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Tech Talk: CLT and Continuous Insulation (Ci): A Perfect Match
Discover how CLT and R-Shield continuous insulation combine to meet energy codes and enhance building performance in low-..
In construction energy efficiency should be more than an afterthought; it should be integral to your building design. This is where Premier Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) come in, providing a building envelope solution that is leaps and bounds more energy-efficient than traditional stick-framed construction. But how do SIPs achieve this superior performance? Let's break it down.
SIPs at a Glance
Fact: A SIP structure is up to 15 times more airtight than traditional stick framing, which means less energy wasted on heating and cooling.
SIPs are a smart, integrated solution for your building envelope, combining four critical components—structure, insulation, an air barrier, and a weather-resistive barrier—into one high-performance product. Each panel consists of a rigid insulating foam core laminated between structural wood panels, creating an exceptionally strong and energy-efficient system. Read more about how this one system offers four functions.
SIPs are typically made with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam cores, but for even greater energy performance, you can opt for Graphite Polystyrene (GPS) cores. GPS, with its distinctive gray color, enhances a panel’s R-value by more than 20% compared to traditional SIPs. This upgrade allows building professionals to use thinner panels while still meeting or exceeding energy code requirements, translating to potential savings on freight and accessory costs. GPS cores, like those found in Premier SIPs MAX, are especially effective in colder climates, offering an ultra-high-performance building envelope that boosts energy efficiency year-round.
Why SIPs Outperform Stick Framing
Fact: SIP walls have an R-value that is 44% higher than traditional stick-framed walls, thanks to their continuous insulation design.
When it comes to energy efficiency, thermal bridging and air tightness in stick framed assemblies have been robbing our buildings of energy, so evaluating component R-values alone do not give an accurate energy analysis to predict how a building will truly perform. A whole-wall R-value accounts for the performance of the entire wall assembly (airtightness and thermal bridging), including framing, insulation, and sheathing. This provides a more accurate representation of the actual thermal performance of the wall. As shown above, when evaluating the whole wall assembly, SIPs outperform conventional stick framing in three significant ways: airtightness, continuous insulation, and reduced thermal bridging. 
- Airtightness: One of the biggest culprits of energy loss in buildings is air leakage, responsible for up to 40% of heat loss. SIPs, thanks to their factory-precision manufacturing, create an exceptionally airtight building envelope. Testing by the U.S. Department of Energy found that SIP structures are 15 times more airtight than traditional stick-framed buildings. This tight construction minimizes energy loss, reduces the workload on HVAC systems, and allows for smaller, more efficient mechanical equipment.
- Continuous Insulation: Unlike stick-framed walls that have dozens of studs acting as thermal bridges, SIPs provide continuous insulation across the entire panel. This uninterrupted layer of insulation significantly reduces heat transfer, resulting in better thermal performance. Research by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) showed that a 3.5-inch SIP wall has a whole-wall R-value of 14.09, outperforming a 2x4 stick-framed wall at 9.58—a 47% improvement in thermal resistance.
- Reduced Thermal Bridging: Stick-framed construction introduces frequent interruptions in insulation due to the framing members, creating paths for heat to escape. SIPs eliminate these thermal bridges, ensuring consistent insulation across your building envelope and leading to more comfortable indoor temperatures.
⇒ Educational Project Highlight: Finn Hill Jr. High in Kirkland, WA - “Thermal insulation is important and SIPs play a big role in that. There are a couple of different goals with thermal insulation, one is just having that continuous rigid insulation around the exterior envelope, another one is reducing the infiltration, and yet another is pulling our structure inboard of the SIPs so we don’t have pieces of steel bridging the thermal gap.” - Anjali Grant, an Associate at Mahlum
DIVE DEEPER: Explore the many post-construction operational savings SIPs buildings offer, and learn more about how to evaluate SIPs vs Sticks in an all-cost comparison (including construction costs) here.
Real-World Energy Savings
Fact: SIP buildings can slash heating and cooling energy demands by at least 60%, providing substantial cost savings over time.
The energy efficiency of SIPs translates directly into cost savings. Studies show that buildings constructed with SIPs can reduce heating and cooling energy demands by at least 60% compared to conventional construction. This results in lower energy bills and a significant return on investment over the lifespan of the building. Just like the following DOE award winner which is so energy efficient it generates more energy than it uses. This surplus of energy makes it a "positive energy" home.
⇒ Residential Project Highlight: “With us, it comes down to money. When the goal is net zero, there are so many different strategies. We started doing energy analysis, and then we overlapped that with a cost analysis. SIPs was by far the cheapest way to build net zero, and so we got good at it and started doing it on all our houses. SIPs are 20% cheaper than any other system we’ve been able to come up with to get to a net-zero wall assembly." - Ted Clifton Jr., TC Legend owner.
Exceeding Energy Codes with Ease
Fact: With SIPs, you don’t just meet energy codes—you exceed them
Building energy codes have become stricter over the years, especially with the 2021 updates aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The new codes have targeted this by looking at the wall assembly and how it performs, ensuring that air infiltration and thermal bridging is addressed. Premier SIPs make compliance not only simple but also efficient, often surpassing code requirements without added construction complexity. While SIPs comply with new IECC code requirements for continuous insulation to eliminates thermal bridging, stick frame stick framed assemblies do not and these assemblies require an additional layer of continuous insulation around the entire perimeter of the building. This makes SIPs an ideal choice for builders aiming to meet or exceed standards for energy efficiency.
LEARN MORE: What’s in your walls? See how to quantify SIPs vs Stick framing savings.
More Than Just Energy Savings
Fact: SIPs can help your project achieve certifications like LEED, Zero Energy Ready, and Passive House, setting a new standard for high-performance buildings.
Beyond energy efficiency, SIPs contribute to healthier and more comfortable indoor environments. Their airtight design minimizes drafts, maintains consistent temperatures, and reduces the potential for mold and moisture issues. Plus, SIP panels are a cornerstone for achieving high-performance building certifications like LEED, Zero Energy Ready, Passive House, and Energy Star. Explore the value of LEED certification in commercial, residential, and multi-family construction.
Additionally, using SIPs can qualify your project for tax credits and incentives, such as those available through the 2023 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These credits can add up at up to $5,000 per dwelling unit for builders of residential projects, and up to $5 per sq. ft. for building owners or design professionals of commercial projects. These financial benefits reward energy-efficient construction, further boosting the long-term value of your investment.
⇒ Passive House Project Highlight: A modern Canadian home, built using Premier SIPs, achieved Passive House certification and became part of Vancouver's Near Zero project. With its soaring ceilings and expansive windows, it’s a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency.
Your Go-To SIPs Manufacturer
As the most recognized and awarded SIPs manufacturer in North America, Premier SIPs brings unparalleled expertise to residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Connect with your local Premier SIPs representative today to discuss your next design or build project.
Are you a Homeowner? As a building product manufacturer, we work directly with architects and builders. If you’re a homeowner looking to use SIPs for your residential project, simply refer your architect or builder to us, and we’ll collaborate to create the perfect plan for your new Premier SIPS home. Need a designer recommendation? We have a long list of experienced architects ready to assist.
Find Your Local Rep
As the oldest SIP manufacturer, Premier SIPS offers a superior building envelope framing system for commercial and residential structures. Contact an expert in your region to discuss your next project or to explore the benefits and cost savings when designing and building with SIPs.
