GreenCE, Inc.

2012

P.O. Box 1699

Gig Harbor, WA 98335
253-858-7472
lindsay@sips.org
www.sips.org

course number: gsi06a

DESIGNING WITH STRUCTURAL

INSULATED PANELS - ADVANCED
Credit: 1 AIA HSW/SD CE Hour

An American Institute of Architects

(AIA) Continuing Education Program
Approved Promotional Statement:

GreenCE, Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of

Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of
this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members.
Certificates of Completion are available for all course participants upon
completion of the course conclusion quiz with +80%.
This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional
education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or
construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or GreenCE, Inc. of
any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using,
distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

An American Institute of Architects

(AIA) Continuing Education Program

Course Format: This is a structured, web-based course with a final exam.

Course Credit: 1 AIA Health Safety & Welfare (HSW), Sustainable Design
(SD) CE Hour
Completion Certificate: A copy is sent to you by email or you can print one
upon successful completion of a course. If you have any difficulties printing
or receiving by email please send requests to certificate@greence.com
Design professionals, please remember to print or save your certificate of
completion after successfully completing a course conclusion quiz. Email
confirmations will be sent to the email address you have provided in your
GreenCE.com account.

Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion

quiz online at greence.com to receive credit

Course Description
This one-hour online course will discuss the benefits of designing with structural
insulated panels (SIPs) including energy optimization and other sustainable
contributions. The designer will gain a better understanding of advanced
application, assembly and detailing in order to properly utilize SIPs.

SIP basics

Thermal characteristics of SIPs

Engineering methods

Climate specific issues and design

Advanced structural applications

SIPs and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Sound and fire ratings

2012 energy code with SIPs

Non-residential applications of SIPs

Construction methods and

specifications

Note: This course was created as an advanced offering based on the introductory version
available for free at: Designing With Structural Insulated Panels

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the design professional will be able to:

Discuss the basics of structural insulated panels (SIPs) in terms of composition,

engineering methods, and codes and standards and how this contributes
toward a more sustainable design
Identify energy-efficient characteristics of SIPs and how this contributes to
improved energy efficiency of the building
Describe the waste reducing and product life cycle benefits of building with
SIPs as compared to traditional wood framing

Explain how SIPs contribute to better indoor environmental quality through a

reduction in both air infiltration and interior off-gassing
Discuss the advanced technical requirements and design applications of SIPs

SIP Basics

What Are SIPs?

Animation available in online format only

What Are SIPs?

SIP = Structural Insulated Panel

A composite structural panel
Rigid foam core - EPS, XPS, or polyurethane
Structural facings - usually 7/16 OSB
Structural adhesive
Metal skin SIPs and cement board SIPs are available
OSB has comprehensive engineering data available but consult your
manufacturer if desiring to use other facing materials as they may have
limited structural capacities
Other skin materials are being considered and tested which would give SIPs
more versatility

Details

Many kinds of splines can be used including I-joists, surface splines,

2x lumber, block splines (often called a mini SIP)

A spline is the vertical connection component between two SIPs

Insulation is cut back from the edge of OSB SIP to receive spline member

Be aware that the type of spline you are using may cause some thermal
bridging
The overall panel will have a reduced framing factor compared to stick
framing

Details
Panel joints are designed to
reduce thermal bridging where
structurally possible and sealed
to reduce air infiltration.

Details

This is a plan view detail at wall corner showing how SIP screws are utilized

SIP screws go through the panels, into structure

Wood screw point for wood

Light drill point for metal/light gauge

Heavy drill point for steel/iron up to thick

Engineering Methods

International Residential Code (IRC)

The 2007 supplement to the 2006 IRC first accepted SIPs with EPS and XPS
foam (walls)

The 2009 IRC also accepted SIPs with polyurethane foam (walls)

Consult structural engineer to optimize design even if using IRC

This was just the first step in getting SIPs more widely recognized and
accepted
IRC Section R614 offers a prescriptive design for SIP walls

International Residential Code (IRC)

Engineering

A structural engineer with knowledge of SIP applications should be a part

of the design process for any SIP structure to prevent the overdesign of the
structural system, reduce costs, and meet code minimums
Consult manufacturer code report and load charts for engineering
information

Axial Loads

Sample manufacturer load chart from code report

Loads are calculated per Chapter 16 of the IBC

Axial loads help with determining wall thicknesses

Consult your engineer or manufacturer about values for thicker wall sizes
than 8- for walls

Transverse Loads

Transverse loads are for walls and roofs. This will help with spans and
spacing for your structure.

Load charts vary by spline type and load type

Below is a block spline and surface spline chart

Other spline types include

I-joist, LVL, and 2x lumber

Shear Wall Components

Total shear wall assembly:

SIPs and splines

Edge members

Plates and end studs

Shear wall connectors

Nails and screws

Hold down anchors and

anchor bolts

Shear Wall Strap Diagrams

Hold down anchors at the ends of shear walls

Shear plate anchor bolts must resist shear load

Diaphragm Connections

Shear wall values are

available to cover all seismic
design categories
Diaphragm values for wind
design for SIP roof panels
should be available from the
manufacturer
Like all shear walls and
diaphragms, chord forces are
critical. Straps and fasteners
can help transfer these forces
across joints in the edge
lumber.

Openings

Openings with heavy loads may require

additional structural header
Some openings possible with SIP acting as
header
Consult engineer or manufacturer

Ratings

R-Values

The following chart illustrates an official study on R-values. The calculated

R-values are for the SIPs themselves but not with other interior or exterior
materials, or air films considered.
For polyurethane panels, please consult your manufacturer as values may
vary
Polyurethane R-values, although greater than EPS and XPS, depreciate over
time so that should be taken into consideration
When comparing these values to other building technologies and systems,
take into account air infiltration and thermal bridging/framing factors for
total energy savings

R-Values

Fire Ratings

Rated assemblies are available for SIPs

Remember to consider the assembly as a whole, not just the parts

Insulation or wood, although flammable, can be a part of a rated assembly

that has the necessary values for your design requirements

While limited in terms of construction type due to wood span, rated SIP
assemblies are available to meet code

Fire Rated Assembly

Fire Rated Assembly

STC Rated Assemblies: Single Walls

STC rated wall assemblies for SIPs have been tested and are similar to stud
framing systems in terms of values. SIP walls perform very well with high
frequency or low energy noises. SIPs do not block low frequency noises such as
bass or contact noises as effectively. The air tight quality of SIPs also
contributes to the reduction of noise. SIP buildings constructed next to airports
or military bases have received positive feedback from building occupants.

STC Rated Assemblies: Single Walls

STC Rated Assemblies: Single Walls

STC-22
SIP (no finish on either face)
STC-28
1/2 gyp, SIP (no finish on either face)
STC-29
5/8 gyp, SIP (no finish on either face)
STC-33
5/8 gyp, SIP, 5/8 gyp

STC-41
2-layers 5/8 gyp, SIP, 2-layers 5/8 gyp

STC Rated Assemblies: Double Walls

STC Rated Assemblies: Double Walls

STC-45
5/8 gyp, SIP, 5/8 gyp, 1 air space, 5/8 gyp, SIP, 5/8 gyp

STC-47
(2) layers 5/8 gyp, SIP, 5/8 gyp, 1 air space, 5/8 gyp, SIP, 5/8 gyp

STC-52
(2) layers 5/8 gyp, SIP, 5/8 gyp, 1 air space, 5/8 gyp, SIP, (2) layers 5/8 gyp

STC-54
(2) layers 5/8 gyp, SIP, (2) layers 5/8 gyp, 1 air space, 5/8 gyp, SIP, (2) layers 5/8 gyp

SIP Hybrid Systems

Hybrid Structural SIP Systems

Beyond combining SIPs with wood framing, other structural systems can be
combined with SIPs to increase heights and spans in a building:

Metal framing

Structural steel

Pre-engineered buildings

Timber framing

Glulams

SIPs with Metal Framing

6-" Wall Panels, 10-" Roof Panels, Structural steel beams 18' apart

SIPs span from beam to beam and have structural I-beam splines 4 OC

The run from the ridge to outside wall is 36'

Architect: Kideney Architects - Buffalo, New York

Installer: Boxhorn Construction - Depew, New York

Buffalo University Day Care

Bar Joists and Structural Steel with SIPs

Walls - Mostly 6- (some 8-)

Roof 10-

Silvis Middle School - District No. 34

Architect: BLDD Architects - Bloomington, IL

Installer: Estes Construction Davenport, IA

Pre-engineered Building with SIPs

SIP manufacturing plant in Minnesota

Dramatically lower heating bill than
other similar buildings
6 panel is being placed on top of
this (picture on the right)
The roof is a 10 panel
Use of SIPs dramatically reduces the
need for cross bracing and portal
frames in the walls and roof
Reducing the amount of steel saves
money on SIPs projects

SIPs with Timber Framing

SIPs and timber frames work well together creating beautiful structures that are
relatively simple to build, utilizing large members for SIP screws to easily attach.

SIPs with Glulams

Silverwood Park Visitor Center

Minneapolis, MN

SIP roof and wall

Ground source heat pump for heating

and cooling

Architect: Miller Dunwiddle Architecture

$5.3 Million budget

SIPs were prefabricated to be attached

directly to the structure which saved time
and money

Curved SIPs

While not readily available, curved SIPs can be manufactured by some

manufacturers
May be 2 to 3 times more expensive

Energy and SIPs

2012 Energy Code

The cost of energy inefficient design is substantial - contributing to high energy
bills as well as harmful impacts on the environment. SIPs meet the 2012 energy
code, providing greater R-value and reduced air infiltration.

New requirements of the energy code

2012 IECC 13% more efficient than 2009 and 30% more efficient than
2006 IECC
Greater insulation and air infiltration requirements

IEEC Climate Zones

Insulation requirements determined by climate zone

2012 IECC: Commercial R-values

2012 IECC and SIPs

SIP Size

R-Value

Zone

4.5

R-14 ci

Walls: 1-6

Floor: 2-6

Roofs: n/a

6.5

R-21 ci

Walls: 6-7

Floor: 7-8

Roofs: 1-3

8.25

R-28 ci

Walls: 8

Floor: n/a

Roofs: 4-5

10.25

R-35 ci
R-42 ci

Walls: n/a
Walls: n/a

Floor: n/a
Floor: n/a

Roofs: 6-8
Roofs: 7-8

12.25

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Study

When comparing stick framing with SIPs it is important to look at the whole
wall R-value. An R-19 stud wall is not equivalent to a SIP with the same Rvalue. The framing factor of a stud wall is much greater. The studs actually
reduce the overall walls R-value.
Study results for SIPs:
Continuous insulation
No thermal bridging
4 SIP wall outperforms
2x6 stud wall with
R-19 fiberglass
Whole wall R-value for a
6 SIP = 21.6

Thermal Bridging
This thermal image illustrates the impact of stick frame construction and
thermal bridging. There is reduced thermal bridging with SIPs. Continuous
insulation allows for higher whole wall R-values.

Stick Framing

SIP

COMcheck and REScheck

Energy modeling software may be required by many jurisdictions to show

energy code compliance

COMcheck requires manual input for continuous insulation - no SIP category

SIPs are included in the assembly categories for REScheck

Air Infiltration

Air infiltration testing is part of

performance calculations
Responsible for 30 50% of
heating and cooling loss
2012 IECC blower test is required
for the first time
Continuous insulation required for
certain climate zones

Reducing air infiltration has a

dramatic impact on energy
savings

Air Infiltration and SIPs

SIP buildings are inherently tighter because there are fewer gaps to seal. The
pre-manufactured nature of SIPs makes it possible for very tight connections. If
tape and adhesive or spray foam is used, as advised by the manufacturer to
seal all joints properly, excellent blower door test scores can be achieved. This
contributes to energy savings in addition to high insulating values.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Study

The stick frame comparison test was done without drywall or house wrap. The
results would be less drastic when comparing a SIP house versus a wood frame
house.

Fewer gaps to seal

SIP test room eliminated
more than 90% of the
air infiltration allowed
by the stick built test room
50-70% annual savings over
Model Energy Code

SIP Sealing
To attain full airtightness with SIPs:

Seal joints, openings, and

penetrations with tape and mastic
per manufacturer requirements
Sprayfoam may be used to seal
joints per the manufacturer
Tape location varies with climate;
the tape is on the warm side to
prevent air and moisture infiltration
into the assembly

Sustainability and SIPs

Architecture 2030
Buildings are the major source of global demand for energy and materials
that produce by-product greenhouse gases (GHG). Slowing the growth rate of
GHG emissions and then reversing it is the key to addressing climate change
and keeping global average temperature below 2C above pre-industrial
levels.

source: http://architecture2030.org/2030_challenge/the_2030_challenge

The 2030 Challenge

To accomplish this, Architecture 2030 issued The 2030 Challenge asking the
global architecture and building community to adopt the following targets:

All new buildings, developments and major renovations shall be designed to

meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance
standard of 60% below the regional (or country) average for that building
type
At a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area shall be
renovated annually to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption
performance standard of 60% of the regional (or country) average for that
building type

source: http://architecture2030.org/2030_challenge/the_2030_challenge

The 2030 Challenge

The fossil fuel reduction standard for all new buildings and major
renovations shall be increased to:

70% in 2015

80% in 2020

90% in 2025

Carbon-neutral in 2030 (using no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate)

These targets may be accomplished by implementing innovative sustainable

design strategies, generating onsite renewable power and/or purchasing
(20% maximum) renewable energy
Insulation and air infiltration play a critical role in the efficiency of any
structure. SIPs contribute to this energy savings and resulting CO2 reduction.

source: http://architecture2030.org/2030_challenge/the_2030_challenge

EPS Molders Assoc. Life Cycle Analysis

EPS Industry Alliance: This comparative study conducted by the EPS Industry
Alliance shows that the energy invested in the production of SIPs yields an
exponential benefit to the environment compared to traditional wood framing

5.1 year energy payback (avg. zones 1-5)

3.8 years recapture of greenhouse gas emissions (avg. zones 1-5)

EPS Molders Assoc. Life Cycle Analysis

Life Cycle Study

BASF Residential Insulation Systems Eco-Efficiency Analysis: this award-winning
Eco-Efficiency Analysis assesses the complete environmental impact of several
residential wall systems, including SIPs, 24 construction and 26 construction.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), provide environmental and cost benefits

thanks to reducing heating and cooling loads over the lifetime of the home.
The lifetime energy savings outweigh the higher installed costs of these
systems for the base case analyzed in this study.
SIPs are consistently the most eco-efficient technology. In addition to
providing energy efficiency benefits, SIP component materials have low
environmental impact.

System

SIP

Hybrid

2x4 stick

2x6 stick

Energy Consumption*

60,306

112,000

1,758,671

1,513,724
*MJ/CB Over period of study

Residential Insulation Studies; Charlene Wall, NT/U, BASF Corporation; June 2006

Thermal Characteristics
Cavity walls with code enforced
high performance increase the
possibility of pumping water
vapor into cavities which can
cause mold, rot, and mildew.
SIPs eliminate this problem by
having no cavity space. This is
especially true for cold weather
climates.

A more consistent, symmetric R-value

The more framing you have, the

more inconsistent the R-Value

Climate Specific Design

Prevent the intrusion and

entrapment of moisture in cold
and/or wet climates
For maximum durability, design
with drainage planes and roof
vents for all cold climates and
where there is more than 20
inches of rain per year
Three types of water intrusion
Bulk Water
Air Infiltration
Vapor Drive

Climate Specific Design

Special consideration should be made for designing with SIPs in cold and/or
wet climates to prevent decay and mold growth, which can impact durability
and indoor air quality.
With water intrusion: bulk water is liquid moisture from the outside coming in,
such as wind driven rain
Drying of the exterior envelope is a universal issue for all building types
including SIPs

Climate Specific Design

Be aware of the climate you are building in to determine the need for
drainage at the exterior envelope
If required, create a drainage plain or rain screen to allow for the drying
of SIPs at the exterior and prevent the trapping of moisture
A variety of drainage techniques may be used including a drainage mat or
furring strips
This is a building science opinion for maximum durability; not SIP specific
Discuss with your SIP manufacturer and be aware of all system
requirements

Climate Specific Design

Roofing paper at roof is

acceptable for some drier
climates in the continental US
Cold/wet weather climates should
have vented roofs
Flat or low slope roofs should not
have TPO applied directly to
OSB
Standing seam metal roofs may
not need venting because of
airflow between flutes

Indoor Air Quality With SIPs

Off-gassing of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde to the indoor

environment can cause health issues and discomfort for building occupants
OSB is manufactured with a phenolic resin that has negligible quantities of
formaldehyde
plywood and OSB manufactured to US product Standards PS 1 and PS
2 have such low emission levels that they are exempt from the leading
formaldehyde emissions standards and regulations. (APA)
OSB meets the standards of the following regulators
U.S. HUD Manufactured Housing Standard
California Air Resources Board (CARB) Air Toxic Control Measure for
Composite Wood Products
Japanese Agriculture Standards
EN 300 standards (Europe)

Construction Methods and Specifications

Design Coordination
Coordination with the design team is essential before the actual manufacturing
of SIPs.

HVAC

HVAC planning is critical - design first

Vent and duct routes, sizes, locations - sealed ducts!

Mechanical ventilation required

Sealed combustion recommended

Designed supply air also an option

Properly designed and sized HVAC equipment will run longer and be more
efficient - no short cycling

Longer equipment life

Better indoor air quality

Relative humidity control will also provide a higher level of health and
comfort while extending HVAC equipment life

Design Coordination
Coordination with the design team is essential before the actual manufacturing
of SIPs.

Window and door openings

Electrical

Chases in SIP walls or furred walls to run electrical wiring

Structural system

Coordinate steel and concrete carefully

Electrical

As an option, SIPs can have 1 to 1- diameter electrical chases

Chases run horizontally at switch and outlet heights

Chases run vertically at 4-0 OC, typical

Top and bottom plates are drilled during installation to access the vertical
electrical chases
Other options include running electrical wires through a furred wall or base
board

Electrical

Wiring walls with SIPs can actually be a time saver but may require
education of the electrician

Chases in SIPs walls are not standard among manufacturers

Consult your manufacturer for additional costs to add chases

Chases can be added on site or included during manufacturing

Specifications
Standard specifications are available from manufacturers which can be
updated to respond to the project and regional context such as climate.

Specifications

Quality assurance in your specification is important

Specify the SIP designer and installer experience requirements

Construction Benefits

There are many examples of a four-man crew raising the walls of a 4,000
sq. ft. home in a single day
SIPs come in large sections, up to 8 x 24, so whole walls can be raised
quickly and easily
They are structurally sufficient, so little additional framing is required
Windows are usually cut during the offsite fabrication process and can be
headerless, depending on the size

Construction Benefits

Because SIPs are manufactured under factory controlled conditions, they

are always perfectly straight and true, providing a uniform nailing surface
for interior and exterior trim and finishes
Electrical chases can be cut into the foam cores at the factory, eliminating
the need to drill studs for wiring

Commercial Applications

Commercial Applications
Although SIPs are known for their use in single family housing construction, SIPs
can also be used for non-residential and multifamily applications with high
performance and high value.

Schools

Retail/office

Civic buildings

Medical buildings

Warehouses

Retirement communities

Multifamily housing

Jacob E. Manch Elementary School

Las Vegas, NV

Architect: SSA Architecture

70,000 sq. ft. designed for 900 students

Jacob E. Manch Elementary School

Las Vegas, NV

SIP benefits

Saved approximately one million

dollars in direct construction costs

Reduced the framing schedule from

118-220 days to 45 days

Reduced HVAC requirements by

approximately half, providing both
initial capital savings and lower annual
heating and cooling bills

Decreased construction materials waste

and resulting disposal fees and
environmental impacts

Reduced interior noise coming from

nearby Nellis Air Force Base

Senior Living at Mahtomedi

Mahtomedi, MN

Mahtomedi is a suburb of Minneapolis

The project is an assisted living facility

Senior Living at Mahtomedi

Mahtomedi, MN

3 stories all SIP construction

There were 48 rooms in project

Average HERS score of the rooms was 46

30% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Calculated 30% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Provided drastically reduced heating bills for the building owner through
the winter months

Finn Hill Junior High School

Kirkland, WA

SIPs will help the school district reduce energy costs and allows for a
smaller more cost-effective mechanical system
School designed by Mahlum Architects includes 6 SIP walls and 10 SIP
roof designed to be 47% more energy-efficient than baseline target
SIPs reduced labor cost enough to make it possible to purchase a
photovoltaic system within budget

Finn Hill Junior High School

Kirkland, WA
Reducing the heating and cooling consumption was critical for the buildings
net zero energy ready design. This means that the potential of the roofmounted solar panels is sufficient to meet all of the school power needs for a
net annual basis. The school currently has one of the largest solar panel
installations in the state of Washington.

Aeon Alliance Expansion

Minneapolis, MN

Architect: Cermak Rhoades Architects

6 SIP walls

LEED Platinum Certification

Four-story wood structure

Affordable housing

Bend Parks and Recreation

Bend, OR

SIPs on top of Glulams

LEED Gold Certification

Bend Parks and Recreation

Bend, OR

10 SIP green roof

SIPs make an excellent structural accommodation to a green roof

Course Summary
Now, the design professional will be able to:

Discuss the basics of structural insulated panels (SIPs) in terms of composition,

engineering methods, and codes and standards and how this contributes
toward a more sustainable design
Identify energy-efficient characteristics of SIPs and how this contributes to
improved energy efficiency of the building
Describe the waste reducing and product life cycle benefits of building with
SIPs as compared to traditional wood framing

Explain how SIPs contribute to better indoor environmental quality through a

reduction in both air infiltration and interior off-gassing
Discuss the advanced technical requirements and design applications of SIPs

 GreenCE, Inc. 2012

P.O. Box 1699

Gig Harbor, WA 98335
253-858-7472
lindsay@sips.org
www.sips.org

course number: gsi06a

DESIGNING WITH STRUCTURAL

INSULATED PANELS - ADVANCED
Credit: 1 AIA HSW/SD CE Hour