Hello all, glad to hear you guys are around. Thanks for hearing me out.

I'm currently putting together a pricing set for my own single family sips home in Chicago.

I'm currently debating whether to use the 4.5" thick or 6.5" thick panels. This being an urban site, the lot is tight. By the time you get to the side yards, it becomes a game of inches.

I plan on three stories.

31' a.f.f. to top of ceiling joists.

The SIPS walls will also act as parapet walls (at 34' a.f.f) for the roof deck above.

I am assuming 6.5" thick panels due to the building height.

Is it possible to meet my needs with a 4.5" thick panel? I could use the inches for larger windows, doors, etc.

Any suggestions would be very helpful.

Thanks again

STC

I don't know if OSB panels are available at that length, but certainly steel SIPs like we use are available upt 40ft.

6" is a must ant not that much more $, we typically balloon frame walls and then use Dietrich, "trade-ready" floor joists screwed to the interior skin, then glue & nail to steel. then a 6" or 8" for flat roof panel deck.

We are currently doing a 3 - story in Apollo Beach, FL. / with parapet, flat roof to be used for observation/ sun-deck

hi cmkavala, thanks for the response.

Although the longer panel lengths are desirable, I can deal with smaller panel lengths.

I am more worried about the stabilty of the structure in regards to panel thickness. The building is an odd dimension, 14' x 64' (no joke).

I feel that 4.5" may be too small to handle that 3+ storey height.

There are additional loads as well.

On the deck I am using an extensive green roof and a solar array that will serve as the roof/covering to my deck.

I checked out your website, your madeira beach project is similar in height.

STC;

Yes that job is a 3 story, first floor block (in flood plain) 2 stories balloon framed = total height was 35 ft. before any joists were installed, ONE BIG BOX, we accomplished this framing directly on the Gulf Coast during hurricane season. -- you just need to brace good a 14 ft. wide would be an easy job to brace as you go.
We might come to chicago to install the shell for you, if your intersted, feel free to call me (727) 243-2717


current 3 story in Ruskin ,Florida in High velocity wind zone

22 ft wide x 59ft. deep x 34 ft. high to top of parapet

If you have plans I would be happy to have one of my engineers look at them and do the load calculations. It's probably close depending upon snow and wind loads. Reply back if you are interested and we can discuss off-line.

stc,

Are you looking for a panel at that is 34' in length or are you looking for panels that you can load up to 3 stories?

Thermocore's 6 1/2" (R-40) Panel will undoubtingly load the 3 story building that you are looking to build.

Check out the website:

www.thermocoremo.com

I should have some plans and elevations ready in a few days for some budget pricing.

I'm just going to finish the design using the 6.5." panels. If the 4.5" panels can handle the load, even better.

It's a very simple design, two interlocking modernist boxes, flat pitch as roof garden.

I'll get back to all you guys with some pdf's since i'll be shopping around as well.

You can do 4" panels on 3 stories with OSB. It depends on the engineering and loads which will be no doubt calculated when you buy the SIPs. OSB panels are only 24' max height so to go higher you would need to have an engineered connection. Consider doing stick for your parapet. Although it may seem like an easy choice, you are better to put the roof on top of the wall so that any moisture that gets through will drain to the outside of the structure and not to the inside. Even if you cut the SIP and put the remaining piece on top of the roof you are better off. But I wouldn't do it that way because SIPs are gonna run $3 or more per foot and you have to pay for shipping. Sticks will run a fraction of that and can be delivered to the site. Perhaps you can talk to the factory about throwing some remnant pieces on the truck for parapet and you can get them for $0!

mmacgowa

thanks for the tips, specially the freebie. I will definitely ask for remnants.

I was originally thinking of using the sips as parapet in order to have some structure the solar panels above, but that can be worked out.

Considering the climate of Chicago, unless you are using PU, a 6.5" panel is a must.

very true indeed, 6.5" is the way to go. thanks