FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the structural insulated panel design and fabrication process work? A: The construction of a SIP home or commercial building begins with construction documents. Once these documents are in the hands of a SIP manufacturer, they are converted into SIP shop drawings that detail the dimensions of each individual panel. These shop drawings are reviewed by the builder, engineer, the building owner, and other involved parties. Once finalized, the SIPs are fabricated and shipped to the job site for installation.

2. How strong are structural insulated panels? Why are SIPs so strong to bear heavy loads? A: The structural characteristics of SIPs are similar to that of a steel I-beam. The OSB skins act as the flange of the I-beam, while the rigid foam core provides the web. This design gives SIPs an advantage in handling in-plane compressive loads and can be engineered for most applications.

3. Does the house come with interior and exterior finishes? Can I have a complete house with everything ready? A: Besides the structure/shell, we strive to provide as many additional components as possible to save costs and time. However, other accessories and decorative materials are not provided by us and do not have standard options or prices. We can source these according to your detailed requirements after agreeing on the structure/shell.

4. Do you have CE certification for your product? A: For CE certification, we have consulted with Intertek, a professional laboratory. They have confirmed that as our product is not a final consumer product and consumers do not directly interact with it, our products do not pose safety issues. We have successfully exported many houses to various countries without encountering CE-related problems.

5. What is the lifetime of your houses made with SIPs? A: The design life of our SIPs houses is 70 years. Like any light structure building system, the longer the maintenance is maintained, the longer the expected lifespan.

6. Is your SIPs house termite-proof? A: We offer SIPs made with fiber cement board facings, which provide a good solution to termite issues. Additionally, we use steel connectors in houses made with such SIPs, ensuring termites cannot damage steel or fiber cement.

7. What is the best heating system for a SIPs house? A: Any conventional heating system can be used, but it should be downsized due to the energy efficiency and airtight nature of SIPs houses. Proper controls are crucial to prevent overheating, and ventilation should be designed into SIPs houses to manage potential issues with drafts common in conventionally built homes.

8. What are the options for exterior finishes? A: There is a wide range of choices available, including bricks, natural stone, brick slips, polymer and cement renders, timber cladding, and metal cladding.

9. Can your prefab houses meet our local building codes? A: We generally adhere to Canadian building standards, but we can customize houses to meet specific local requirements. Building codes vary by country and region, so customers should consult with their local council to obtain necessary permissions, with our full support provided.