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Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

This measure guides describes how to install structural insulated panels to block excessive heat loss and gain though structural framing.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing structural insulated panels.

This foundation/floor/SIP wall detail shows recommended support of SIP wall panel at the sill plate

Walls are being assembled at this SIP house

Builder's Guide to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Author(s)

Lukachko Alex

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2009

Presentation describing details for installing structural insulated panels (SIPs).

SIP panels should be stacked high, dry, and flat

A crane is used to install the SIP fireplace chimney chase

Builders Guide to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for all Climates

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2015

A book about structurally insulated panels.

After installing the house wrap over the SIPS, window flashing is installed

Publication Date

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 12:00

This technique for installing electrical wiring avoids the need to cut into the SIP panel

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Install a housewrap drainage plane between the SIP panels and the exterior cladding

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Listing Information of SIPA - Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), SPEC ID: 32805

Author(s)

Intertek,

Structural Insulated Panel Association

Organization(s)

SIPA

Publication Date

March, 2021

Test results used by multiple structural insulated panel manufacturers confirming a one-hour fire rating for specific SIP assemblies.

An insulated spline is another option for avoiding thermal bridging at SIP panel seams

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Connection of a concrete foundation wall to SIP wall panel with a sill plate and floor joist

DWG

PDF

Lifting plates attached to the wall provide good bracing to tighten up SIP panel seams

Publication Date

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 12:00

SIP panel walls are less susceptible to air leakage and convection issues than stick-built walls

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

A surface spline reduces thermal bridging much more than a structural spline at SIP panel seams

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Peel-and-stick panel tape provides added assurance that SIP panel seams will remain airtight

Publication Date

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 12:00

Use a smoke pencil to check for air leaks at SIP panel seams, especially along the ridge beam

A structural spline made of a solid 2x is used where needed to meet structural load requirements at SIP panel seams

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Insulated splines consisting of boards layered with rigid foam minimize energy loss at joints between the SIP wall panels.

Two layers of high-permeability house wrap are installed to provide a drainage layer between the SIPS and the homes external cladding

Construct exterior walls with structural insulated panels (SIPs) to provide an airtight wall with consistent insulation and very little thermal bridging.

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Make sure the beads of caulk are continuous the full length at each SIP panel seam, such as at the wall-roof seam, to maintain air barrier continuity

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Right – SIP panels assemble quickly on site to provide sturdy walls and a roof that needs few interior supports so there is great flexibility in the layout of interior spaces.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Scott Homes Inc.

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2011

Case study describing a new home construction project in the marine climate.

The New American Home 2004 Las Vegas, Nevada

Author(s)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE,

NREL

Publication Date

December, 2003

Case study describing whole house building techniques in the hot-dry climate.

The back dam of the window sill will force water out

An all-terrain forklift is used to move and stage the panels

Publication Date

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 12:00

Structural insulated panels provide a continuous layer of insulation sandwiched between two continuous layers of OSB for thermal protection and sturdy construction.

Structural insulated panels offer a continuous layer of thermal protection and draft resistance around the home and come from the factory precut for fast assembly.

Practical Residential Wall Systems: R-30 and Beyond

Author(s)

Aldrich Robb,

Arena Lois,

Zoeller William

Organization(s)

Steven Winter Associates,

SWA,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

March, 2010

Document with information about the most practical methods to achieve whole-wall performance of R-30 or above.

Building America Special Research Project - High-R Walls Case Study Analysis, RR-0903

Author(s)

Straube John,

Smegal Jonathan

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

March, 2009

Report considers a number of promising wall systems that can meet the requirement for better thermal control.

Expert Meeting Report: Advanced Envelope Research for Factory Built Housing

Author(s)

Levy Emanuel,

Kessler B,

Rath Pournamasi,

Tompos Eric,

Mullens Michael A

Organization(s)

Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions,

ARIES,

Levy Partnership,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

April, 2012

Report about the Advanced Envelope Research effort will provide factory homebuilders with urgently-needed, cost effective methods for meeting emerging energy code requirements.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Headers

Guide describing how to insulate headers over doors and windows to reduce heat loss and heat gain through solid wood framing.