--- title: Do You Know What You're Getting? Learn About Differences In SIPs. description: Do You Know What You're Getting? Learn About Differences In SIPs image: https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Schilling.jpg --- [![Enercept Structural Insulated Panels](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20copy.gif?width=1643&height=903&name=Logo%20copy.gif "Enercept Structural Insulated Panels")](http://www.enercept.com) The Future Of Framing [Content Title](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/do-you-know-what-you-are-getting-learn-about-differences-in-sips#) Description < Previous page Next page > Menu [Content Title](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/do-you-know-what-you-are-getting-learn-about-differences-in-sips#) Description < Previous page Next page > ### ABOUT ### Applications ### Products ### Resources ### Find Enercept ### Projects ### CONTACT ### Categories Filter Here - [SIPs (124)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sips) - [Structural Insulated Panels (71)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/structural-insulated-panels) - [Energy Efficiency (52)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/energy-efficiency) - 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[sipshabitathouse (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sipshabitathouse) ### Recent Posts ![NewTown-31](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/NewTown-31.jpg) [SIPs Underground; Five Smart Reasons to Use Below-Grade SIPs](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/sips-underground-five-smart-reasons-to-use-below-grade-sips) ![](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/IMG_1570.jpeg) [Do Higher Lumber Prices Make Building With SIPs More Attractive?](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/do-higher-lumber-prices-make-building-with-sips-more-attractive) ![](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Weaver.jpg) [Are SIPs Right for Your Build? Do the Research.](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/are-sips-right-for-you-do-the-research-1) ![Enercept University Class of 2023](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/2-Mar-22-2023-02-15-13-6741-PM.jpg) [Enercept University 2023: Take Your Building Skills to the Next Level!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/enercept-university-2023-take-your-building-skills-to-the-next-level) ![contractors-guide-ebook2](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/E-BOOKS/contractors-guide-ebook2.png) [SIPs vs. Sticks; Contractors' Guide to Using SIPs](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/sips-vs-sticks-contractors-guide-to-using-sips) # Do You Know What You're Getting? Learn About Differences In SIPs. Posted by [Roberta Bartel](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/author/enerceptadmin) on September 25, 2019 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### A student of Frank Lloyd Wright - Alden B. Dow -  began experimenting with sandwich-panel technology in the 1950s and build the first Styrofoam Houses in Midland, Minneapolis in 1951.  Since that time, SIPs have continued to evolve, and now you have more choices than ever before..  Because of the flexibility and strength of SIPs, structural insulated panels are increasingly used in more residential, commercial and industrial applications than ever before.  There is no longer a one size fits all in the SIP Industry  SIPs are customized to varying levels depending on client needs, including blank SIPs, prefabricated SIPs, and ready to assemble (RTA) packages. **Let's take a look at the different types of structural insulated panels:** **![blank sip panels](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_8716-1.jpg?width=600&name=IMG_8716-1.jpg)****Blank**** SIPs** are the least expensive, but limit your installation speed advantage, create additional waste, and require a higher degree of installation skill as all cutting is performed on-site.   ![Prefabricated sip panels](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pre-fabricated%20SIPs.jpg?width=600&name=Pre-fabricated%20SIPs.jpg) **Prefabricated** SIPs are designed and cut in the factory increasing site installation speed, improving fit and finish. ** ** ![Ready to assemble sip panels](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RTA%20SIPs.jpg?width=600&name=RTA%20SIPs.jpg) **Ready To Assemble, RTA,** packages include internal lumber and headers provided and pre-installed in the factory to maximize speed and efficiency on-site.   Prefabricated is typical among SIP packages, although, as labor becomes scarce, RTA packages are gaining in popularity. SIPA manufacturers can provide detail concerning benefits of each option.   Whatever SIP package you select, SIPs are structurally stronger than traditional wood framed structures, straighter, tighter, and offer a quicker construction cycle - with less construction site waste.   Net Zero, Positive Energy, and Passive design projects frequently rely on SIPs.  The energy efficient envelope when paired with renewable energy sources create structures that don't take energy from the grid, and may actually give energy back to the grid. ![WP_20160816_10_12_18_Pro](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/WP_20160816_10_12_18_Pro.jpg?width=600&name=WP_20160816_10_12_18_Pro.jpg) Enercept specializes in Ready To Assemble, RTA, SIP packages.  With the Enercept fully customized RTA package, all the rough openings will be factory cut and bucked out, ready to receive your doors and windows.  Your wiring chases and beam pockets are also factory installed.  Your package will include plate material, house wrap, seam tape, sealant and sausage gun, SIP screws, and construction drawings.  [![Get more information from Enercept](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3823653/ed6e7a63-4072-47df-b86a-70d6b0f8e85c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3823653/ed6e7a63-4072-47df-b86a-70d6b0f8e85c) **Our Mission: Our Commitment ***When you build with Enercept SIPs we provide a building that will go up faster and will be warmer, tighter, stronger, quieter and more cost-effective than conventional construction. It is a commitment that others simply can’t beat!*   Topics: [SIPs](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sips), [Structural Insulated Panels](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/structural-insulated-panels) ### you may also like ![Are SIPs Right for Your Build? Do the Research.](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Weaver.jpg) #### [Are SIPs Right for Your Build? Do the Research.](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/are-sips-right-for-you-do-the-research-1) ![Happy Sip-tember!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/House_Project1.jpg) #### [Happy Sip-tember!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/happy-sip-tember-1) ![Blower Door Tests? Early is Best!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Blower%20Door%20Featured%20Image-1.png) #### [Blower Door Tests? Early is Best!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/blower-door-testing-early) ![Frost Ghosting: Thermal Imaging Without Equipment](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Thermal%20Bridging.jpg) #### [Frost Ghosting: Thermal Imaging Without Equipment](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/frost-ghosting) ![Enercept University 2024: Take Your Building Skills to the Next Level!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/2-Mar-22-2023-02-15-13-6741-PM.jpg) #### [Enercept University 2024: Take Your Building Skills to the Next Level!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/enercept-university-2024) [![logosmallwebsite](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logosmallwebsite.png?width=113&name=logosmallwebsite.png "logosmallwebsite")](https://www.enercept.com/) ### CONTACT US: 3100 9th Ave SE Watertown, SD 57201 Phone: ([605) 882-2222](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/do-you-know-what-you-are-getting-learn-about-differences-in-sips#) Fax: ([605) 882-2753](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/do-you-know-what-you-are-getting-learn-about-differences-in-sips#) E-mail: [info@enercept.com](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/do-you-know-what-you-are-getting-learn-about-differences-in-sips#) ### ABOUT ### Products ### Applications ### Resources ### Find Enercept ### Projects [Terms & Conditions](http://www.enercept.com/terms-conditions) [Privacy Policy](http://www.enercept.com/privacy-policy) [Site Map](https://www.enercept.com/sitemap) © Copyright 2018 Enercept, Inc. 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