BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Connection of a SIP roof panel to a beveled SIP wall panel

SIPschool's SIP Installation Basics: The Most Important Joint in the SIP Envelope

Publication Date

May, 2011

Author(s)

SIPschool

Organization(s)

SIPschool

Video from SIPschool on sealing joints using SIP panels.

Connection of a SIP roof panel to a SIP wall panel with a wedge infill piece

DWG

PDF

Connection of a SIP roof panel to a SIP roof panel with a foam ridge cap

DWG

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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.

Designing with SIPs: Design Considerations

Author(s)

Structural Insulated Panel Association

Organization(s)

SIPA

Publication Date

July, 2020

Guide informing architects and engineers about designing buildings to be constructed with structural insulated panels.

Building with SIPs: Need to Know

Author(s)

Structural Insulated Panel Association

Organization(s)

SIPA

Publication Date

July, 2020

Guide informing builders and developers about efficient building practice for constructing homes with structural insulated panels.

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

SIP panel door and wall framing

DWG

PDF

Joints between SIP panels can be connected with solid lumber splines or SIP panel pieces. SIP panel pieces help to ensure a continuous layer of insulation across the building shell.

Walls are being assembled at this SIP house

Connection of concrete foundation to SIP wall panel

DWG

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Connection of SIP wall panels with block splines

DWG

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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).

Connection of two SIP wall panels at a corner

DWG

PDF

Right – Tape seals the SIP panel seams.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Air Sealing Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Seams

Guide describing how to correctly seal structural insulated panel (SIP) seams.

Connection of SIP wall panels with dimensional lumber splines

DWG

PDF

SIP roof panel detailing at eaves with an angled fascia

DWG

PDF

SIP panels should be stacked high, dry, and flat

A crane is used to install the SIP fireplace chimney chase

Connection of foundation wall to rim joist to SIP wall panel

DWG

PDF

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.

SIP roof panel detailing at the eaves with a vertical fascia and soffit board

DWG

PDF

SIP roof panel detailing at the eaves with an angled fascia and soffit board

DWG

PDF

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

Connection of two SIP roof panels with beveled edges at roof ridge

DWG

PDF

Right – Strips of SIP panels are used to sheath and insulate the rim joists.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Right – An insulated spline reduces heat transfer at the SIP panel joints.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Right – Structural insulated panels are quickly assembled on site for this SIP house.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Connection of first and second floor SIP wall panels with a floor joist in between

DWG

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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.

Equivalency of SIP Walls to Light Frame Wood Construction Subjected to Seismic Loading

Author(s)

Structural Insulate Panel Association

Organization(s)

SIPA

Publication Date

January, 2021

Article in the SIPA Technical Bulletin (No. 11) comparing the earthquake resistance of light-frame wood shear wall construction to residential construction with structural insulated panels (SIPS).

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

Extra-wide air sealing tape seals seam where the structural insulated panels (SIPs) that form the roof and walls meet.

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 – This home’s roof and walls are constructed of SIP panels; metal studs provide fastening surfaces across the long expanses of ceiling in the open interiors.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Because all of the structural load is carried by the SIP roof and wall panels, no trusses are needed, allowing the home to have vaulted ceilings and open interiors throughout.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2018 - 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

Clifton View Homes employs a SIP precision construction system consisting of structural insulated panels that come to the site precut for quick assembly, providing a continuous thermal blanket around the home.

A sill-sealing foam gasket is placed under 8-inch plywood base and two beads of caulk air seal the 2x6 sill plate to it; two more beads of caulk will top the 2x6 which will serve as a spline for the SIP wall panel.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Suwanee River Administration Building

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2006

Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Ferrier Custom Homes, Fort Worth, Texas

Author(s)

Theresa Gilbride

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2011

Case study describing Ferrier Custom Homes’ “Zero-Energy Casita” project, a new construction utilizing SIPS to achieve a HERS score of 30.

Connection of roof truss to wall panel

DWG

PDF

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.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Clifton View Homes

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.

Connection of the first floor and second floor wall panels with a hanging floor

DWG

PDF

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.

These graphite-enhanced structural insulated panels come to the job site pre-cut and ready for quick assembly into an airtight, continuously insulated structure.

Amerisips Homes LLC of South Carolina, built this traditional home on Johns Island, SC, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2014.

Clifton View Homes built this custom home in the marine climate in Coupeville, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2015.

TC Legend Home built this affordable home in the marine climate in Seattle, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2013.

TC Legend Home built this affordable home in the marine climate in Bellingham, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2014.

High Performance Homes built this production home in the cold climate in Gettysburg, PA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2015.

Clifton View Homes built this custom home in the marine climate in Coupeville, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2014.

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.

Peppertree Homes built this custom for buyer home in the cold climate in Waitsfield, VT, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2016.

TC Legend Homes built this custom for buyer home in the marine climate in Seattle, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2016.

Clifton View Homes built this custom home in the marine climate in Port Hadlock, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2015.

Clifton View Homes built this system home in the marine climate in Whidbey Island, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2013.

Sunroc Builders built this affordable home performance hot-humid climate in Winter Haven, FL, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2015.

TC Legend Homes built this custom home in the marine climate home in Bellingham WI, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2015.

TC Legend Homes built this custom for buyer home in the marine climate in Seattle, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2018.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/01/2018 - 12:00

Clifton View Homes built this custom for buyer home in the marine climate in Anacortes, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2019.

Publication Date

Sun, 09/01/2019 - 12:00

TC Legend Homes built this custom for buyer home in the marine climate in Bellingham, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2019.

Publication Date

Sun, 09/01/2019 - 12:00

Clifton View Homes built this custom for buyer home in the marine climate in Anacortes, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2017.

High Performance Homes built this custom for buyer home in the cold climate in Gettysburg, PA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2017.

Clifton View Homes built this custom for buyer home in the marine climate in Anacortes, WA, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2019.

High Performance Homes built this custom for buyer home in the mixed-humid climate in Easton, MD, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2019.

High Performance Homes built this custom for buyer home in the mixed-humid climate in Westminster, MD, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2018.

Carl Franklin Homes built this custom home in the cold climate in Garland, TX, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2015.

Ferrier Custom Homes built this custom for buyer home in the hot-humid climate in Fort Worth, TX, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2017.

Ferrier Custom Homes built this custom for buyer home in the mixed-humid climate in Mineral Wells, TX, and certified it to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications in 2019.