Choosing Commercial & Residential Structural Steel SIPs

Steel Panels and how to choose a SIP Company?

How do you pick the right steel panel manufacturer? Below, you’ll find questions and answers that will help you pick a steel panel SIP company through noise:

1. Is it really a Structural Steel SIP panel or just cladding panels?

Some companies sell clad panels as a “structural insulated panel” that aren’t actually a structural SIP system! Instead they sell pre-built panels with metal or wood framing inside. in many application needing to add red iron or other types of structure. These type of hybrid SIP systems will cause negative effects with continuous insulation. It also causes air wicking and are an easy way to develop water penetration causing structural failure. Take a close look at your testing documents for all structural calculations that meet or exceed codes. A true steel skin SIP panel will exceed code in almost every application. Look for a steel SIP that has had extensive testing, strength, and proven performance. A panel with Dade County Florida approval will suffice in almost any state that doesn't require a title 24 approval like California. The commercial, industrial and residential building code testing documents makes it very clear and specific when it comes to a structural steel SIP panel. Note: there are very few true Steel Skin SIP Panels on the market..?

2. Past performance speaks for itself, a company with real world past performance across multiple platforms and sectors in the construction industry develops a past history of projects that have stood the test of time? Look and ask about past performance!

A SIP company that has performed in all sectors of the construction industry has proven dedication and skill. A scope of projects that has been produced combined with decades of business experience is a true indications of reliability, and a true SIP solution provider..

Don't make a SIP purchase decision based on a script or sales pitch . A seasoned SIP company will you with the knowledgebase that allow you to make an informed decision. Sales pitches are a dime a dozen, and it doesn’t mean anything unless a company has been around to demonstrate the performance and reliability of its product and services

3. Being a SIPA member doesn't give you the experience needed in the field.

Many startup's join SIPA and one would think if there an member of SIPA they must be experienced and have proven performance. Not all major manufacturers of Structural Panels belong to this association. Membership into SIPA doesn't give you the real world experience needed to service and develop solutions for developers, contractors, architects or engineers. Membership indicates the member has:

• Paid to Play
• They agree to rules that are not confirmed and regulated
• They committed to an ethical code of conduct, that they don't uphold in many cases
• Makes claims based on SIPA name that they have worked extensively to make SIPs the preferred building system.

SIPA Members are not always the proven best panel companies.

SIPA Members are not always the proven best panel companies. In fact startups have come and gone in the last 25 years.

4. Do you need a ICC code report?

Simple answer is NO!Check https://www.sips.org/resourcyou need a ICC Code Report es/building-codes for the latest manufacturer code reports. The SIPA Code report that ACME uses has been developed by 10 leading manufacturers at a cost over $500,000 and is widely recognized as the best in the industry, setting common standards for SIPs.

5. Are they using experimental techniques or skins?

Don’t let your house become a science experiment. Some companies use other materials instead of SIP Grade OSB and don’t tell you what it is made of. While they make a lot of claims, this should be a red flag. SIPs have decades of testing behind them, and many of the alternatives haven’t been tested. Adding an additional layer, such as Zip Board, has the potential to trap moisture from inside the house, leading to mold and rot. Additionally, some companies use lesser-grade materials, resulting in a weaker SIP.

6. What kind of builder support do they provide?

Ask these questions:

• Have they built with SIPs as a builder?
• Will they train your crew?
• Will they offer a supervisor?
• Will they put SIPs up for you?
• Will they offer a RTA package that provides the lumber cut so you install faster?

Incorrectly installed SIPs can lead to problems down the line. Be sure your manufacturer offers the hands-on supervision or training your builder needs.

7. Do they have a formal quality control program with ICCES or NTA with Quarterly Inspections?

These third-party testing audits occur on a semi-annual basis and ensure quality and consistency of product.

8. How close is their plant to your jobsite?

Being close to the manufacturer offers several real advantages, including lower delivery costs, less carbon emissions, and the speed at which replacement panels can be delivered if a mistake is made on the job site. All else being equal, choose the local manufacturer.

9. Is the company the right size for your project?

At ACME, we still get excited for every size project, big or small! We also provide builder support for many of our smaller builders who have never worked with SIPs before. Make sure the SIPs manufacturer you choose provides the guidance and attention you need!