Getting SIP Framing Right

Structural insulated panels go up fast, but the devil's in the details.

The bottom plate should be let-in to the bottom edge of a SIPs panel at the floor. If a panel sits on a stem wall or slab, the plate and panel must be isolated from the concrete with a  strip of pressure-treated plywood — sealed to the concrete with foam sealant.

The bottom plate should be let-in to the bottom edge of a SIPs panel at the floor. If a panel sits on a stem wall or slab, the plate and panel must be isolated from the concrete with a strip of pressure-treated plywood — sealed to the concrete with foam sealant.

Setting walls. With SIPs, wall plates are nailed, screwed, or bolted to the floor and then the panels are slipped over them. Before installing the wall panel, we run sealant along the top and both edges of the wall plate, then stand the panel over it.

For more details for building with structural insulated panels, visit the JLC Field Guide.