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.
TL;DR
SIPs (structural insulated panels): €240–€320/m² of wall. 2–3 weeks to weathertight on a 150 m² house.
U-value 0.10–0.15 W/m²K. Airtightness ≤0.3 m³/m²·hr at 50 Pa achievable. Best airtightness of any wall system.
Premium option. Worth it for Passive House, remote sites (delivered as panels), or projects where the 2–3 week build time is critical.
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.
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.
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
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.