Chris Kavala,

Before I hijack someone's thread I thought I would post my question here. 

I am looking for structural fiberglass SIPS.  I only know of two companies talking about this type of SIP:  DuraSip (not in production yet) and InnoVida.  Can you share anything about these two companies or their fiberglass panels?  Any other companies making structural glass sips?

Alton;

you are on top of it, I spoke some time ago to John Pardue of Dura Sip, but as you say I think they are still in R&D.  I looked at InnoVida , but did not care for the system. (complicated connections)

Straight FRP panels are good for freezer liners, but not much else

I am not aware of any others at this time

Chris,

Thanks.

These systems seem very promising. It looks like they are pursuing low income housing for other countries.

Alton;

I just heard today thru a testing facility that they are having problems with connecions tearing apart

Was just contemplating the "green-ness" of fiberglass? any thoughts

Chris, what makes you think that it would be any less "green" than steel? Glass fibers don't require any more energy to create than steel does to be recycled. Fiberglass can be recycled in similar ways to post consumer EPS. And the amount of glass fiber used would probably be considerably less both in volume, and weight than steel. The resins typically used are made from petroleum, but then so is EPS and virtually all foams... but over the next few years we may see other bio-based resins (and foams).

I like the idea of fiberglass, but (like a 26 gauge steel skin) I would need proof that fasteners will be able to hold loads. Screws that go all the way through panels (especially with fender washers like you use) would cause me less consternation, but you're still talking about very thin supports for very sharp fasteners, and some significant loads. I trust engineers, but I still need them to show me their work.

Dick;

It was the testing engineer that posed the question and got me thinking about it, I don't know what the process is for making the resins.
 I guess I am thinking about handling and cutting in the field, I know how my guys hate cutting polyurethane foam and can imagine  needing protection from the airborne glass fibers when cutting.

I can see cutting being a bit of a problem. Surfboard glassers cover themselves head to toe when they start sanding. And breathing filtration along with goggles are a necessity. Though, cutting a panel probably wouldn't kick up as much dusty particulate matter as sanding does. And cutting could probably be done with a rolling slitter blade rather than a mechanical saw - but those things are wicked sharp, and pose their own health hazards.

There was an article in the latest Automated Builder on Durasip, written by the CEO. They seem to be focusing on third world housing for now. Evidently they are making the fiberglass laminates and another company, General Panel, is doing the SIP panels and cutting openings. Connections are c-channel for bottom and galvanized H-channel between panels, and another option is galvanized tongue and groove connectors. Corner or T's are capped w/ c-channel for screw and glue attachments.

www.automatedbuilder.com

There was also an article on global panel solutions claiming 25-30% less cost in materials and labor using their SCIP panels over traditional wood framing on a 3400sq ft 2 story project. SCIPS are the eps panels with wire truss frames that are shotcreted. That's a heckuva claim! Count me in if they can hit those type of numbers.

 They seem to be focusing on third world housing for now.

It would be your only option if the connections will not meet ICC standards

Posted By cmkavala on 26 May 2010 02:52 PM
Alton;

I just heard today thru a testing facility that they are having problems with connecions tearing apart

Hi Chris,

You are referring to InnoVida's connections, not DuraSip's, right? Thanks.

Lisa

Lisa;

the info relayed to me was Dura Sip **

Retraction: after several discussions with Dura Sip and the testing facility, I will concede that the information originally given to me may have been erroneous.