Learn To Build With SIPs

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Whether you are enclosing a timber frame or building a SIP-only structure, this video-based online course will help you understand and work with Structural Insulated Panels.

Learn about Shelter Institute’s favorite way of enclosing a Timber Frame structure with this companion to the Purely Post-And-Beam online course. Expert training and step-by-step guidance, without having to travel far away or spend thousands of dollars in tuition. Includes 3+ hrs of recorded video, downloadable companion PDF packet, and you can learn at your own pace.
Get Started Now! - $200

Why Build With SIPs?

  • Quick Build Time! Construction costs of building with SIPs compared to conventional stick framing are about the same (SIPs generally have more material costs, while stick framing generally has more labor costs). However, you can complete a SIP structure in a fraction of the time compared to other building methods.

  • Energy efficient! SIP's are extremely energy efficient due to being airtight and well insulated, allowing you to choose smaller heating and cooling systems that use much less energy.

  • Cost effective! Save money both in initial construction labor costs, as well as energy cost savings over the life of the structure. SIP-constructed buildings are roughly 50 percent more energy efficient than those constructed with traditional framing. The savings are substantial when calculated over the life of the structure.

Click to Watch A Sample Lesson From The SIP Online Course

Here's what students are saying about this Online Course:

5 star rating

Perfect companion to the Purely post and beam

Michael Gallagher

Enclosing a timber frame always seemed extremely overwhelming to me. After watching this course, I feel much more comfortable and equipped to tackle this cha...

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Enclosing a timber frame always seemed extremely overwhelming to me. After watching this course, I feel much more comfortable and equipped to tackle this challenge. Thank you Shelter!

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5 star rating

An excellent introduction to SIP construction.

Steve Temple

The quality of the instruction as well as the step by step demonstration of the SIP only build was great. These videos really helped answer a number of quest...

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The quality of the instruction as well as the step by step demonstration of the SIP only build was great. These videos really helped answer a number of questions I had, and has given me some resources so that I can investigate further. Thanks for putting this course together for those of us that can't unfortunately make it to your Maine location.

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5 star rating

Enjoyed learning a newer technique for construction!!!!

Darren Snider

Well laid out and presented course, Thank you! We will use this to help us select and construct a home in the near future.

Well laid out and presented course, Thank you! We will use this to help us select and construct a home in the near future.

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5 star rating

Way To Go!

richard Havrda

Enclosing with SIPS seems to be the way to go and way to go to the Shelter Institute team for becoming so proficient and sharing all of this knowledge throu...

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Enclosing with SIPS seems to be the way to go and way to go to the Shelter Institute team for becoming so proficient and sharing all of this knowledge through a well produced video course! Thanks again

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5 star rating

sips class

Lance Wadum

very well done

very well done

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Course Curriculum

    1. Thank You For Purchasing This Online Course!

    2. SIP Course Companion PDF

    3. Introduction to SIP Construction Online Course

    4. What Are Structural Insulated Panels?

    5. Benefits of SIPs

    6. Enclosing a Timber Frame with SIPs

    7. Building a SIP-Only Structure

    8. Problems with SIPs

    9. Communicating with SIP Manufacturers

    10. Additional SIP Resources

    1. Useful Tools For Assembling & Installing SIPs

    2. Assembling a SIP Platform

    3. Raising The First Two Panels

    4. Cutting Window & Door Openings in SIPs

    5. Continuing The Wall Panel Assembly

    6. Installing a SIP Roof Using Two Different Methods

    7. Final SIP Assembly Details

    8. Would you consider leaving a review of this online course?

    1. Installing SIPs at a Jobsite

About this course

  • $200.00
  • 19 lessons
  • 3 hours of video content

Online Course FAQ:

(Click each arrow to reveal an answer)

  • How much does this course cost?

    The Shelter Institute SIP Construction Online Course is priced at $200. Take a look at the course curriculum list to get a visual on how much video content is part of this course. This course does not have a payment plan option.

  • How long do I have access to the online course content?

    The course will be hosted online on this specific website, and is accessible with an account you create when you purchase. There are no downloads or large files to deal with, and it is all neatly organized chapter-by-lesson on the website for you to view. Of course, you will need an internet connection to access the content, but it is viewable at your own pace, and as many times as you like. Didn't quite understand something the first time? No problem, watch it as many times as you need to. The videos do not expire etc.

  • Why not just learn this all on YouTube for free?

    We get it, YouTube is a treasure trove of free information. But that comes with a different price: thousands of videos to look through and no guarantee that the person you're watching actually knows what they're doing. Plus, who has the time to watch all those videos to find the one solution you're looking for anyway? We promise there's no fluff in our online course. It's the best bang-for-your-buck online timber framing & SIP education you'll find!

  • Will I realistically be able to build with SIPs after taking this course?

    Yes! It's all the same content from our in-person SIP Construction course. These are no simple selfie videos - our video content has been professionally filmed and edited, and we’ve drilled deep into the topic. Whether you want to enclose your Timber Frame structure with SIPs, build a SIP-only structure, or just want to communicate better with your SIP manufacturer, this course is for you.

  • If I purchase this online course, do I also get a discount on in-person version of this course?

    This particular course does not include a tuition discount for its in-person counterpart.

  • Do I get 10% off the Shelter Tool Store?

    This particular course does not include a tuition discount for its in-person counterpart. However, students of our Purely Post-And-Beam do receive a lifetime 10% discount at Shelter Tools. We carry all the best tools, books, and other timber framing equipment in our online and on-site tool store.

  • Is there a Private Facebook Group?

    This particular course does not have an accompanying private Facebook Group. However, students of our PP&B courses do have a private Facebook Group where they can connect with other Purely Post-And-Beam alumni from around the world, and share their timber frame project progress.

  • What is in the included PDF file?

    Slides, figures, photos, and diagrams from the lecture portions of the online course that you can reference to accurately follow-along as you watch the online course videos. PDF is downloadable and printable.

  • Are there subtitles/captions?

    Yes, if you are you hard of hearing or just want to watch the videos in a busy place, all of the course videos have english captions so you can read along as you watch.

Want a Sample? Try For Free!

We've handpicked 1.5+ hours of content from our collection of Timber Framing Online Courses, and created this FREE course sampler that will walk you through cutting a Thru Tenon (an essential part of timber frame joinery!), and the basics of assembling a SIP panel wall.
Try Our Free Mini Course!