Hi, I am new to this site but hope that it will help in the building of our new house. I have had my architect design our new house using sips for the exterior walls. In looking into sips I am now having second thoughts about using these panels. Many electricians I have talked with say that using such panels is a pain when running wire. Through my research I have found that it may be a better idea use 2X6 plates and stagger the 2X4's thus cutting down on thermal bridging. I would then use a spray foam, such as Tiger Foam, and spray in 1" of closed cell spray and then cover it with Roxul insulation. This would give me R21 and would also cut down on me having to use an interior vapor barrier. The cost to do this would be about 2$ per board foot. Please comment on what you think of this idea. Thanks, Jody

ojodoy, you shouldn't let an electrician discourage you from using one of the best building envelope systems that is available to you. . All of the major SIP manufacturers provide wiring and construction details, code reports, installation videos, etc on their website. One such manufacturer is R-Control with 10 plants in the US.

We have the same problem in Quebec, the électrician soes nt like passing the wire into the panels so what we do is to install furs on the walls when it is assemble, it gives 1 1/2 inch of space to pass the éleectrical wire all around the house, you install the gypsum after.

I provide flexibility, and saving for the electrical work, i have to tell you that an electrician in Quebec cost about $75/hrs, so he should no loose any time jerking around the panels.

Pierre desjardins
450-546-9047
Banerpan Panels

Bannerpan, of course furring is an option, but that's an added step, and additional materials, and then you're losing a couple of the benefits that are inherent in SIP construction, eg: easier, less wasteful drywall installation, and the ability to hang just about anything any where on the walls. Also you're making the wall about 1" thicker which means wider door and window jambs. Also what about the time that is saved by not having to drill a pair of holes through every exterior stud? Bottom line, we just need to get more electricians aboard, SIPs ARE going to continue to gain market share, and, as new construction starts to pick up over the coming years, the electricians that are up to speed with the technology will be in a better position to take advantage of the opportunities. Also, if they do agree to take on a SIP project on a first time basis they shouldn't expect their customer to "pay their tuition".

Now, a message to contractors and framers: "Get aboard, and you too can join the "green building" movement."

I to am going to use sip's for the walls and roof and became tired of the excuses and complaints from them. I now tell them that they need to get there head out of the sand and wake up. I then tell them they just lost my project. The look on there face is one of disbelief. With a little searching I have now found subs that are familiar with sips and don't want more $$$.

RIGHT ON, RETIRED 1!! THAT'S WHAT I MEAN!!!

Dear Sipper, you are right on the dot, but different area, different culture, i agree with you all the way BUT to go there, we have to make compromise in Quebec, but when i deliver panels in the maritimes or in Ontario, it is all a new ball game, some électrician have a more open minded, and we deliver them with wire chase in the panels.

One day, the SIP's panel will be better known i n Quebec and we will be able to bring the electrician to our product...since then, we adapt to conquer...

Pierre Desjardins
Banerpan
450-546-9047

Kicking and screaming is how the non-SIP folks are going to come on board. If we have to furr out we will and if we need to design some type of connector where we can attach the romex on site but install it in the plant we will.

I think we start with a compromise to stifle the complaint. One day we are going to have a company that sends around tradesmen that work with SIPs, man will it be great when the SIP network finally gets on line... If only someone was working to establish something like this.

I am of the opinion that we don't need a massive new network and/or organization, or whatever, to increase the use of SIPs. Also, it is my opinion that these forums are not designed to facilitate some kind of an industry overhaul, reorganization, or what have you, It seems to me that anyone who is promoting and pursuing such agendas would want to do that "behind the scenes" via email, snail mail. or phone.

I've always felt that this website was designed primarily for consumers to obtain information, and then, perhaps, to help them connect with someone who can provide them with the specific products and services that will suit their particular project requirements.

What I'm really interested in now is whether or not the instigator of this thread can find an electrician, and whatever other professional help, that she needs in order to be able to incorporate SIPs into her new home building project.

BTW, Jody, A general project location (if you don't want to be site specific) usually generates a substantial number of response to these types of topics, if you're open to sharing that information.

I did not realize how significant your opinion was. Man to be such an industry stalwarth as to feel comfortable telling people what to and not to say. Little wonder we have 2% of the market.

So I'm not allowed to express "my opinions" regarding what I thought was the primary purpose of these forums? However, its OK for you to lay out your opinions and ideas regarding the state of the SIP industry as a whole, as well as how you can take it to the next level? Even though I think that you're full of it, I was only suggesting that you might want to pursue your "crusade" in a more private, and, business like, manner. Do you think that Jody, or any other wannabe homebuilder who's considering using SIPs for their project, really cares what the SIP market share is?

There's more that I'd like to say in this response to your last message. But, I'm not going to do that, even though I've been "biting my tongue" over many of your comments on these forums over the past several months, not the least of which were the ones that you "apologized" for while referring to yourself by using a pretty unflattering term, which as of now appears to be at least somewhat accurate (in My Opinion)

Have we lost you, Jody? I hope that you can get past "the chatter", There are still many here who would like to respond to your questions and concerns regarding SIPs.