SIPs vs. Stick Framing Analyzer
Compare Weight, R-Value, and Thermal Efficiency.
1. House Dimensions
ft
ft
ft
Performance Matrix
Based on approx. 0 sq ft of exterior wall surface.
| Method | Total Weight | Effective R-Value | Efficiency Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stick Framing
2×4 Wood + Ply + Fiberglass
|
0 lbs |
R-10
High Thermal Bridging
|
Baseline |
|
Standard SIPs
4.5″ EPS Foam + OSB Skins
|
0 lbs |
R-16
Continuous Insulation
|
Best Insulation |
|
Metal SIPs
3″ EPS + Aluminum Skins
|
0 lbs |
R-14
Light & Efficient
|
Weight Saver |
Understanding the Trade-offs
Weight Analysis
- Metal SIPs: The clear winner for towing. They weigh ~40% less than Stick Framing because they eliminate heavy wood studs and plywood sheathing.
- Standard SIPs: Actually heavier per sq ft than a bare stick frame, but they provide superior structural rigidity (shear strength) without needing extra bracing.
Insulation Efficiency
The “Thermal Bridge” Factor: In stick framing, the wood studs touch both the outside and inside walls, conducting heat out. This reduces a nominal R-13 wall to an effective R-10.
SIPs Advantage: The foam core is continuous. A SIP wall performs at its true rated R-value (R-16 to R-24) because there are no studs breaking the insulation layer.