Typically composed of a layer of EPS, XPS, or polyurethane foam sandwiched between oriented strand board panels, structural insulated panels can provide R-values for walls, floors, and roofs ranging from 14 to 58, depending on the panel thickness and composition. SIPs also are manufactured to spec, which can result in reduced waste and potential labor savings.
First-time users may find working with SIPs somewhat worrisome, so we asked Frank Kiesecker, of SIP manufacturer ACH Foam Technologies, Denver, to provide some prescriptive advice that even experienced SIP users could benefit from.
1. Pre-plan electrical and equipment needs. Since SIPs are manufactured to meet the project’s specifications, it’s important to plan for electrical chases in advance to prevent time-consuming and sometimes costly modifications during installation. For example, SIP facings should never be cut horizontally for the installation of electrical wiring; doing so will compromise structural performance.
In addition, during the design phase, it’s important to determine whether there are any equipment needs for the installation of the panels. If the project specifies roof panels or wall or floor panels larger than 8x8 feet, a forklift or crane may be required for installation.
2. Organize the panels for installation. Proper storage, weather protection, and handling will make the installation process more efficient. Store the panels on a level space, no closer than three inches to the ground. Organize the panels by the sequence in which they will be installed (i.e., separate the first-floor panels from the second-floor ones), and make sure they’re covered with a breathable protective tarp to keep them dry.
3. Install the panels properly and seal them tight. SIPs need to be fully supported during installation. The panels slip over a wall plate, which needs to be set half an inch from the building edge to ensure that the panels are fully supported. Also, make sure to set the panels in place in the correct order: start in the corners or valleys and work outward. Once installed, all panel joints and voids must be properly sealed using adhesive or SIP tape to minimize air leakage and maintain the structure’s long-term durability.
4. Protect SIPs from water penetration. Once SIPs have been installed and sealed, weather protection such as housewrap is required to prevent moisture deterioration. Follow the housewrap manufacturer’s installation guidelines, and make sure to flash all penetrations. Over time, windows will leak some water at the sill. Use flashing under and around the units to direct water away from the wall structure.
5. Right-size your HVAC system. One common mistake, says Kiesecker, is underestimating the high insulating and air-sealing properties of SIPs when selecting an HVAC system. SIPs allow for smaller HVAC equipment. When working with an HVAC contractor, make sure they take into account an estimate for lower levels of air infiltration. Proper HVAC sizing is critical because an underused system will fail to reach a steady operating rate, resulting in short cycling, which is less energy efficient and requires more maintenance.
Other important factors to consider when determining HVAC sizing:
- Size of the structure (each floor should be analyzed individually)
- Orientation of building
- Type of wall construction, and associated R-value
- Window and door specs, including the number of windows and doors and their location, insulation value, and fenestration rating
- Duct location (i.e., in heated space, unheated space, attic, crawl space, etc.)
- Amount of air infiltration.
SIPs Do’s and Don’ts
|
Related Stories
Retail Centers | Jun 2, 2023
David Adjaye-designed mass timber structure will be a business incubator for D.C.-area entrepreneurs
Construction was recently completed on The Retail Village at Sycamore & Oak, a 22,000-sf building that will serve as a business incubator for entrepreneurs, including emerging black businesses, in Washington, D.C. The facility, designed by Sir David Adjaye, the architect of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, is expected to attract retail and food concepts that originated in the community.
Mixed-Use | Jun 1, 2023
The Moore Building, a 16-story office and retail development, opens in Nashville’s Music Row district
Named after Elvis Presley’s onetime guitarist, The Moore Building, a 16-story office building with ground-floor retail space, has opened in Nashville’s Music Row district. Developed by Portman and Creed Investment Company and designed by Gresham Smith, The Moore Building offers 236,000 sf of office space and 8,500 sf of ground-floor retail.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 1, 2023
High-rise cancer center delivers new model for oncology care
Atlanta’s 17-story Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown features two-story communities that organize cancer care into one-stop destinations. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and May Architecture, the facility includes comprehensive oncology facilities—including inpatient beds, surgical capacity, infusion treatment, outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging, linear accelerators, and areas for wellness, rehabilitation, and clinical research.
K-12 Schools | May 30, 2023
K-12 school sector trends for 2023
Budgeting and political pressures aside, the K-12 school building sector continues to evolve. Security remains a primary objective, as does offering students more varied career options.
Multifamily Housing | May 30, 2023
Boston’s new stretch code requires new multifamily structures to meet Passive House building requirements
Phius certifications are expected to become more common as states and cities boost green building standards. The City of Boston recently adopted Massachusetts’s so-called opt-in building code, a set of sustainability standards that goes beyond the standard state code.
Architects | May 30, 2023
LRK opens office in Orlando to grow its presence in Florida
LRK, a nationally recognized architectural, planning, and interior design firm, has opened its new office in downtown Orlando, Fla.
Urban Planning | May 25, 2023
4 considerations for increasing biodiversity in construction projects
As climate change is linked with biodiversity depletion, fostering biodiverse landscapes during construction can create benefits beyond the immediate surroundings of the project.
K-12 Schools | May 25, 2023
From net zero to net positive in K-12 schools
Perkins Eastman’s pursuit of healthy, net positive schools goes beyond environmental health; it targets all who work, teach, and learn inside them.
Contractors | May 24, 2023
The average U.S. contractor has 8.9 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of April 2023
Contractor backlogs climbed slightly in April, from a seven-month low the previous month, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.
Mass Timber | May 23, 2023
Luxury farm resort uses CLT framing and geothermal system to boost sustainability
Construction was recently completed on a 325-acre luxury farm resort in Franklin, Tenn., that is dedicated to agricultural innovation and sustainable, productive land use. With sustainability a key goal, The Inn and Spa at Southall was built with cross-laminated and heavy timber, and a geothermal variant refrigerant flow (VRF) heating and cooling system.
