Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) can create a strong, well-insulated, airtight, building envelope. They can, however, be unforgiving when it comes to moisture management. Most SIP dry slowly if or when they get wet, so back-vented claddings, robust flashing details, meticulous sealing of penetrations, and effective spot/whole house ventilation are all essential.

Detail Caption:

The detail at gable ends depends on the overhang and on how to use panels most efficiently. With no overhang, simply overlap the roof panel over the top of the wall panel as shown. With an overhang, either the full roof panel can overhang the wall panel, or it can end on the outside rafter and a filler can be used to provide the overhang. Note the limitation on how much a filler can extend out and over the gable: at least half the filler panel must bear on the wall and timber frame ("Y" dimension above).

For more information on SIPs, see the Green Building Encyclopedia

For more information on SIP manufacturers

NOTE: The GBA SIP details consist of 90 pdfs. Currently, the details are not available as dwg files. These 90 details are copyrighted by Green Mountain Panel and included in the GBA Construction Detail Library with express permission from Green Mountain Panel. All of the SIP Details were drawn by Steve Baczek and reviewed by Peter Yost for Green Mountain Panel, the same team that developed all of the other GBA details.

To see the SIP details with the step-by-step installation procedures, download the Green Mountain Panel Installation Manual.