Posted By joeldunn21 on 16 Apr 2012 03:08 AM
Planning to build the "dream house" and unsure which option will prove best for the exterior envelope over the long run (comfortable, problem free, energy efficient). I'm in west central Minnesota. The house is ~3900 sq ft (1500 main, 900 upper, 1500 walkout basement). I'm planning to do radiant heat in the basement with forced air on the main & upper levels.
My original plan was to do SIPS for the walls & roof with ICF for the basement foundation. I have 5 major questions/concerns:
1) Moisture damage with SIP roof panels is a major concern for me. My local SIPS contractor assures me that it isn't a problem in MN. Would I be better off using SIPs for the walls only and using traditional trusses with spray foam+blown-in insulation for the roof?
-My local contractor is highly encouraging me to use 2x6 stick frame with sprayfoam insulation for the entire house
(I've noticed that contractors have this habit of thinking whatever their specialty is must be the best way to proceed!)
2) Can you use recessed lighting in the exterior soffit if you use SIP roof panels? I'd like to use recessed soffit lighting above the garage doors & around the rear deck. I know that recessed lighting in the SIP itself is a no-no.
3) Are OSB SIP basement panels a realistic foundation option? Again, the SIP manufacturer & SIP installer swear by them, but I haven't been able to find many people with real world experience. I'm very hesitant to use a wood product for the foundation below grade.
4) Are there any major HVAC issues when building a house with SIPs? Would you install bathroom fans/vents in addition to the ERV/HRV?
5) With a vaulted SIP roof, are there any issues with installing lighting (i.e. bedroom ceiling fans, possilbe solar tube for the laundry room, etc)?
Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
1.Contractors will always talk you out of anything to get themselves back to their own comfort level.
2. Yes you can use recessed lighting : proveded the panel is thick enough to receive it and that the fixture is rated for it.
3.you should be very hesitant to use OSB underground, anyone that has ever had a full basement knows what a hassle it is when you get water or moisture in a block or concrete basement wall. Do you really want that same problem with OSB underground?
4. I would always use an HRV and the exhaust fans in the northern climate , not needed in the south.
5. No issues at all, they are all commonly done in SIPs