Retrofit Insulated Panels
Retrofit Insulated Panel Installation Guide

Retrofit insulated panels (also called nailbase panels) provide continuous exterior insulation and a solid nailing surface in a single step. Perfect for deep energy retrofits and new construction, retrofit insulated panels are a labor-saving method of reaching a high-performance, airtight building envelope.
Click below (or the cover image to the right) for a comprehensive installation manual developed by SIPA in conjunction with Home Innovation Research Labs. The guide is intended to serve alongside manufacturer's installation recommendations for retrofit insulated panels.
Retrofit Insulated Wall & Roof Panel Installation Guide
Renovation / Retrofit SIP Projects
Field Studies and RIP Building Science

Extensive research by NYSERDA, Home Innovation Research Labs and DOE Building America confirms the energy-saving benefits of retrofit insulated panels.
- 2022 Insulation Industry Opportunity Study from ICF
- Research: Energy Envelope Upgrades Using Retrofit Insulated Panels from a NYSERDA Apartment Retrofit in Albany, NY with SIPA and HIRL
- Slide Presentation on Attic Retrofit Projects in Georgia and Michigan including energy measurements before and after nailbase installation
- Put a Lid on It, magazine article describing attic retrofit projects in Georgia and Michigan
RIP Case Studies
Case Study: Cold Climate Retrofit. Applying retrofit insulated panels to this classic craftsman home helped cut energy use by 50 percent and bring the HERS Index down to 59, saving the homeowners over $1,300 a year in energy costs.
Case Study: Oak Harbor Retrofit. An old ranch-style home gets a much-needed remodel, complete with retrofit insulated panels, high performance windows and a new HVAC system. The improvements resulted in a 64 percent reduction in energy use and $3,060 in annual savings for the homeowners.