Are SIP panels self-sealing?

SIP panels, or Structural Insulated Panels, are not self-sealing and do indeed require sealing at the joints. This is crucial for maintaining their thermal integrity and air-tightness. The joints between the panels can be points of air and moisture infiltration if they are not properly sealed. Sealing these joints ensures that the performance characteristics of the SIP panels are optimized, providing better insulation and energy efficiency in the building.

The necessity of sealing at the joints also helps to prevent potential structural issues and increases the longevity of the panels by minimizing the risk of damage from water ingress or air leakage. Proper sealing techniques typically involve using specialized tapes, caulks, or sealants designed for this purpose.

While there may be conditions where certain high-density foam panels may perform better or have some level of intrinsic sealing properties, this does not eliminate the need for attention to joint sealing during installation. In essence, the integrity and performance of SIP panels highly depend on how well the joints are managed during the assembly process.