40 Hour Property and Building Inspection Practice Test

What are the primary materials used in SIPs construction?

1. Wood and Concrete

2. Foam and Building Materials

3. Straw and Clay

4. Metal and Glass

The correct answer is: Foam and Building Materials

The primary materials used in Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) construction are foam and building materials, typically oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood. SIPs consist of a core insulating layer, which is usually made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyurethane foam, sandwiched between two structural facings, which are commonly made from OSB. This combination allows SIPs to provide excellent thermal insulation while also offering structural integrity for building applications. The use of foam provides superior insulation properties, making SIPs an energy-efficient option for both residential and commercial construction. In contrast, materials like wood and concrete, straw and clay, or metal and glass do not encapsulate the specific structural and insulating functions that characterize SIPs. While those materials may be used in various construction methods, they do not represent the core composition of Structural Insulated Panels.