Alternative Construction Research Guide - GCCDS

Versatility / Flexibility: SIPs come in standard panelsizes, and can also be custom manufactured to createwhatever design or configuration is desired. Many manufacturerscan use the construction documents to designa complete SIP package. This allows the panels to beassembled on site with few modifications. On-site modificationscan be made using common tools. SIPs can workwell with other building systems. For instance, interior partitionwalls are often built using standard wood framing.Market Exposure: While SIPs are not as common asstandard wood construction, they are among the mostcommon alternative construction systems. They arerelatively well known and understood within the buildingindustry and are built in all areas of the country.Code Approval: SIPs typically meet all building codes;however, building departments may not be familiar withthe particular system in use. According to ToolBase, “themajority of manufacturers provide technical design andsupport services to ensure code acceptance.” 5Affordability: The cost of a SIP house can be higherthan or comparable to standard wood framing. Dependingon material prices, demand, and level of customizationrequired, the material cost for SIP framing versus standardwood framing will likely be higher. However, an experiencedbuilder can frame a SIP house in days rather thanweeks. Particularly with large numbers of units, the savingsin time and labor costs can be significant.Reduced operational costs (energy and maintenance) anda higher-quality finished product mean that a SIP houseusually provides a better value than a standard woodframedhouse.GULF COAST AVAILABILITY /LOCAL MANUFACTURERSThermaSAVE• Gulfport, MS• Eddie HartwellWood SIPs | 2.1Residential Advantage Building Systems• Jackson, MS• Manufactures: EPS foam core SIPs with OSB skins.Panels fully customizable with thicknesses of 4.5”, 6.5”,8.5”, 10.5”, or 11.5”. Supplies fasteners and tools.• www.resadvan.com / (601) 896-9623General Panel Corporation• Grenada, MS• Manufactures: EPS foam core SIPs with OSB skins.Other types of panel are manufactured at their Tennesseeplant (ICF, OSB/GWB, etc).• www.generalpanel.com / (866) 774-0530SIPS Team USA• Bainbridge, GA• Manufactures: EPS foam core SIPs with OSB skins. Panelsfully customizable up to 8’ x 24’ and 2-10” thick.• www.sipsteamusa.com / (229) 246-8880PanelStar Custom Homes• Columbus, GA• Supplies: INSULSPAN SIPs, EPS foam core SIPs withOSB skins. Provides on-site supervision and consultationduring construction.• www.panelstar.com / (706) 315-4300(Fig.8) Florida State University Energy & Sustainability Center’s“Off-Grid Zero Emissions Building”.(Fig.9) Structural insulated panel components being made in afactory.