--- title: Don't Get Burned; Fire Performance With SIPs description: SIPs are made with a solid core of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and there is no chimney effect in the walls as found in a stick-built structure. Further, EPS will not maintain a flame on its own. image: https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/black-white-1444737_960_720-150x150.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/dont-get-burned-fire-performance-with-sips#) Description < Previous page Next page > Menu [Content Title](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/dont-get-burned-fire-performance-with-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? 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So, how do SIPs buildings fare with fire? Homes built with structural insulated panels (SIPs) provide occupants with protection similar to that of a conventional wood frame construction. Fire precautions for SIP homes include: - Application of a 15-minute fire-resistant thermal barrier on the interior (like 1/2-inch gypsum board) - Properly installed electrical systems and appliances - Properly installed natural gas appliances - Smoke alarms ![afterfir](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/afterfir.jpg?width=600&name=afterfir.jpg) The house fire pictured above shows a home which was built with SIPs walls and a conventionally stick-framed roof. Note, the walls remained standing while the roof ignited, burned and collapsed. (Fortunately, nobody was injured in the blaze.) Stopping the spread of a fire is key in fighting it. Because SIPs are made with a solid core of expanded polystyrene (EPS), there is no chimney effect in the walls as found in a stick-built structure. Further, EPS will not maintain a flame on its own. For more information, check out our [SIPA Listing Report](http://www.sips.org/downloads/SIPA%20Fire-Rated%20SIP%20Listing%203-15.pdf) for full details. Meanwhile, please stay safe with these tips: - Be sure you have a smoke alarm on every story of your home (replace them every 10 years)![smoke-315874_960_720-150x150](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/smoke-315874_960_720-150x150.jpg?width=150&name=smoke-315874_960_720-150x150.jpg)  - Develop a fire escape plan and practice it - Purchase a multi-use fire ladder for each upper level bedroom in your home and practice using them - Place fire extinguishers within reach throughout your home - In the event of a fire, leave through the closest exit. **Do not** stop to collect belongings and **never** re-enter a home once safely outside. Additional fire safety tips are available at [nfpa.org](http://www.nfpa.org/). Topics: [EPS](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/eps), [building systems](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/building-systems), [Structural Insulated Panels](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/structural-insulated-panels) ### you may also like ![Heat Retention; A SIP Home Can Keep You More Comfortable](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/IMG_0647.jpg) #### [Heat Retention; A SIP Home Can Keep You More Comfortable](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/heat-retention-a-sip-home-can-keep-you-more-comfortable) ![What Are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Ostroski%20garage%20install%201.jpg) #### [What Are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/what-are-structural-insulated-panels-sips) ![Are You Still Insulating On-Site? There Is a Better Way.](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Typical%20Wall%20Connection%20Post.jpg) #### [Are You Still Insulating On-Site? 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