SIPs in Ireland — Structural Insulated Panels, Cost, Speed, and When the Premium Is Worth It
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SIPs: €240–€320/m² wall. 2–3 weeks to weathertight. U-value 0.10–0.15. Airtightness ≤0.3 m³/m²·hr.
SIPs (structural insulated panels) are factory-made panels of oriented strand board (OSB) sandwiching a rigid foam core. Delivered to site as numbered panels and craned into place. €240–€320/m² of wall. A 150 m² house reaches weathertight in 2–3 weeks, faster than any other wall system. U-value 0.10–0.15 W/m²K. Airtightness ≤0.3 m³/m²·hr at 50 Pa achievable. Best airtightness of any wall system — Passive House default. Premium option. Worth it for Passive House, remote sites (delivered as panels, no on-site blockwork), or projects where the 2–3 week build time is critical. Less common in Ireland than timber frame or blockwork; check that the SIPs supplier has a UK or Irish fabrication partner and a competent installer.
When this matters most
You're considering SIPs and need to know the trade-offs.
When this doesn't apply
You've already chosen a wall system.
Sources
Building Regulations 2023, TGD-L. https://www.gov.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How much do SIPs cost in Ireland?
€240–€320/m² of wall. For a 150 m² house: €48,000–€64,000 for the wall system, including panels and installation.
What is the U-value of SIPs?
0.10–0.15 W/m²K depending on the panel thickness. A 200 mm SIP with 150 mm EPS core achieves 0.10–0.12. Best U-value of any wall system at standard thickness.
Are SIPs available in Ireland?
Yes. Several UK and Irish suppliers (Kingspan, SIPs Ireland, Buildadeck). Delivery 6–10 weeks. The supplier typically does the design and the install.
When this matters most
You're considering SIPs and need to know the trade-offs.
When this doesn't apply
You've already chosen a wall system.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.
- Blockwork for a Self-Build in Ireland — The Default Wall, with External Insulation →
- CLT in Ireland — Cross-Laminated Timber, the Premium Mass-Timber Wall →
- Do Mortgage Lenders Care Which Wall System You Use in Ireland? →
- Timber Frame in Ireland — Why It's the BER A1 Default and What to Watch For →
- Wall System and Insurance in Ireland — What Your Insurer Will and Won't Cover →
- Wall System Build Speed in Ireland — Weeks to Weathertight on a 150 m² House →
- Wall U-value Comparison in Ireland — Five Systems, the Numbers →
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.
Watch out for
Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.
Compare with
Alternative approaches worth knowing.