Structural Insulated Panels Design Considerations

Designing a high-performance structure can be challenging. Important considerations must be made during the design phase of a structural insulated panel (SIP) structure. We have years of experience which can help reduce the learning curve and leverage SIPs’ exceptional qualities to achieve high-performance results.

Design Considerations

High-performance Building Envelope

SIPs yield high-performance building envelopes with energy performance well beyond conventional framing.

No additional continuous insulation on the building exterior
Eliminates poor quality insulation installation
Larger panels have few gaps
Reduced thermal bridging from fewer lumber connections
Airtight envelope improving indoor air quality
Reduces HVAC sizing and dramatically improves

HVAC Systems and Sizing

The energy efficiency and airtightness of SIPs positively affect the HVAC(Heating Venting and Air Conditioning) design resulting in smaller unit requirements.

Proper HVAC sizing reduces costs
Enhances comfort and performance
Specifying a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Similar
Better cycling for better dehumidifying and reduced mold
SIP typically achieves less than 2 ACH@50pa

Structural Capabilities

SIPs have the structural strength to work well in virtually any design. In addition, SIPs structural capacities comply with most, if not all, building codes.

More significant strength over conventional framing
Greater design flexibility.
Reduced intermediate support structures
Potential elimination of some or all headers
Easy-to-read load capacities charts

Electrical

Electrical chases are provided to simplify the electrical rough-in, saving the electrician a great deal of time in the field.

Built-in vertical and horizontal electrical chases
Use of surface-mounted LED lighting
Pre-plan electrical requirements before Sip Manufacturing
Faster electrical installation
Marked electrical chases for easy identification

Plumbing

Plumbing should be placed within interior walls to protect the integrity of the high-performance envelope and to avoid freezing the supply lines in cold climates.

Interior application plumbing control optimizing envelope
Minimize roof penetrations
Consolidating all vents
Easy added plumbing chase way on the exterior
More manageable sealing for air tightness

Call 920-889-0021

Get SIPS is an organization with the goal of educating home and building owners, architects and contractors on the wonderful benefits of Structural Insulated Panels.