Hello all,
I have spent a fair amount of time researching SIP construction. I will be building in the Carribean and am leaning toward steel SIPS. I have seen a project on my island using Eco-Panel SIPs. Should i reconsider OSB SIPS or stick with the plan and use steel?
Also, there seems to no consensus on the best steel SIPS to use. Any recomendations would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jerry
US Virgin Islands

The best steel SIP is from the company that gives you the best information regarding your application for their product, that gives you the best service and has the best product certifications.

A SIP is similar in structure to a steel I-beam. The skin material acts like the flange of the I-beam and the rigid-foam core acts like the web. A SIP can therefore handle in-plane compression loads, which is why the panels are ideal for floor and roof applications.

I agree with your understanding about how SIPs handle in-plane compression loads but various OSB SIP companies over the years have told me that it is not economical to use SIPS for floors.  I wonder how economical it would be to use metal or laminate skin SIPs for floors.  If the panels have to be thick and still require short spans to carry the dead and live loads, then cost wise, 4x2 floor trusses may be significantly less costly.  Does anyone have experience along this line that they can share?