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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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

Case Study

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.

Connection of roof truss to wall panel

Connection of roof truss to wall panel

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

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

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

Case Study

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

Suwanee River Administration Building

Case Study

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

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Scott Homes Inc.

Case Study

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

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Clifton View Homes

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.

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