An annual survey conducted by the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) shows that structural insulated panel production increased 4.5 percent in 2007, amounting to nearly 69 million sq. ft. of panels produced in the U.S. and Canada. This year marks four consecutive years of strong industry growth since the survey was first conducted in 2003.
The survey identified 78 companies that manufactured structural insulated panels (SIPs) in 2007. SIPs are predominately used for walls and roofs in residential and commercial buildings. A building envelope made with SIPs will cut the amount of energy spent on heating and cooling, use less resources and allow for a better control of indoor air quality—all important characteristics for green buildings.
As the green building movement and environmental concerns grew in 2007, SIPs increased their market presence in residential construction. The survey notes that 41 percent of SIPs produced in 2007 were used in the construction of residential buildings. SIPA estimates that over 8,300 single family homes were built with SIPs, and although this represents a decline relative to 2006 data, it reflects overall trends in US single family home starts.
SIPs are also a growing option for nonresidential construction, with nearly 24 million sq. ft., or 34 percent, of SIPs produced in 2007 used in nonresidential buildings. Patio enclosures, sun rooms, industrial coolers and other non-building applications accounted for the remaining 25 percent of SIPs produced.
Overall production for SIPA member manufacturers was up 8 percent, well above the industry average.
A variety of different materials are used to construct SIPs, but the basic concept remains the same: a core of rigid insulating foam sandwiched between two structural facings. The most popular facing materials are oriented strand board (OSB) and metal. Plywood and other materials such as fiber cement board and gypsum wall board accounted for only 3 percent of total volume.
The survey also polled SIP manufacturers regarding their geographic distribution. The top ranking regions for SIP use were the Mountain, Pacific, and West North Central
regions. This distribution pattern was consistent with 2006 figures with the exception of a sharp decline in SIP shipments to New England.
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