Top 10 Myths About SIPs—And the Truths You Need to Know

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are one of the most energy-efficient and high-performance building systems available today. But like any innovative technology, they come with their fair share of myths and misunderstandings. These are the most common misconceptions we hear in the field, and we’re here to set the record straight.

1. Myth: SIPs Are Too New to Be Proven

Truth: SIPs have nearly a century of proven performance in real-world projects across virtually every climate and building type.

Widely utilized across Europe, SIPs North American roots date back to the 1930s and 40s, when the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright used them into his affordable Usonian Homes, which remain standing today. Since then, Structural Insulated Panels have been used as building envelope assemblies in thousands of residential, commercial, educational, and institutional structures throughout Canada and the United States. From K-12 schools to multi-story hotels, net-zero homes, affordable housing, fire stations, and offices, SIPs boast a proven history of success. They comply with rigorous building codes, seismic and fire testing standards, and are recognized in the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) through ICC Evaluation Services reports, such as Premier’s ESR-4524. In essence, from a building code perspective, SIPs are suitable for any Type V project and for commercial roof applications in Type III B designs.

SIPs are a mature, well-documented building system backed by third-party testing, decades of use, and measurable performance. They’ve proven themselves to be more energy-efficient, structurally sound, and faster to build than many conventional methods—again and again.

So no, SIPs aren’t the “new kid on the block.” They’ve been around the block hundreds of times, and they’re here to stay.

2. Myth: SIPs Are Too Expensive

Truth: Better quality is the best value, and SIPs save money in construction and long-term operating costs.

Let’s be honest: if you’re just looking at a materials-only line item, SIPs can "appear" more expensive than traditional stick framing. This is simply because most of the installation labor is performed in the factory with extreme precision. But focusing only on upfront price misses the bigger picture—and the long-term savings that SIPs deliver.

Think about it like this: you're not just buying panels—you’re investing in a high-performance building envelope that replaces framing, insulation, and air sealing in one streamlined system. That means:

• Fewer trades on-site (Smaller framing, sheathing and no insulation crew needed)
• Up to 55% faster installation than conventional framing assemblies (dry in faster with predictable schedule)
• Reduced jobsite waste (good for your dumpster budget and the planet)
• Tighter structures with 40–60% energy savings year after year which pays back exponentially, and makes a lasting impact on fossil fuel consumption.

And that’s just the start. SIPs also lower HVAC sizing and long-term maintenance, which is why they’re often chosen for Net Zero, Passive House, and LEED projects. When you step back and factor in labor, energy use, and time savings, SIPs often come out ahead in total cost of ownership, especially when you consider rising energy and labor costs.

Bottom line: SIPs aren’t about being the cheapest option—they’re about delivering the best value over the life of the building.

⇒ Dive deeper: The Value of SIPs: Why Cost Alone Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

⇒ Learn More About How to Price SIPs in Your Construction Project

3. Myth: SIPs Can’t Be Delivered to My Site or Require Special Equipment

Truth: SIPs are delivered to city centers, remote jobsites, and everywhere in between—no problem.

Some assume that SIPs are hard to get to the jobsite or need specialty gear to unload. Not true. Premier has delivered panels by flatbed, barge, helicopter, snowmobile trailer— some even pick up directly from a regional manufacturing facility. Unlike oversized modular systems, SIPs stack flat and efficiently on standard trailers—no special permits or escorts required.

SIPs often reduce the number of deliveries needed to get your full building envelope to site. Since structure, insulation, and sheathing arrive in one integrated system, that means fewer trucks, fewer logistics headaches, and faster dry-in.

On-site handling is straightforward. Most projects use panel lifts or cranes for just a few days. No need for specialized equipment unless your project already requires them. SIPs are designed to simplify construction, not complicate it.

So no—SIPs aren’t difficult to deliver. In many cases, they’re actually easier to transport and manage than traditional building packages.

4. Myth: SIPs Require Experienced Crews and Are Hard to Modify or Install Onsite, Especially Electrical

Truth: SIPs are easy to install with proper planning, and trades quickly adapt with a little know-how.

Yes, SIPs are different from stick framing, but different doesn’t mean difficult. Panels arrive pre-cut with electrical chases built in. Plumbing runs through interior walls like any other project. And framers often find SIPs faster to install once they’ve gone through a quick orientation.

Electricians charging double? That’s usually tied to unfamiliarity, not actual difficulty. In fact, most electricians realize quickly that SIP wiring is straightforward with the right layout plan in hand.

And speaking of support, Premier provides training, jobsite resources, and detailed install drawings to make sure your crew is set up for success. With just a little planning, SIPs streamline installation, not slow it down.

Learn more:

• Do I have to be trained to install SIPs (PLUS Builder & Design Resources)
• Electrical Chases in SIPs Simplify Electrical Work
• SIP Electrical Resources 
  

⇒ 🎥 WATCH: How SIPs Make Electrical Easy

5. Myth: SIPs Aren’t as Strong as Stick Framing

Truth: SIPs are stronger and more resilient than conventional wood framing.

Yes, it’s OSB and foam—but don’t let that fool you. But SIPs are engineered systems, not just a collection of parts. The structural skin of OSB combined with the rigid foam core creates a composite panel that distributes loads more evenly than 2x6 studs. That means fewer weak points—and better overall strength.

Premier SIPs have been tested and approved under ICC structural requirements, including high seismic zones, hurricane-prone areas, and snow-heavy climates. These panels have been used in hangars, schools in Alaska, and buildings in coastal storm zones—not exactly light-duty projects.

SIPs don’t warp, twist, or settle like conventional framing, either. What you build stays built—and stays strong.

⇒ Related read: Stronger By Design: Why SIPs Outperform Traditional Framing

6. Myth: SIPs Don’t Meet Shear or Seismic Requirements

Truth: SIPs meet or exceed shear and seismic requirements—even in the toughest zones.

Worried SIPs can’t handle seismic or lateral loads? You can put that to rest. Premier SIPs are tested and approved under ICC ESR-4524, with assemblies rated for both vertical and shear loads in seismic zones A through F.

That means whether you’re building in California, Alaska, or anywhere in between, SIPs are more than capable of withstanding the forces at play. In fact, SIP structures often outperform conventional framing in high-stress environments, thanks to the panel's unified construction and ability to distribute loads across the entire wall.

Plus, with pre-engineered assemblies and detailed code approvals, your team isn’t guessing—you’re building with confidence. 

⇒ Learn more: ICC Seismic Tested SIP walls with Axial Loads.

7. Myth: SIPs Aren’t Fire-Resistant and Release Toxic Gases When Burning

Truth: SIPs meet rigorous fire safety standards—and no, they don’t release harmful gases when exposed to heat.

We’ve heard it before: “Aren’t SIPs just foam and OSB? Won’t they go up in flames—and give off toxic fumes?” Let’s clear that up.

Premier SIPs have been extensively tested and rated for fire resistance, including 1-hour fire-rated wall assemblies (ASTM E119). When used with approved gypsum layers and detailing, SIPs can meet or exceed code required fire performance standards - including those for wild fire prone areas dictated by the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code. Notably Premier SIPs are WUI compliant, where other stick frame assemblies can require multiple product layers and additions to reach compliance. 

And let’s be clear—EPS (expanded polystyrene) or GPS (graphite polystyrene), the core insulation options used in Premier SIPs, iare chemically inert, non-toxic, and do not off-gas harmful chemicals when exposed to heat. The rigid insulation is also treated with a flame retardant during the manufacturing process, and while any building material will eventually degrade in a sustained fire, EPS behaves similarly to other combustible materials. OSB, drywall, wood studs—all will burn under the right conditions. The key is in system design and rated assemblies, and SIPs meet the codes.

More importantly, SIP structures are inherently airtight, which limits the oxygen that fuels fire spread. And unlike vented attics, and eves in stick-framed buildings, SIPs eliminate common paths for embers to enter during wildfires—an important distinction for fire-prone areas.

Whether you're building in wildfire zones or simply prioritizing occupant safety, SIPs deliver a resilient, code-compliant, and safe solution.

⇒ More: Fire-Resistant SIP Solutions

8. Myth: SIPs Are Only For Boxy Designs–Or Pre-made Home Kits

Truth: SIPs are custom, engineered systems that support everything from clean modern lines to dramatic architectural features.

This myth tends to pop up in two flavors: either that SIPs are only for basic boxes, or that they come as prefab kits with limited options. Neither is true.

SIPs are not a one-size-fits-all product—they’re engineered to match your exact architectural plans. Each panel is custom-fabricated with CNC precision, tailored to your wall heights, window and door openings, and structural needs.  It’s more like ordering custom cabinetry than pulling something off a shelf.

Architects use SIPs in everything from modern homes with expansive glazing and angular rooflines to schools, hangars, and multi-story commercial buildings. SIPs support:

• Vaulted ceilings
• Cantilevers
• Corner windows
• Mixed wall thicknesses
• Deep overhangs

And more. With early design coordination and a good engineer on board, SIPs allow for stunning, high-performance designs without sacrificing creativity. SIPs don’t limit your options—they help you build your vision smarter and faster.

Design Resources:

• Blueprints to Build:  Optimizing Superior Designs with SIPs
• The Integrated Power of SIPs:  4 Products in 1
• SIP Design Best Practices (PDF Series)
  
  

9. Myth: SIPs Are Prone to Moisture Damage

Truth: SIPs are have solid rigid insulation cores, minimal airflow/moisture in the cavity, are designed to be airtight and durable, and with proper detailing, they offer excellent long-term moisture resistance.

Moisture concerns usually stem from misunderstandings about how SIPs work. The truth is, all construction systems require proper detailing, flashing, and weather barriers to keep water out—SIPs are no different.

The basic components of SIPs help improve moisture management. The dual sided structural facings on each SIP panel are structural grade OSB that serve as incorporated WRB (weather resistant barriers). The large SIP panels, with solid core insulation,  create a tighter, more controlled building envelope when compared to traditional framing.  A tighter structure with reduced connections between wall and roof sections, helps prevent air leaks and moisture intrusion in the first place. With fewer seams and joints, there are fewer paths for water and moisture to enter a structure. And because SIPs don’t have hollow wall cavities like traditional lumber and fiberglass batt framed assemblies, there’s less space for moisture to get trapped and cause hidden damage.

Like with any building assembly, the key for high moisture areas is proper planning and execution based on the building climate. When Premier SIPs are installed with moisture management strategies in mind (like rain screens, overhangs, and high performance waterproofing) Structural Insulated Panel envelopes can tackle virtually any climate need.  If you're building in a high-humidity or coastal environment, no problem—SIPs have been successfully used in marine climates like Hawaii, coastal climates like California, hurricane zones like Florida, Alaska's cold snowy climate and rainy Pacific Northwest regions for decades.

Moisture damage isn’t a SIP problem—it’s a detailing problem. And with the right installation, SIPs deliver long-term durability and weather resistance you can count on.

⇒ Learn more: Understanding SIP Ventilation

⇒ 🎥 Watch: Sealing Your SIP Envelope

10. Myth: SIPs Are Toxic and Don’t Comply With Green Building Standards 

Truth: SIPs meet—and often exceed—the toughest green building and health standards.

Some worry that SIPs contain harmful materials or off-gassing toxins because they’re made of "foam" insulation and OSB. But that’s a big misconception. While there are rigid insulations that use harmful chemicals in their expansion and manufacturing process, Premier SIPS uses Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation (or GPS graphite enhanced EPS insulation). EPS is expanded using steam, rather than chemicals, and the finished insulation is free of formaldehyde, CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, and other ozone-depleting chemicals. EPS is inert, stable, and does not off-gas over time, making it an extremely reliable long-term thermal insulation. The OSB facing is made from fast-growing, renewable wood sources and is clean enough by all standards to meet low-emission standards for indoor air quality.

At Premier we back this up with testing and certification. Premier SIPS have proudly earned Clean Air Gold certification, further indicating a level of health and non-toxicity benefits.

In fact, Premier SIPs contribute to a healthier indoor environment by creating an airtight envelope that helps seal out pollutants like pollen, radon, VOCs, and lead dust—especially important in schools, healthcare, and residential buildings.

When it comes to green credentials, Premier SIPs are a great fit for LEED, Net Zero, Passive House, and even Living Building Challenge projects—one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in the world.

SIPs don’t just meet the standard—they help you exceed it.

Key Reads:

• How SIPs Lead the Way in Efficiency and Performance
• Sustainable Building with SIPs
• Engineered to maintain a Healthy Building
  
  

Ready to Separate Fact from Fiction?

Whether you’re pricing your first SIPs project or just want to understand how SIPs can support your design and construction goals, we’re here to help. Contact your local Premier SIPS expert for personalized support, pricing guidance, and expert resources to build smarter, stronger, and more efficiently… no myths required.