All Digital Publications

SIPA EPD 24 October 2024 Draft

SIPA EPD 24 October 2024 Draft

Environmental product declarations (EPD) are a defining report summarizing the life-cycle details of a product that enables comparisons between products fulfilling the same function. SIPA's EPD process was conducted using 1 m2 of installed product with a thickness of 6.5" achieving an average thermal resistance RSI = 21 R-Value.

Download

Frequently Asked Questions about SIPs

Frequently Asked Questions about SIPs

The 34 most frequently asked questions about Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).

Download

SIPs True Cost Bidding Tool (BLANK)

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.

Download

Do's and Don'ts for Handling and Installing SIPs

Do's and Don'ts for Handling and Installing SIPs

Topics: General Principles, Handling and Storage, Assembly, Weather Details and Interior Comfort.

Download

Building with SIPs: NEED TO KNOW

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.

Download

SIP Basic Connection Details

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.

Download

SIP Specification

SIP Specification

Guide Specification 06 12 00 for Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). Use for typical construction project submissions.

Download

Three Pilot Results w/ STCBT - Sam Rashkin

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

Download

SIPs True Cost / Value Bidding Tool (COMPLETED EXAMPLE)

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.

Download

Designing with SIPs: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Designing with SIPs: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

SIP design process overview with key points and checklists for the ten most important considerations when designing a SIP building.

Download

SIP BUILDER-BP 7 SIP Installation

SIP BUILDER-BP 7 SIP Installation

This document is created specifically for builders by the manufacturing members of the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA). It dives deeper and provides more background into each of the summarized topics presented in the Building with SIPs: NEED TO KNOW overview which highlights important considerations during the construction phase of a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) structure.

Download

SIP BUILDER-BP 9 SIP Electrical

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.

Download

SIP BUILDER-BP 10 SIP Plumbing

SIP BUILDER-BP 10 SIP Plumbing

Plumbing is recommended to be placed in interior walls to provide for an optimal exterior building envelope.

Download

SIP DESIGN BP-1: High-Performance SIP Building Envelope v7

SIP DESIGN BP-1: High-Performance SIP Building Envelope v7

This revised version 7 is a 28-page deeper dive into the building science behind the exceptional performance of SIPs. Learn why SIPs exceed building code thermal requirements, eliminate laborious continuous insulation requirements, reduce HVAC loads via reduced air leakage, and eliminate poor insulation installation concerns.

Download

SIP DESIGN BP-2: HVAC Systems with SIPs

SIP DESIGN BP-2: HVAC Systems with SIPs

This 11-page document explores the technical reasons high-performance buildings need significantly smaller HVAC systems. SIP buildings are very well-insulated and tighter, which
results in HVAC systems easily being oversized if old rules of thumb are used to size equipment.

Download

SIP DESIGN BP-3: SIP Structural Capabilities

SIP DESIGN BP-3: SIP Structural Capabilities

Comprehensive engineering analysis of point loads, long-distance roof spans, and SIP acceptance of building code acceptance.

Download

SIP DESIGN BP-4: SIP Sizes

SIP DESIGN BP-4: SIP Sizes

Understand the reason behind various sized SIP panels in this 6-page resource. This versatility in size offers design professionals a wide range of creative options. Additionally, panels can be manufactured up to 24 feet long without the use of intermediate supports.

Download

SIP DESIGN BP-5: SIP Shop Drawings

SIP DESIGN BP-5: SIP Shop Drawings

This best practice brochure provides a detailed overview of SIP shop drawings. Depending on complexity of design, need for engineering, permitting, and possible revisions, the development of SIP shop drawings is a process that relies on engagement from those reviewing these drawings on behalf of the building owner.

Download

SIP DESIGN-BP 6: SIP Fabrication/Manufacturing

SIP DESIGN-BP 6: SIP Fabrication/Manufacturing

This 8 page document is created specifically for design professionals by the manufacturing members of the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA). It dives deeper and provides more background into each of the summarized topics presented in the Designing with SIPs: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS overview which highlights important considerations during the design phase of a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) structure.

Download

SIP DESIGN BP-7: SIP Installation

SIP DESIGN BP-7: SIP Installation

Explore SIP installation training and online courses in order to properly install and seal a SIP package.

Download

SIP DESIGN BP-8: SIP Roof and Wall Assemblies

SIP DESIGN BP-8: SIP Roof and Wall Assemblies

Wall and roof connection joints are the weakest link of any building. It is no different when building with SIPs. It is important to understand in which climate zone the project you are designing will be built, to control air and moisture migration at panel joints for long-term durability. This resource provides a deep-dive into the topics covered in SIPA's DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS brochure.

Download

SIP DESIGN BP-9: SIP Electrical

SIP DESIGN BP-9: SIP Electrical

Vertical and horizontal chases are provided in SIP walls assisting with wiring at outlet and switch heights. Wall and roof chases can be added or removed, prior to SIP manufacture. Shop drawings confirm all chase locations to avoid unnecessary cutting of SIPs in the field. Pre-planning for installation and special chase locations is critical. Electrical chases should be sealed after electrical rough-in inspection to maximize airtightness. An experienced SIP installer is your best insurance that the electrical rough-in will go smoothly. Recessed lights are not recommended for installation in SIP roofs. Use of surface mounted LED lighting is recommended.

Download

SIP DESIGN BP-10: Plumbing

SIP DESIGN BP-10: Plumbing

Plumbing is recommended to be placed in interior walls to provide for an optimal exterior building envelope. Minimize roof penetrations and consider consolidating all vents away from south facing roof planes for potential solar array.

Download

SIP Solutions for Commercial Construction

SIP Solutions for Commercial Construction

Explanation of real world thermal performance of SIPs. Examples of how building with SIPs fit specific commercial construction needs.

Download

SIP Consumer Brochure Science + Engineering

SIP Consumer Brochure Science + Engineering

Quick explanation of SIP benefits -- energy efficiency, R-value, conserving resources, health and durability.

Download

Study Guide SIPA BEST Program

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.”

Download

Cut Labor Costs by 55% with SIPs

Cut Labor Costs by 55% with SIPs

Two data-packed pages with graphs comparing SIPs to traditional stick frame construction.

Download

Product Guide to Structural Insulated Panels

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.

Download

Retrofit Insulated Panel Installation Guide

Retrofit Insulated Panel Installation Guide

Comprehensive, illustrated 40-page manual for installing Retrofit Insulated Panels (RIPs), also known as nailbase

Download

Strategies for Post-Hurricane Mississippi Housing

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.

Download

The Embodied Carbon Story of a Green Building - Talia Dreicer, 2024 SIPA Annual Meeting

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.

Download

McKinsey Sustainability Study - Building Value by Decarbonizing the Built Environment

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.

Download

Homebuilders Leading Decarbonization - Chris Magwood, 2024 SIPA Annual Meeting

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.

Download

SmartMarket Brief - Building Sustainably: Green & resilient Sings-Family Homes 2024

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.

Download

Presentation IBS 2024 Bld Sys Council SIP overview Damian + Joe

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

Download

2024 IBS Education HPH Faster Better Cheaper Sam+Jack FINAL

2024 IBS Education HPH Faster Better Cheaper Sam+Jack FINAL

Getting to Zero Energy Homes (ZEHs)
Faster, Better and Cheaper
NAHB - IBS Education

Download

SIPA Website Sponsors