BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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High Performance Builder Spotlight: Scott Homes Inc.

Case Study

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

The New American Home 2004 Las Vegas, Nevada

Case Study

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

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

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

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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.

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Practical Residential Wall Systems: R-30 and Beyond

Reference

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

Reference

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

Reference

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

Air Sealing and Insulating Walls to Reduce Heat Gain

Information Guide

Information guide listing Building America Solution Center guides that describe ways to air-seal and insulate a new or existing home's walls to resist heat gain.

Skylight Shaft Walls

Guide

Guide describing insulation techniques for skylight shaft walls.

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.

High-Thermal-Mass Construction

Guide

Guide describing materials and methods for incorporating thermal mass into the construction of a home for temperature regulation, energy savings, and resistance to extreme heat and cold.

Double Walls for More Insulation

Guide

Guide describing construction and insulation techniques for double wall framing.