Understanding Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Construction

Understanding Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Construction & How It Affects Thermal Envelopes
Wednesday, August 24 | 2:00 PM Central
Brian von Allworden
If used correctly, SIPs can be the foundation of a great environmental envelope. This presentation will explain what SIPs are and how they work, what they can do and what they can't do, and how to use them efficiently. By looking at SIPs through both a structural and environmental lens, it is possible to develop strategies to help maintain the superior environmental envelope that SIPs can provide while not compromising the structural integrity of the SIP structure.
Learning Objectives:
Gain a workable understanding of what Structural Insulated Panels are.
Understand the two most important ways SIPs provide a superior environmental envelope.
Learn what construction details and methods reduce the environmental effectiveness of SIPs and why they should be avoided.
Discover tips and tricks to maintain the environmental envelope when designing and building with SIPs.

[@niallharpur6505]

Excellent Video, very informative!

[@chrisgeary4624]

I would’ve thought a waterproof sill gasket was needed. Wouldn’t pt wood (plywood) still allow capillary action?

[@K.B.]

This is great! Most of the Building Science regarding SIPS seems to be several years old and a bit out of date with progression of things. The design details mentioned in the presentation are excellent - thermally-broken splines, bevel top of sip wall. Didn’t mention new design SIPs using polyiso are being made that can pack a bit more R value per inch, plus they lock together with a panel lock and leave a gap for the osb to expand. The question regarding liquid applied water barrier is very relevant especially in rainy areas like the one I live in. Smart conventional builders all use Huber zip for the walls and roof It is a water barrier but vapor permeable. There is a high chance that the roof will get wet before the actual roofing product is affixed. Having the fluid applied barrier put on at the SIP factory seems like the best method to prevent wet OSB while waiting for the roofers. I see Ted Benson has some of his new wall panels with 5/8 Huber zip on the exterior.

[@tonimikol3735]

I have my home and I love it, could be 110 outside and my house is 73, and not to mention how soundproof it is, and if your ground should settle underneath it, your house will not crack, and the best thing is none of it inside. Walls are supporting walls so if you get tired of the floor plan, you can actually change.

[@benzun9600]

what would be the best type of roof finish for the roof? metal , shingles?

[@dmarcw]

Very informative video! Thanks for the info! At around 41 minutes, the slide says not to use house wrap, but it recommend the use of “Type D Building Paper.” Since I am not familiar with Type D Building Paper, I searched for it on the Lowe’s website and the Home Depot website and still don’t know what it is. Tyvek house wrap and asphalt felt were included in the search results as well as paper drop cloth. Can you help me understand what it is?

[@mikeRadamz]

It's the asphalt felt, also known as tar paper.

[@dmarcw]

@@mikeRadamz Thanks! I am familiar with that product having used it as underlayment under shingles over the years. We called it “felt” never knowing its technical name.

[@scottlurken9667]

3 ways to transform energy: conduction, convection and radiance.