SIP Builder Resources
SIPA Design and Builder Resources
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) has developed a series of comprehensive Best Practice Guides for architects, designers, and builders working with structural insulated panels (SIPs). These guides bring together decades of industry experience to establish common standards for design, fabrication, and installation—helping professionals achieve the best performance from SIP construction.
As a proud SIPA member, FischerSIPs is committed to advancing education and quality within the SIP industry. We’re pleased to make these resources available to our builder and design partners, providing direct access to the information that supports better projects, fewer challenges in the field, and lasting results for clients.
What You’ll Find Inside
For Designers and Architects:
Understand panel dimensions, structural behavior, and layout strategies to incorporate SIPs efficiently into your designs.
For Builders and Contractors:
Access installation guidelines, field checklists, and proven techniques to streamline assembly and avoid common issues.
For Homeowners and Developers:
Learn how SIPs deliver exceptional energy efficiency, improved indoor comfort, and long-term durability.
Each guide includes clear diagrams, checklists, and practical examples, making it an essential companion for anyone designing or building with SIPs.
FischerSIPs makes each of these guides available to you for free, but for the latest information and most recent versions, visit https://www.sips.org/publications
FischerSIPS Installation Notes
In addition to the best practices guides provided by SIPA, every FischerSIPs project includes a set of notes to guide installation. The following are the general notes provided for your reference.
General Notes
- Customers/G.C. are to follow all panel layout drawings provided by FischerSIPs.
- Double check all dimensions prior to setting any panel.
Storage Notes
- Make sure to set panels flat on skids or stickers at 1 1/2″ off the ground (2) Stickers should be used for 8′ long panels, (3) stickers for 12′-16′ long panels, etc.
- Upon delivery, customer is responsible for protecting the panels from any kind of damage. Most panels will be delivered wrapped in plastic. If stacks are not opened for use within 2 weeks of delivery, it is recommended to remove the stretch wrap around sides of the panel stacks and to place a tarp over the entire stack of panels.
- Do not stack panels on the ground if the ground is not level and do not stack panels more than three stacks high.
Pre-Cut Job Notes
- Pre-cut denotes jobs receiving panels cut specifically by FischerSIPS for the customer based on approved drawings. Along with the panels will be a set of panel layout drawings with each panel given a specific panel number that corresponds with the pre-cut panels that they are shipped with.
- The customer/G.C. is to notify FischerSIPS within 48 hours if panels are found to have incorrect dimensions and/or foam recesses. All suspected corrections must be noted in writing and time documented. FischerSIPS reserves the option to send an employee to the job site to review correction complaints. Customer should expect to cut panels at the end of wall runs due to panel gain.
Installation Notes
- When lifting panels, create a clear and safe path to swing the panels to the structure.
- Verify that all screws are installed in the lifting plate.
- Do not over tighten and strip out screws in lifting plates.
- Do not lift panels from the top skin only near an edge, this will cause the foam to tear off near the top skin.
- Verify that all wire chases are at the bottom of the panel and pre-drill any splines that will be used in locations where wire chases are
Utilized. - Use continuous lumber at all panel joints & between supports for all roof panels.
- Trim panels to make them fit the floor deck. (Foundations are not typically perfectly square.)
- Follow Fischersips details for sealing all joints. Installer to ensure a weather tight seal at all joints.
- Verify that both skins are resting upon the wooden floor deck and the bottom is inset the thickness of the outside skin.
- Install the proper flashing and sealants around all openings and penetrations. (I.e. splines)
- Liquid Nails and other sealants that are not EPS foam friendly should not be used. These type of sealants will dissolve EPs. (Look for
Something that states “EPS foam friendly” on the can or tube, or contact Fischersips for recommendations. - Do not let the nail gun shoot through the OSB.
- Do not leave gaps at any panel joints. (Use expanding foam sealant)
- No horizontal cuts not shown in the plans shall be made without consulting Fischersips.
- Do not cut roof panels for any reason without first consulting Fischersips.
- Never set panels directly onto concrete or similar surfaces. Use treated wood between panels and such surfaces.
- Provide adequate ventilation in completed structure to maintain indoor air quality.
- Install exhaust fans that vent directly to the outside in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
- Install roofing & siding over sips in direct accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- It is recommended that customers use high quality, long lasting roof products vs inexpensive substitutes. Dimension shingles are recommended for use with sips. Many companies do not warranty their shingles when used over insulated roof decks. Fischersips recommends 30 lb. Felt over roof panels.
- Never use a VOC adhesive when applying a roof membrane. It must be a non-VOC adhesive. Look on tube or can for label stating “non-VOC”.
- All siding, besides vinyl siding, shall be spaced off of the SIP wall by use of either Batten strips over house wrap, or a house wrap, such as
Hydro gap, that creates a channel for moisture to escape from behind the siding. - Never apply any product that you are unsure of to the sips without first consulting Fischersips.
- All caulk should be applied to “inside skin” of panel. Refer to Fischersips installation details for further description.
- Roof panels should be checked for deflection prior to applying any metal roofing material. Fischersips can not be held responsible for metal