News Brief

SIP Problems in Juneau

Houses built with

structural insulated panels (SIPs) are failing in Juneau, Alaska at an alarming rate. Failure is typically occurring at the roof peak, where the well-insulated, thick expanded polystyrene SIPs join. This problem was first publicized in the January 2002 issue of the

Journal of Light Construction. According to SIP expert Steve Andrews, who has investigated the problems, one issue is Juneau’s extremely wet and cold climate. With an average of 200 rainy days per year, producing more than 90 inches (230 cm) of rain, the city has just 36% sunshine (compared with 43% in Erie, Pennsylvania—the cloudiest location in the Lower 48) and over 9,000 (Fahrenheit) heating degree days (5,000°C HDD). Initial investigations show that most failing SIPs were installed without proper foam sealing or a separate polyethylene air/vapor barrier.

Published March 1, 2002

(2002, March 1). SIP Problems in Juneau. Retrieved from https://www.buildinggreen.com/newsbrief/sip-problems-juneau

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a BuildingGreen Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.