Steel SIPs
STEEL SIPS
Thank you for your interest in steel SIP construction …  
The word SIP is an acronym for Structural Insulated Panel. When a panel of this nature is incorporated into a construction model, it becomes a “system”, hence the addition of the “S” to “SIPS”, meaning Structural Insulated Panel System.

SIP panels have been around since the 1930’s when home builders discovered that the use of layered panels, which created an air wall that could be insulated with a fabric or other “R” factor material, resulted in a higher quality finished product that would be more energy efficient. 

Over time, these panels would go through a metamorphosis that would encompass several different types of spacing and foam material, covered in a material called “OSB”, an acronym for “oriented strand board”, which proved useful, but not as to the high insulation quality of its successor.

The development of Steel SIP panels…

There are several different kinds of steel SIP panels that can be used to build affordable, sustainable housing. At ShopAffordableHomes.com, the research has shown us that some of these types of panels are not as structurally feasible as others, are more expensive, are harder to work with on-the-job site and require more work to bring them to a finished grade. This is why we went with a shadow line type of panel that is made up of EPS foam sandwiched in between two 26-gauge Galvalume® steel panels that can withstand the elements for generations to come. 

OSB panels are not like steel SIPS panels because they don’t resist wood-destroying organisms, their use is not as energy-efficient and their toxicity (containing harmful chemicals) levels cannot compare to the resilience of the non-toxic steel panels our contractors use. Over the last decade, steel SIPS panels have been successfully employed for use in areas where severe weather issues are prevalent and its owners have enjoyed the energy savings for having what amounts to a residential “walk-in cooler” and structurally, these homes are capable of resisting severe hurricane force winds. The homes are so design flexible and energy efficient that you can utilize smaller, less-expensive mini-split air conditioning systems. Because of the way the steel SIPS home is designed, all of the interior plumbing is protected by the insulated panels and because there’s no “truss” per se, no wind mitigation studies are necessary.

(Shown below, a 9-foot dropped ceiling that will house the ducted, mini-split AC unit.)

Cost Comparison to Wood Frame and Block and Beam Homes…


Because of rising lumber prices as well as the insulation factors involving steel SIPS homes, building out of steel SIPS provides maximum benefits over wood frame construction over the long term. Wood frame homes cost more to maintain and are susceptible to termite infestation and wood rot due to water infiltration. Concrete and wood are poor insulators when compared to the insulated wall panels associated with the SIPS design. The energy savings derived from an R-60 insulation rating are between 50 and 60% better with steel SIPS homes than wood frame or block homes!


What if I want a coastal luxury model built with steel SIPS?


There is nothing stopping the homeowner of means to build a luxury home out of steel SIPS construction. DK Consultants of Florida LLC has full access to a design team that can help facilitate ready-to-permit plans, complete with a professional engineering seal. All you need is to retain a reputable general contractor to help you complete your project and you can achieve the same quality of sustainable lifestyle that incorporates all of the features and benefits of steel SIPS.


Is steel SIPS construction just for affordable housing only?


Absolutely not. Sustainable living comes in many shapes and sizes based on the needs of the homeowner. We endeavor to help you achieve your goal to own an affordable home…not just in monthly mortgage payments but also as to the lower electric bills you can attain using this type of non-toxic construction. 


How long does it take to build a steel SIPS home?


Once your concrete pad, stem walls, steel piers and/or concrete footings have been poured and cured, our steel SIPS contractor can erect the entire building in as little as 10 days or less! The lag time on projects is generally found in the permitting process and in how the sub-contractors are brought in to do the work and to have it done professionally and in a timely manner depending on the planning skills of your general contractor.


Can I build a “tiny home” out of steel SIPS?


Sure you can. The question is: Why would you want to?  We think that in this day and age, while tiny homes do offer few money-saving advantages, we think of them as more useful in distress-type situations, such as for temporary housing in the even of a major disaster. With the totally useable space that these homes can occupy, there’s nothing stopping the budget-conscious from building with steel SIPS even for portable situations.


How long do steel SIPS homes typically last?


We like to use the term “multi-generational” when describing the resilience of a steel SIPS home and the completed structural tests prove that.


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