[Greenbuilding] SIPS

[Bob Korves]

SIPS are not made sustainably (that I have found) but are able to save lots 
of heating and cooling energy during their lifetime, assuming good design. 
The OSB and foams may outgass noxious substances.  SIPS require much less 
labor to erect the basic shell of the building, but generally require a 
crane and an experienced crew to erect efficiently.  SIPS can be used for 
floors, ceilings, and roofs as well as walls.  Engineering is usually done 
by the manufacturer.  As mentioned previously, SIPS are good at stopping air 
infiltration (and breathability).  SIPS have minimal thermal bridging in the 
panels.  Building inspectors are likely to accept the engineering 
calculations without a fuss.  SIPS are good at withstanding seismic, wind, 
and snow loads.  Designs do not need to be simple.  Angles other than 90 
degrees are not a problem, but no doubt cost more.  There is very lttle 
scrap generated at the building site and the shell is completed very 
quickly.

SIPS are more expensive only in comparison to stick built houses that are 
owner built.  The labor savings of SIPS construction makes them roughly 
equal in price to comparable professionally built stick houses, unless there 
is lots of cheap and qualified labor available locally.  SIPS compete 
especially well if long term costs, including energy, are considered.

An issue I see with SIPS is that the panels require finish wall coverings, 
both inside and outside.  This makes the project more expensive by far and 
requires much additional labor.  If a company would make SIPS that had 
finished inside and ouside walls that would pass code, I think we could 
possibly see a revolution in building construction.

I personally have problems with SIPS because they are highly processed with 
large amounts of embodied energy.  I also think that they don't feel 'warm 
and organic' to me.  A house is not just an investment or a utilitarian 
shelter, it is first and foremost a home to live in and be happy there.
-Bob Korves

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Curt Sommer" <csommer at opusnet.com>
To: <greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 8:55 AM
Subject: [Greenbuilding] SIPS


>
> A friend is building an addition on to his ranch house and he is
> interested in using SIP's for the wall construction.  Are there
> significant advantages given the cost differential?  How do they compare
> to tradtional stick construction.  He also wants to use green building
> methods.  Are SIP's made sustainably?
>
> Educate me.  Thanks in advance.
>
>
> Curt Sommer