Replies

1. 
   Gabe_Martel | Dec 04, 2001 03:49am | #1

   *
   Why would you want to use a system that you don't know anything about in the first place?

   Gabe

1. 
   Jill_magill | Dec 04, 2001 04:13am | #2

   *We used SIPS. We love them. This is the second house I have built. I would use them again. You need to be aware and plan for the different way you will run wires. Other than that it is a very tight building and well insulated. Jill

1. 
   P.Venti | Dec 04, 2001 04:36am | #3

   *GabeI'm a superintendent for a general contractor, it's my boses house.I'm just looking for input from others with exp. with sips

1. 
   Gabe_Martel | Dec 04, 2001 04:53am | #4

   *Then do what you're trained to do, check it out in the flesh and challenge what the suppliers tell you about it.There's not a product on the market that someone won't say nice things about while others curse it's introduction.These panels have been around for a while and generally, the idea is good. It's a lot like building log homes. You have to know that you will have to plan for the electrical, plumbing and heating systems, ahead of the game.Watch the fit and let your training guide you.Gabe

1. 
   P.Venti | Dec 04, 2001 05:02am | #5

   *That's true. That is why i'm looking to talk with different trades that have actually used these systems. The way the salesman talk they are the greatest thing since sliced bread with free beer as a kicker. What about mechanicals ,re-vents in exterior walls, heaven forbid changes. Just getting started on the details and figured I,d try here. First time web site user long time mag. subscriber. Thanks

2. 
   Gabe_Martel | Dec 04, 2001 05:08am | #6

   *Is it a single level or two?Forced air or.....?Single level is easy on the trades. Two levels requires all mech. to use interior walls. You really have to go and check one out in the flesh. Not all manufactured the same. Have funGabe

3. 
   P.Venti | Dec 04, 2001 05:27am | #7

   *It's a ranch. Still making design changes but it's around 3600ft/sq I'm trying to talk him into radiant in-floor heat. Going with alot of ceramic.I'm trying to set up a couple walk throughs of homes in my area.(Michigan). I've been talking to Insulspan. They are a manufacturer and are here in Michigan. If all is done right it should be an interesting job.Paul

4. 
   Gabe_Martel | Dec 04, 2001 05:35am | #8

   *Paul, a little variety is what makes our work interesting. They won't let us build them upside down so we have to try different things, right?Is this one on slab?Gabe

5. 
   P.Venti | Dec 04, 2001 05:44am | #9

   *It's a poured wall,(maybe pre-fab insulated concrete ?),with a walk-out. Boss man must be making out o.k. He,s looking into alot of highend tech. products, emphasise on energy. But I will toss building it upside by him and see if he bites. If he goes for it I'm sure I'll be back on-line with that. "why am I having trouble with my toilets not flushing right?"Paul

6. 
   Gabe_Martel | Dec 04, 2001 05:50am | #10

   *Because they flush left, you damn fool.GabeMorning comes earlier, the older you get, later brother.

7. 
   P.Venti | Dec 04, 2001 05:55am | #11

   *Nite-Nite old man. Nice talking(typing) to you. I'm kind of young still, but morning still comes early.Take it one R.F.I. at a time.Paul

8. 
   rmanbike | Dec 04, 2001 07:00am | #12

   *I had considered SIPs but havent gotten any good answers on rough in wiring. Seems everybody has ideas some different but none is as simple as a standard frame wall. Horizontal runs are difficult at best so still not convinced. So little energy loss is in the walls I think better money is spent on floors, windows, ceilings/roofs. Sips in ceiling creates too many other adjustments in wall height etc. JMHO, Roger

9. 
   Jason | Dec 05, 2001 04:26am | #13

   *Horizontal runs are easy; buy panels with built-in runs; we use panels that have two runs; one at 12" and one at 42"; splines match them. Electrician has an easier time running wires, since there's no drilling, and we use a router with template to "shell out" the holes. Every panel also has a vertical chase right in the center. It's SIMPLE stuff; just go with the right panel maker.

10. 
    P.Venti | Dec 05, 2001 05:24am | #14

    *Jason, sounds like you've done some work with sips. What manufactures have you used? Are you a tradesman? How about difficulties on the plumbing end? Appreciate any inputPaul

11. 
    Jason | Dec 05, 2001 03:45pm | #15

    *Paul, I think you mentioned Insulspan, is that the outfit out of Blissfield, Mi? If so, check out RControl (www.rcontrol.com), or maybe Winter Panel. RControl has a bunch of facilities, but I'd think many of them (manufacturers), can build in the wiring chase; it's really nothing more than a hot wire they run through in a circle to core out the foam. If your panels don't have chases, you can always mark the spaces and predrill the floor and the wall panel from the bottom while installing, and then run the wires from below. Also, we try to keep the exterior wall wiring to a minumum, unless you have nice long runs. Finally, you're not supposed to, in most circumstances, run plumbing through SIPS. Yeah, you could shoot a vent through, or if you really planned, you could bore one out for a pipe, but you don't want to cut the skins out that much. But around here, we generally don't run plumbing in exterior walls anyhow, or at least try to keep it to a minumum.

12. 
    diddidit_ | Dec 05, 2001 04:24pm | #16

    *Paul, where are you in MI? I toured the R-Control plant in Grand Rapids when we were looking at building, and I was reasonably impressed. You could spec where you wanted the wire chases cut. There are engineering issues, though, to be aware of, not least of which is the spanning capability of roof panels. It think it was on the order of 8' tops. Find an engineer or architect who is familiar with the things and I can't imagine you'd have many problems.did

13. 
    Boss_Hog | Dec 06, 2001 01:01am | #17

    *Try searching the archives. This has been discussed at least a dozen times over the past few years.

14. 
    Moonlight_Graham | Dec 06, 2001 02:07am | #18

    *Porter SIPS are made in Holland Michigan too.http://www.portersips.com

2. 
   P.Venti | Dec 06, 2001 02:07am | #19

   *
   I'm involved on a new home build, and could possibly be using sips
   anyone have suggestions, tips or nightmares to share?