We are planning on building a new home in about 18 months and we *thought* we'd decided on an ICF home. Now one of our prospective builders has mentioned SIP homes and we're back on the fence. We live in Wisconsin, where the temperatures can fluctuate 125 degrees or MORE, summer to winter. We like the idea of fireproof, water-resistant, wind-resistant but the biggest appeal of all is the energy efficiency. Can anyone help make sense of what's best?

Bookworm, I have been working in residential construction in Wisconsin for over 30 years. During the last 15 years my company has specialized in in installing ICF foundations, first and 2nd floors, and now even ICF roofs. I have also installed steel SIP panels and steel floor joists and decks for concrete first and second floors because there is no better way to build. SIP panels area bit more cost effective for those who seek energy efficiency but they are not as efficient as ICF because they lack the thermal mass effect. Steel SIPS are also somewhat fireproof, but are not wind resistant as ICF.the concrete and steel structural components of ICF does not burn, thus a much higher fireprotection. I have never used wood SIP panels as none have been able to assure me that moisture problems won't mold and rot the wood components. It may also surprise you but the styro foam used on both SIPs and ICFs will melt and burn while in contact with a material that is burning, (toss a piece into a campfire to verify) so I strongly recommend avoiding wood component SIP panels to those who desire fire resistance. It is my experience that ICF construction has a bit higher price tag than other methods and there are very few general contractors who are experienced at working with it. My advice is to contact local ICF manufacturers, they are all eager to sell their product, and ask them for helps or an experienced ICF installer who can help the General contractor as well as the various subcontractors who will need to understand how to integrate their products with ICF. This is not rocket science, there should be no extra charges from them for their learning curve. Hope this helps. I wish there were more like you to ask great questions like this.

Julian www.juliansicf.com

For one to use SIPs, one has to truly trust that the adhesive used to fasten the structural components (steel or wood) to the insulation core will do its job for a long time and under all the environmental conditions that it will experience. If the SIP adhesive fails, the SIP structure fails. It is certainly true that they make great adhesives these days, however, I still believe that reinforced concrete has a more well established successful track record. We have occasionally used Steel SIPs for roof structure, but we have not yet used SIPs for wall structure. Roof structure is much more easily replaced than wall structure if ever required... Much of our construction is also in areas prone to wildfire and we believe that ICF is the best choice for walls given this environmental risk.

Well spoken sailawayrb

Bookworm, I would add bullet-resistant to your ICF appeals column. We seem to be living in some uncertain times !

ICF walls and a steel SIP roof are a match made in heaven.

I was debating between steel SIP's and ICF for our DIY house. I ultimately went ICF because 1) It was easier for one old man, working alone, and 2) The contractor that advised me and filled the forms specializes in ICF. It also makes for a very quiet structure, and even though people argue whether the thermal mass comes into play or not, our house is incredibly temperature-stable, especially during the 'shoulder seasons' of fall and spring. Here in upstate SC, we go months at a time without running the HVAC.

jdebree, do you find it hard to keep humidity down in the months when you don't have to run HVAC?

No; humidity tends to be lower during the shoulder seasons, even in the spring. Our Mits minis have a dehumidify mode that we use from time to time during long spells of rainy weather. Our humidity is higher than expected, running around 50% year round, but it's not causing any trouble. It does surprise me that it doesn't vary more with the change of seasons.

Thank you all for your wise counsel. You've given us a shove toward that which we were leaning towards all along: ICF from basement to roof. We've heard nothing but good about it and are at work educating ourselves on it. (Joe Julian, we even subscribed to a concrete house contractor's magazine).

Really appreciate your insight. And YellowCat, you're right, although this Bookworm keeps to herself. :o)

Bookworm, you are most welcome. Once you choose ICF, be sure to look for a reputable installer with experience and references. Getting as spot on as possible is important in ICF builds. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you (steer you toward a good GC in your area or other questions you might have). Call me if you like.

I would second Joe’s advice...get a reputable ICF installer. It is critical to get the footings and doweling perfect as everything will go easy and well once that is successfully accomplished. Also consider making the building dimensions ICF friendly for the ICF product that you select. This will minimize cutting labor and ICF product waste. Good luck with you ICF project!