PorterSIPs by PorterCorp      4240 N. 136th Ave. Holland, MI  49424     800.354.7721

General Specifications

Code Listing by NTA

Transverse Roof & Floor Panel Load Charts

Transverse & Axial Wall Load Charts

Racking Load Charts

Header Load Charts

Fire Ratings

Energy Efficiency

Commercial Applications

Institutional Applications

Residential Applications

Proper procedures for moisture protection

General Type "A" SIP Panel 38-001

Panel to Panel w/2x Lumber 38-102

Panel to Panel Corner 38-103

Panel to Panel Floor Joist 38-104

Panel to Panel w/Insul Spline 38-106

Panel on Slab 38-201

Bearing Wall to Joist Multi-Story 38-203

Panel on Sub Floor 38-204

Roof to Wall Beveled Seat 38-301

Roof to Wall Canted Plate 38-302

Roof Ridge w/Solid Blocking 38-303

Cantilever Roof Ridge w/Solid Blocking 38-304

Roof Ridge Connection w/EPS insert 38-306

Roof Eave on Pitched Roof 38-307

Roof to Wall on Gable Roof 38-308

Framed Roof Eave 38-309

Roof Valley Connection 38-310

Roof to Wall 38-311

Roof Ridge w/o Solid Blocking 38-312

Single Plate Insulated Headers 38-501

Double Plate Insulated Headers 38-502

Reinforcement of Field-Cut Wall Openings 38-503

Framed Roof Penetration 38-504

Unframed Roof Penetration 38-505

Transporting SIPs

Lifting & Rigging SIP

Recommended Tools

Accessories

Storing SIPs on Site

SIP Panel Numbering

Installing 1st & 2nd Panels

Field Cutting SIPs

Installing SIPs Headers

Installing SIPs Sill Plates

Drawing Panels Together

SIPs Moisture Protection

SIPs Temperature Warning

SIPs Wiring Considerations

SIPs Plumbing Considerations

SIPs HVAC Considerations

Vapor barrier - Humid climates, very cold climates, and rooms with higher than normal inside humidity may require additional protection. Rooms containing hot tubs and swimming pools will require additional vapor barrier protection. Consult local building codes for specific vapor barrier requirements.

The builder must also seal-off all openings and fill all voids in the thermal shell of the building. The sealing of panel built homes is important for two reasons.

The first is thermal efficiency, one of the major advantages of SIP construction. By sealing all panel junctures to eliminate unwanted air infiltration, heating, cooling and air exchange can be precisely controlled and energy requirements reduced.

The second has to do with the leakage of humid air into voids, "dead air" spaces, adjacent to panel OSB skins. The presence of humid air and dropping temperatures can result in condensation. Condensation can cause deterioration of panels.

To achieve the maximum long-term value that SIP buildings can provide, the builder must use caulk and foam sealant throughout the building process. Connections and junctures, as well as gaps around doors, windows, and other penetrations must all be thoroughly sealed. Experience has indicated that thermal and vapor sealing at roof ridges and valleys is particularly important and warrants extra attention. It is recommended that roof ridges be filled with a foam sealant to fill the ridge juncture (Please note construction detail) Also, when electrical work is complete, all electrical boxes and wire chases should be sealed. For sealing wood-to-wood connections use construction caulk. For sealing adjacent to EPS a low expansion, aerosol propelled foam is recommended.

A vapor barrier shall be installed at the interior of the ridge juncture of the panels. Aluminum sheet, 6 mil poly or a rubber laminate material can be used for this seal. See Drawing #38-312. There should be no wrinkles or voids that allow vapor drive to enter the ridge juncture.

In addition to the vapor barrier, we recommend the installation of an air-to-air exchanger that is operated by a humidistat.