zones.

⇒ Wall with Full Bearing Study

Strength in Every Panel. See the Proof in Every Study. 

SIPs aren’t just efficient, they’re engineered to last. These studies and tests tell a clear story: SIPs are stronger by design. The structural integrity of SIPs isn’t theoretical—it’s measurable, repeatable, and backed by decades of research from top engineering labs and agencies.

Whether you’re designing for seismic resilience, long-term load performance, or reduced deflection over time, Premier SIPS deliver results you can rely on—and research that backs it up.

Want more? Head to the Premier SIPS Resource Portal to explore full studies, test data, and structural details.