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Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Video

Video describing structural insulated panels.

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

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

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Walls are being assembled at this SIP house

Walls are being assembled at this SIP house

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Structured insulated panels (SIPS) as band joist

Structured insulated panels (SIPS) as band joist

CAD File

Right – Verify SIP headers are installed

Right – Verify SIP headers are installed

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SIP panels should be stacked high, dry, and flat

SIP panels should be stacked high, dry, and flat

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A crane is used to install the SIP fireplace chimney chase

A crane is used to install the SIP fireplace chimney chase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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The back dam of the window sill will force water out

The back dam of the window sill will force water out

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Advanced Framing: Insulated Headers

Guide

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

Double Walls for More Insulation

Guide

Guide describing construction and insulation techniques for double wall framing.