Installing SIPs - Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturer

Manufacturer of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Copyright 2008 Foam Laminates of Vermont. All Rights Reserved.
Supporting the Green Building Industry.

The SIPs installation process is not unlike other building systems. SIPs must be supported at the ridge and eaves or along principal rafters such as timber rafters or trusses. Generally speaking, a sip wall height is limited to about 12 feet and balloon framing is not recommended. However, SIPs eliminate the need for insulation, sheathing, special blocking, and most headers which are extremely cost effective features. SIP panels are able to span up to 10' horizontally without additional lumber support. This reduction in lumber also saves the customer money as well as promote resource efficiency. Foam Laminates of Vermont's approach to SIPs installation is to do it as quick and simple as possible, thereby giving the homeowner a stress-free and cost effecitve experience.

As a rule of thumb, a 2000 square foot SIP home can be erected and 'closed in' in under a week. This can be accomplished by a typical crew of three contractors: a cutter, an installer, and a floater to help where needed.

It is important that you be familiar with the proposed layout of your SIP panel project and the construction details. A copy of the sip construction layout along with the contract documents will allow you to be sure that all the required SIPs will arrive. Checking the SIP quantities is particularly important if you are not completely enclosing a SIP structure. Renovations and additions to existing SIP panel structures are excellent examples of this situation. Electrical channels are set at 16" above finished floors. Alternate channel configurations are available upon request.

A determination must be made as to the need for installation tools. A 16" circular saw is an excellent tool to use for cutting SIP panels. Using a circular saw for thicker SIPs or to bevel cut will require front and back cuts to penetrate the full thickness of the SIP. To eliminate this problem we recommend a Prazi Beam Cutter Attachment for a 13 amp. circular saw. The tool is inexpensive in comparison to its peers and is often useful after a project is completed for gang cutting conventional framing members. A Hot Knife will be needed to cope the SIP panels for 2x dimensional lumber nailers. Rental and/or purchase of this tool is recommended for SIP panels. The Hot Knife is an electrical heating element shaped to the width of the panel. They emit a good deal of smoke when operating so excellent ventilation is a must. For pricing information on these structural insulated panel tools, please visit SIP pricing.

Two contractors work together to install a SIP.

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