--- title: SIPs and Steel Framing Well-matched for Design, Energy Efficiency description: Enercept Structural Insulated Panels are an alternative to traditional stick-built buildings but provide effective solutions for steel frame construction. image: https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/IMG_2584.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/sips-steel-framing-well-matched-for-design-energy-efficiency#) Description < Previous page Next page > Menu [Content Title](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/sips-steel-framing-well-matched-for-design-energy-efficiency#) 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) - [building systems (32)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/building-systems) - [SIP Home (30)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sip-home) - [Offsite Construction (15)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/offsite-construction) - [SIPA Building Excellence Awards (15)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sipa-building-excellence-awards) - [building envelope (15)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/building-envelope) - [Commercial High-Performance Envelope (14)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/commercial-high-performance-envelope) - [Green Building (13)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/green-building) - [Structural Insulated Panel (13)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/structural-insulated-panel) - [Green Homes (11)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/green-homes) - [enercept (9)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/enercept) - [Sustainable Homes (7)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sustainable-homes) - [r-value (7)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/r-value) - [EPS (6)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/eps) - [Timber Frame With SIPs (6)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-with-sips) - [greenbuilding (6)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/greenbuilding) - [insulation (6)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/insulation) - [Home Energy Score (5)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/home-energy-score) - [commercial building (5)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/commercial-building) - [cost of SIPs (5)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/cost-of-sips) - [Architect (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/architect) - [Construction Costs (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/construction-costs) - [Enclosing Timber Frame Structures (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/enclosing-timber-frame-structures) - [Log & Timber Home (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/log-timber-home) - [Post & Beam (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/post-beam) - [SIPs with Post & Beam construction (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sips-with-post-beam-construction) - [Timber Frame building (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-building) - [Wiring with SIPs (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/wiring-with-sips) - [home construction how to (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/home-construction-how-to) - [#affordableliving (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/affordableliving) - [#buildingsystems (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/buildingsystems) - [#customdesign (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/customdesign) - [Agricultural Construction (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/agricultural-construction) - [Barndominium (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/barndominium) - [Post and Beam Construction (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/post-and-beam-construction) - [SIP Floor System (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sip-floor-system) - [expanded polystyrene (EPS) (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/expanded-polystyrene-eps) - [homeconstruction (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/homeconstruction) - [#aboutsips (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/aboutsips) - [Barn Renovation (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/barn-renovation) - [Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Skins (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/fiberglass-reinforced-plastic-frp-skins) - [Home Shows and Events (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/home-shows-and-events) - [Log Home (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/log-home) - [OSB (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/osb) - [Post & Beam Barn (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/post-beam-barn) - [SIPsFAQ (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sipsfaq) - [Timber Framers Guild (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/timber-framers-guild) - [contractor (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/contractor) - [multi-family housing (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/multi-family-housing) - [residential (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/residential) - [small homes (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/small-homes) - [#architecture (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/architecture) - [#greenbuild (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/greenbuild) - [Affordable home plans (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/affordable-home-plans) - [Enclosing Timber Frames with SIPs (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/enclosing-timber-frames-with-sips) - [Habitat For Humanity (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/habitat-for-humanity) - [Insulated Concrete Forms (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/insulated-concrete-forms) - [Jumbo Panels (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/jumbo-panels) - [SIPs Electrical (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sips-electrical) - [Steel Frame Construction (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/steel-frame-construction) - [ZEHR (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/zehr) - [commercial (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/commercial) - [enercept leadership (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/enercept-leadership) - [homebuilders (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/homebuilders) - [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) # SIPs and Steel Framing Well-matched for Design, Energy Efficiency Posted by [Roberta Bartel](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/author/enerceptadmin) on July 3, 2018 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### **SIPs and Steel Framing Well-matched for Design, Energy Efficiency ** While Enercept’s Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are primarily thought of as an alternative to traditional stick-built buildings, they provide effective solutions for steel frame construction too. Stand-alone buildings, strip malls, churches and even very large structures such as casinos, cold storage, factories, community centers or gymnasiums can benefit from utilizing SIPs. SIPs work well in long spans and have high shear and diaphragm values, making them especially helpful when creating large, wide-open spaces. Using the panels in conjunction with steel frames means much more design versatility and flexibility. ![steel frame with sips](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2570.jpg?width=600&name=IMG_2570.jpg)  *“SIPs provide steel building engineers the means to produce their best designs. By utilizing the ‘structural’ strength of SIPs, engineers get optimal load resistance for least cost by eliminating redundant (and wasteful) steel components. The bottom line: customers get the most economical, energy efficient, structurally sound building systems,”* says Stephen J. Reiners, P.E., SECB, M.NSPE, M.ASCE, M.AWS, EMT with Nebraska-based Behlen Building Systems. ![Steel frame building](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SW%20Farms-4.jpg?width=600&name=SW%20Farms-4.jpg)   Due to their ease of use, the panels save on labor costs — as much as 55% on a recent project, sources say. The panels fit together easily and afford the structure to be enclosed much earlier in the construction process. Particularly when temperatures are extreme, this means energy savings during the actual construction phase.  Besides the advantages of high strength, design flexibility, and relatively rapid construction, SIPs are a major part of the building’s energy efficiency design. Panels are used as skins over metal structural frames — hung in-between the rigid steel framing or connected to the outside and on top of the roof bracing and purlins as a curtain wall or roof. The large-size panels (up to 8’ x 24’) have fewer gaps, meaning less sealing is required than with other construction methods. They also provide continuous insulation throughout the walls and roof and an air tight, high-performance building envelope, which improves energy efficiency — something not always easy to achieve but often crucial in a building with large, open interior spaces. **![Terry Redlin Art Center](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/watertown%20commercial%20buildings%20001.jpg?width=600&name=watertown%20commercial%20buildings%20001.jpg)  **The Redlin Art Center In Watertown, SD utilized Enercept SIPs as a curtain wall over a red steel frame When it comes to strength, design, labor costs, low environmental impact and energy efficiency, SIPs and steel make a dynamic combination that benefits both builders and end users … that’s a match worth making! [![See more: AN INVESTMENT IN QUALITY](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3823653/b70eaa25-d1f4-4afa-9c77-6337117a7676.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3823653/b70eaa25-d1f4-4afa-9c77-6337117a7676) Topics: [SIPs](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sips), [Commercial High-Performance Envelope](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/commercial-high-performance-envelope), [Structural Insulated Panels](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/structural-insulated-panels), [Steel Frame Construction](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/steel-frame-construction) ### 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/sips-steel-framing-well-matched-for-design-energy-efficiency#) Fax: ([605) 882-2753](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/sips-steel-framing-well-matched-for-design-energy-efficiency#) E-mail: [info@enercept.com](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/sips-steel-framing-well-matched-for-design-energy-efficiency#) ### 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. [Chat with us](https://www.livechatinc.com/chat-with/9209635/), powered by [LiveChat](https://www.livechatinc.com/?welcome) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Roberta Bartel", "url" : "https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/author/enerceptadmin" }, "dateModified" : "2020-03-13T15:00:52.191Z", "datePublished" : "2018-07-03T22:26:55.000Z", "headline" : "SIPs and Steel Framing Well-matched for Design, Energy Efficiency", "image" : [ "https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/IMG_2584.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/sips-steel-framing-well-matched-for-design-energy-efficiency", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/enercept-logo-orig-290x160_orig-2.png" }, "name" : "Enercept" } } ```