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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

PDF

Building with SIPs in Alaska

Publication Date

April, 2015

Author(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Organization(s)

CCHRC

Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center on SIP construction and how to build with these materials.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are a sandwich made up of foam insulation glued between two layers of sheathing (e.g., oriented strand board, magnesium oxide board, or drywall). SIP wall and roof panels are produced in a factory and come to the job site clean, dry, straight, and precisely made to...

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.

IECC Climate Zone 3A: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 3B: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 4A: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

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

2021 IECC Climate Zone 3A: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Thu, 01/11/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 3B: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Thu, 01/11/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 4A: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Thu, 01/11/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 4B: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Sat, 01/13/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 3C: SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

Publication Date

Fri, 01/12/2024 - 12:00

How To: Mounting Solar on Sips

Author(s)

Sughrue Patrick

Organization(s)

Premier SIPS Structural Insulated Panels,

Home Power Magazine

Publication Date

September, 2013

A structural insulated panel (SIP) roof has no embedded lumber in the structure, and therefore nothing substantial for attaching PV array and solar hot water mounts. Single or double lumber splines could be put into the panels, or I-joists at 4-foot intervals could be added.

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

SIP Details: Insulspan Technical Information

Author(s)

Insulspan

Organization(s)

Insulspan

Publication Date

February, 2014

Website providing information about INSULSPAN structurally insulated panels.

Connection of concrete foundation to SIP wall panel

DWG

PDF

Connection of SIP wall panels with block splines

DWG

PDF

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

Structured insulated panels (SIPS) as band joist

DWG

PDF

Right – Verify SIP headers are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 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

SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

3A

SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

3B

SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

3C

SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

4A

SIP Roof, SIP Wall, Stem Wall, Slab on Grade

4B

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

PDF

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).

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

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Right – A double bead of sealant seals the seams between the SIP panel and spline.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

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

DWG

PDF

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

DWG

PDF

SIP walls do not require interior walls or trusses for support, providing for open interiors.

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

DWG

PDF

Right – Graphite enhanced EPS fills these SIP panels, providing additional insulation value.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

SIP wall and roof panels can be sealed at all seams with a tenacious air sealing tape.

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

Publication Date

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 12:00

Connection of two SIP roof panels with beveled edges at roof ridge with support for roof cantilever overhang

DWG

PDF

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

Building Science Corporation used convection to help cool this structural insulated panel (SIP) cottage in Georgia.

Publication Date

Mon, 08/01/2011 - 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

Right - Spray foam insulates the attic eave between the attic floor and the SIP roof panel.

SIP homes built in coastal locations should be constructed so that the lowest level is well above the BFE.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

Right – A mall crew with a crane can assemble a home of structural insulated panels (SIPs) in just a few days.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

All seams between structural insulated panels (SIPs) foamed and/or taped per manufacturer's instructions

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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

Right - Corrugated house wrap is installed over the sheathing (in this case SIPs) and overlapped and taped at all seams.

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

Right – Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) provide the insulated stem wall for the slab-on-grade foundation for this SIP house.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 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

Concrete slabs are used on both the first and second floors of this SIP home to provide passive solar heating from large south-facing windows.

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

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: P3 Builder Group, Way Back Barn, Wainscott, NY

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE,

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2020

Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyers homes in the mixed-humid climate that used R-27 SIP walls, a SIP roof, R-47 SIP attic, and triple-pane windows to achieve a HERS score of -22 with PV and 38 without PV.

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.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Alter Eco, Bridgeport ZERH Twins, Paoli, PA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE,

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2020

Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning attached home in the mixed-humid climate that used R-23 SIP walls, R-47 SIP roof, and triple-pane windows to achieve a HERS score of 38 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Ferrier Custom Homes, Coleman Project, Fort Worth, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE,

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2020

Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer homes in the hot-humid climate that used R-17.5 SIP walls, R-31 SIP roof, and triple-pane windows to achieve a HERS score of 2 with PV and 48 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: TC Legend Homes, Everson Net Positive, Bellingham, WA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE,

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2020

Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer homes in the marine climate that used R-29 SIP walls, R-59 graphite roof SIPs, and triple-pane windows to achieve a HERS score of -19 with PV and 33 without PV.