Structural insulated panel
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A structural insulated panel being used in in the construction of a shelter.
A structural insulated panel (SIP) is a a building panel used in construction. SIPs are made from two oriented strand boards sandwiched between a thick insulative block of polystyrene. Material cost may be more, but the speed and efficiency of installation allows for lower overall costs and for construction completed faster than traditional stick-built homes. SIP construction also provides more insulation but provides little thermal mass compared to other building techniques. Finding builders familiar with SIP construction and with the special tools needed can be problematic.