Hi fellas My wife and I just purchased a lot to build a home. We built a new home about 9 years ago. It is a standard stick built home, 2x4 walls with foam sheeting and vinyl siding. Although I fortunate to have it I am very unhappy with it. The walls are weak and it's very inefficient. I would like to build another home but this time using ICF for the basement walls and SIP's for the exterior shell. The house is a very basic 1,500 square foot ranch. It's a perfect rectangle with a garage on the end so it looks like the letter "L" I guess. Pretty standard shape. Anyhow, I'm confused about something. I'm not sure I understand how SIP's work for the roof. On a typical ranch house like we built originally the builder used standard trusses and sheathed over it. The attic was then blown with insulation. On a SIP, how does that actually come together without trusses? I mean, does a deck get put on the walls and a ridge run? And am I to understand I don't need to blow insulation? It's just open? I'm trying to find photos where I can see this to help me picture what's going on or even just a good conversation to help me grasp it. For what it's worth, I'm a master plumber and own a small plumbing business. My brother is an electrician and owns an electrical business. My Uncle has been a builder for 30+ years and mentioned SIP's to me. Although he has never put one up he told me they were a really smart way to go. Thanks guys! Mike

Hi Alton Well, I'm unsure. I'm just starting down my path to understanding all of this. I have a decent hand drawn plan sketched out but I need to find a gut who understands SIP's, can draw a real set of prints....and can make some recommendations. I live in Wisconsin. The length is about 60' and the width is about the mid 20's (still deciding). I like a steep pitch but have not decided on it yet. My last house at 10/12. I guess I'm trying to grasp all of this. I'm just not clear on how a ranch style roof system goes together with using SIP's. Nobody around here, at least that I know, is using a SIP system. 2 architects I talked to so far were pretty clueless but only because they have never used or designed anything like this. Mike

Wisconsin is too far north for my experience.  So far, I do not see anything that would keep you from using any type of SIP provided proper installation procedures were followed.  In my area, I would have a tendency to use metal skin SIPs for the walls and roof.  No worry about termites or rot.

In the early design phase, it is important to know the thickness of the SIP and the width.  Knowing this can eliminate some redesign and waste by working with modular sizes.  Keep in mind that all SIPs are not the same width.  My advice is to search around for a good SIP manufacturer that is reasonably close to your location.  Some companies will help with design and finding an installer.

Plumber,
Not seeing the plans, if you would like a catherdral ceiling, the building plans could call for a ridge beam with support beams that the panels can be layed on to. A cathedral ceiling makes your home feel much bigger. If you would like conventional flat ceilings, just use trusses to support the panels. If you use the SIP panels for the roof, that's all you'll need for insulation. Your goal is an insulated envelope around your living space, similar to a styrafoam cooler. I built my house with a catherdral ceiling plan and I have some pictures on my web site with other information.

Steve

www.GrandCountySIPs.com

Plumber, ........ go to sips.org
and fill out the inquiry and you will get information from multiple sources.

Look for a reliable SIP manufacturer nearer to your present location. You can also get further help by submitting the form at http://www.sips.org/about/leads/