Tips and Tricks to using Structural Insulated Panels created by IB Panels ®

March 12th 2010

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The panels were unloaded by 11am and had them all standing by 7pm. Don't know why anybody would want to do traditional framing.
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Tips & Tricks

Tip: Read the construction manual thoroughly!!!!

Keep in mind: Outside dimension is 6 3/8� for 6� panels and respectively, 4 3/8� for 4� panels.

Caulking on Foam: Use inexpensive latex caulking for foam to foam and/or foam to wood joints. Some adhesives can cause foam deterioration. Use foam friendly adhesive for best results.

Panel Gaps: When connecting panels together, it is common to have a gap at the seam. These panel gaps will occur. Gaps are acceptable for as long as you have foam to foam, or wood to foam, contact. A good contact between foam to foam, or between foam to wood, is deemed fasten-worthy.

Panel Modifications: Most jobs will have a need to do on-site panel modifications. When you encounter a need to cut a panel or modify a panel to suit your need, please refer to construction manual.

Door Jam Finish Work: Door jams on panel walls will be 7/16" wider than standard. Please take this into account before ordering your door jams.

Drilling for Wire Chases:

Posts: If posts are required for your project, don't forget to drill electrical chases to match up with the pre-cut wire chases in the panels.
Top Plates & Bottom Plates Drill out the bottom plates before you set the panel in place for fastening. Drill out the top plates before setting the roof panels.

Setting the Roof Panels:

Fastened Lift Plates for Roof Panels: We have Lift Plates that can be fastened to the roof panels prior to using a crane to perform the lift procedure. This simplifies the process tremendously.
Driving the Pancake Head Screws: Drive the Pancake Head Screw through the top sheet of OSB. Continue through foam core stopping at the bottom sheet of OSB. Then finish off the fastening process using the screw gun.

Base Plate:

Base Plate Place Setting: All panel dimensions are measured at outside dimensions. Bottom plates should be measured and set for 7/16� inward from the edge. This allows for the outer panel wall to be flush with the floor's edge.
Type of Base Plate: Make sure that the type of base plate you choose is straight. These panels are straight, and are quite unforgiving to warped base plates.

Mud Sill: It is important to know that treated lumber is at a width of 5 3/4� verses redwood at a width of 5 1/2�. Redwood is true dimension nailed. Treated lumber can vary in width and dimension.

Electrical Outlet Boxes:

We find that Dremel® 565 Multi Purpose Cutting Kit, or Rotozip®, for electrical box cutting works quite well.
Create a jig for cutting out electrical outlet boxes that spans the accurate distance from the floor up.

Sheet Rock: There are no studs in Panel walls. You do not need to worry about finding a stud. Just focus on required distance between fasteners.

Leveling the Top Plate: We strongly encourage and recommend that you string line the top plate before setting the roof on top of the top plate.

Plumbing: Panel cutting is accepted on a limited basis, but not widely advised. In the case of a kitchen sink vent, always try to use a loop vent to an interior wall if at all possible.

Pulling Wires (techniques we've heard about):

Run Fish Tape through the chases and then pull your wire through.
Tape the end of the wire and then push it through the wire chases.
Tie a long piece of twine to a small piece of foam. Insert the foam into the wire chase, and place a shop-vac on the other end of the chase. Once the twine is sucked through. Then tie your wire(s) to the twine and pull the wire(s) through.
Grease the end of the wire prior to pushing it though.

Horizontal Cuts on Panels: Do not cut clear across the panel, horizontally. Horizontal cuts will weaken the panel structurally. Make horizontal cuts with judgment.

Spline Fastenings: Both sides of the spline seam needs to be fastened down. Fasteners are key to structural integrity. Follow the recommended fastener spacing.

Ventilation: Due to the tightness of SIPs structures, you will need an air exchanger or ventilation system.

An Ideal Book: A helpful book on the topic is called: "Building With Structural Insulated Panels (Sips): Strength and Energy Efficiency Through Structural Panel Construction by Michael Morley"

Contact Us at:
IB Panels ®
PO Box 723
50 West 100 South
Jerome, ID 83338
PH: 208-324-7184
FAX: 208-324-6740
Toll Free: 888-799-1398

News from IB Panels ®
Habitat for Humanity - "Blitz Build" was completed in 108 hours. IB Panels ® were used for the floors and walls. The walls were stood up within 45 minutes. Article 1 - Article 2 - Article 3.

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