For Builders
Frequently Asked Questions about SIPs
The 34 most frequently asked questions about Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).
SIPs True Cost Bidding Tool (BLANK)
The SIPs True Value Bidding Tool helps demonstrate the added value of a SIP project with every lead that your business encounters. It’s an easy way to elaborate on the additional value included in a SIP structure that conveys more than energy performance – it demonstrates the true cost associated with building and the real savings in choosing SIPs.
Do's and Don'ts for Handling and Installing SIPs
Topics: General Principles, Handling and Storage, Assembly, Weather Details and Interior Comfort.
Building with SIPs: NEED TO KNOW
SIP building process overview with key points and checklists for the ten most important things you need to know to build a SIP building.
SIP Basic Connection Details
Updated in 2021 and 2022, the SIP Basic Connection Details provides 27 detailed illustrations of typical SIP connections and joints. Includes roof-to-wall panel connections, foundation connections, eaves detailing and more. These SIP connections in structures were updated in 2021 by a team of SIP-industry collaborators.
SIP Specification
Guide Specification 06 12 00 for Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). Use for typical construction project submissions.
SIPs True Cost / Value Bidding Tool (COMPLETED EXAMPLE)
This completed example of the True Value Bidding Tool helps demonstrate the added value of a SIP project with real specifications. The tool is an easy way to elaborate on the additional value included in a SIP structure that conveys more than energy performance – it demonstrates the true cost associated with building and the real savings in choosing SIPs.
Three Pilot Results w/ STCBT - Sam Rashkin
The goal of the STCBT pilot was to apply the tool to a diverse array of real projects to identify its impact on SIPs competitiveness when using actual bids and expert-based cost estimates. It was hoped that these results would help the industry better understand market growth opportunities
SIP BUILDER-BP 9 SIP Electrical
SIP manufacturers may provide electrical wiring chases in wall panels. The chases are approximately 1-1/4” in diameter and are located in the foam insulation core of the SIP. Horizontal chases in the wall panels are located at switch and outlet heights, approximately 14” and 48” from the bottom of the panel. Vertical chases are located approximately 4’ on center in the wall panels. Additional chases may be added. Consult the manufacturer that you are working with.
SIP BUILDER-BP 10 SIP Plumbing
Plumbing is recommended to be placed in interior walls to provide for an optimal exterior building envelope.
Study Guide SIPA BEST Program
Study Guide for the SIPA BEST (Building Education with SIPs Training) online program. 76 pages with illustrations and glossaries covering all 10 chapters, for those who prefer a “textbook.”
Cut Labor Costs by 55% with SIPs
Two data-packed pages with graphs comparing SIPs to traditional stick frame construction.
Product Guide to Structural Insulated Panels
A comprehensive 24-page overview of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). This brochure quantifies how SIPs save time and energy and includes design/construction considerations, load tables and connection details.
Retrofit Insulated Panel Installation Guide
Comprehensive, illustrated 40-page manual for installing Retrofit Insulated Panels (RIPs), also known as nailbase
Strategies for Post-Hurricane Mississippi Housing
16-page research study recommending SIPs as a viable option for rebuilding in the wake of hurricane Katrina and providing affordable housing to low-income residents.
The Embodied Carbon Story of a Green Building - Talia Dreicer, 2024 SIPA Annual Meeting
Follow along TC Legend Homes & Powerhouse Designs as they illustrates the attainable keys to their energy performance and sustainability success among homebuilders/designers. Establish an embodied carbon baseline and mitigate your goals by considering material changes, operational emissions and costs. Powerhouse Designs offers carbon related consulting and embodied calculation services. Download the PDF presentation here.
McKinsey Sustainability Study - Building Value by Decarbonizing the Built Environment
Decarbonizing the built environment is possible and has the potential to generate significant value—but the industry must come together to scale solutions. The built-environment ecosystem consists of real estate and infrastructure and touches all aspects of human life, from homes and offices to factories and highways. It is also responsible for about of a quarter of the world’s greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions.
To help industry players make progress toward decarbonization, this report assesses the most effective solutions available today. Our analysis shows that many levers not only have proven abatement potential but are also already cost-effective. In other words, companies across the built-environment ecosystem could derive value immediately from these lower-emitting technologies and solutions.
Homebuilders Leading Decarbonization - Chris Magwood, 2024 SIPA Annual Meeting
This PDF presentation provides in-depth analysis of CO2 reports and the impact the building industry has and can have on current emissions data. Packed full of corroborating studies, this presentation also dives into the Building Emissions Accounting for Materials (BEAM) tool, a free spreadsheet tool using an EPD database and material takeoff estimation. BEAM is programmed with SIP specifications to further demonstrate that SIPs are a climate-forward building solution.
Download the PDF to explore resources from Climate Action, HomebuildersCAN, RMI and other leading industry reports and to follow Chris Magwood's well-delivered presentation.
SmartMarket Brief - Building Sustainably: Green & resilient Sings-Family Homes 2024
The National Association of Home Builders has teamed up with Dodge Data & Analytics to survey home builders on the level of their green building activity, the costs and benefits of building green, the drivers and obstacles influencing their decision to build green and the green practices and features that they most widely use and value.
The two companies last conducted research on the prevalence of green building in the single-family residential market in 2019, publishing the findings in 2020. There were 250 home builders and remodelers surveyed in this 2024 report and it revealed that commitment to green building remains strong and is growing among single-family builders and remodelers.
SIPs Ready-to-Assemble Environmental Product Declaration
This EPD covers Structural Insulated Panel Wall and Roof Systems. The products are produced in two (2) major thicknesses, measured in inches, 11.43 cm (4.5 inches) and 16.51 cm (6.5 inches). This SIP declared unit consists of one square meter of 6.5” (16.51 cm) finished product. Components consist of a combination of 5.625" (14.29 cm) EPS insulation, laminated between two layers of 7/16" (1.11 cm) oriented strand board and a thin layer structural adhesive to bind the OSB to the EPS insulation.
This EPD has been verified in accordance with ISO 14025 by an independent, third-party verifier by reviewing results, documents and compliancy with reference standard, ISO 14025 and ISO 14040/14044, following the process and checklists of the program operator for:
- This Environmental Product Declaration
- The Life-Cycle Assessment used in this EPD
- The digital background data for this EPD
Presentation IBS 2024 Bld Sys Council SIP overview Damian + Joe
Why Smart Builders Use SIPs – What YOU Need to Know
IBS –Building Systems Council – Las Vegas – Feb 2024
Damian Pataluna – SIPA Past President – DamianP@FischerSIPs.com
Joe Pasma – SIPA Board Member – JoePasma@Enercept.com
2024 IBS Education HPH Faster Better Cheaper Sam+Jack FINAL
Getting to Zero Energy Homes (ZEHs)
Faster, Better and Cheaper
NAHB - IBS Education
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