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Sips second floor connection

Last Post 21 Oct 2008 11:03 PM by jdofboise. 5 Replies.

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jdofboise

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Posts:4

20 Oct 2008 10:27 PM
I am in the early stages of design and am considering SIPS construction. Currently my design is for the main floor to have a "loft" type look with a steel web floor joist supporting the second floor. Now considering that panels are 4'x8' and I want 10' ceilings on the main floor only (or the bottom of the second floor would be 10') . - What are my methods of connection for the 2nd floor system to the walls? My thoughts are to set the floor joists rim on top of the 1st floor wall thus making up my 10' ceiling height. Then set the second floor wall on top of the floor system. Are there other methods when considering SIPS? - I read a thread here a while back (can't find it now) that keeping my dimensions on 4' increments eliminates waste and cost when constructing panels. I'm sure that I also read somewhere that you can cut costs on the second floor panels by specifying 4'-6' high walls and set your wall pitch at a steeper angle 5/12 or better. If I did indeed read the part about second floor wall heights and roof pitch how does this reduce costs if you're trying to follow the 4' increments rule? Jerry Logan Boise, Idaho

cmkavala

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Posts:4327
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21 Oct 2008 07:43 AM
Posted By jdofboise on 10/20/2008 10:27 PM I am in the early stages of design and am considering SIPS construction. Currently my design is for the main floor to have a "loft" type look with a steel web floor joist supporting the second floor. Now considering that panels are 4'x8' and I want 10' ceilings on the main floor only (or the bottom of the second floor would be 10') . - What are my methods of connection for the 2nd floor system to the walls? My thoughts are to set the floor joists rim on top of the 1st floor wall thus making up my 10' ceiling height. Then set the second floor wall on top of the floor system. Are there other methods when considering SIPS? - I read a thread here a while back (can't find it now) that keeping my dimensions on 4' increments eliminates waste and cost when constructing panels. I'm sure that I also read somewhere that you can cut costs on the second floor panels by specifying 4'-6' high walls and set your wall pitch at a steeper angle 5/12 or better. If I did indeed read the part about second floor wall heights and roof pitch how does this reduce costs if you're trying to follow the 4' increments rule? Jerry Logan Boise, Idaho Jerry; attached is a design we use for metal SIPs / dietrich steel joists, but a similar design could be done for OSB. We prefer to balloon frame (instead of stack) the exterior walls for the greatest thermal and air infiltration efficiency, for loft/ 2-3 story designs. The marinoware steel joist could be done the same
Attachment: joist connection.pdf
Chris Kavala<br>[email protected]<br>1-877-321-SIPS<br />

PanelCrafters User is Offline

Advanced Member

Posts:680

21 Oct 2008 02:21 PM
Posted By jdofboise on 10/20/2008 10:27 PM Now considering that panels are 4'x8' and I want 10' ceilings on the main floor only (or the bottom of the second floor would be 10') Those would be 'stock' panels. Most manufacturers can make custom sizes. Also, other 'stock' sizes are 4' x 10' and 4' x 12'. Multiple options there! - What are my methods of connection for the 2nd floor system to the walls? My thoughts are to set the floor joists rim on top of the 1st floor wall thus making up my 10' ceiling height. Then set the second floor wall on top of the floor system. Are there other methods when considering SIPS? For thermal efficiency, I would hang the joists from the top of the SIP wall. So. for instance if you really wanted that 10' ceiling, you could use 11' high SIP panels and hang the wall from that. Assuming a 12" high truss, you would get that 10' ceiling. - I read a thread here a while back (can't find it now) that keeping my dimensions on 4' increments eliminates waste and cost when constructing panels. I'm sure That is always a good idea, but if that doesn't work with your design, there is no need to force it. If you are fabricating your own panels, the 4' design widths will probably save you some effort and waste. If the manufacturer is doing the work, it usually doesn't matter as they can create custom sizes and minimize waste. that I also read somewhere that you can cut costs on the second floor panels by specifying 4'-6' high walls and set your wall pitch at a steeper angle 5/12 or better. If I did indeed read the part about second floor wall heights and roof pitch how does this reduce costs if you're trying to follow the 4' increments rule? I'm not sure that I understand what you are saying. Maybe they are suggesting to use the short walls and a steep roof pitch to gain useable space with less panels? And, please remember, the "4' Rule/Idea/Whatever" is mostly for widths, not lengths.

....jc<br>If you're not building with OSB SIPS(or ICF's), why are you building?

KwikBuild

New Member

Posts:36

21 Oct 2008 06:09 PM
jdoboise, The guy are right, the best way and get the best thermo brake is to ledger the floor joist. If you are looking for a 10'ceiling you can use 4'x11' or 4'x12' panels. I like the idea of the steel web floor joist, makes it very easy to get your mechanical, plumbing etc through with out a lot of heading out! They make a steel web floor truss that is top cord hung, but I have used them only on commerical projects. David, Kwik-Build Panels

jdofboise

New Member

Posts:4

21 Oct 2008 10:59 PM
Posted By PanelCrafters on 10/21/2008 2:21 PM Posted By jdofboise on 10/20/2008 10:27 PM Now considering that panels are 4'x8' and I want 10' ceilings on the main floor only (or the bottom of the second floor would be 10') Those would be 'stock' panels. Most manufacturers can make custom sizes. Also, other 'stock' sizes are 4' x 10' and 4' x 12'. Multiple options there! - What are my methods of connection for the 2nd floor system to the walls? My thoughts are to set the floor joists rim on top of the 1st floor wall thus making up my 10' ceiling height. Then set the second floor wall on top of the floor system. Are there other methods when considering SIPS? For thermal efficiency, I would hang the joists from the top of the SIP wall. So. for instance if you really wanted that 10' ceiling, you could use 11' high SIP panels and hang the wall from that. Assuming a 12" high truss, you would get that 10' ceiling. Thanks for the clarification. - I read a thread here a while back (can't find it now) that keeping my dimensions on 4' increments eliminates waste and cost when constructing panels. I'm sure That is always a good idea, but if that doesn't work with your design, there is no need to force it. If you are fabricating your own panels, the 4' design widths will probably save you some effort and waste. If the manufacturer is doing the work, it usually doesn't matter as they can create custom sizes and minimize waste. that I also read somewhere that you can cut costs on the second floor panels by specifying 4'-6' high walls and set your wall pitch at a steeper angle 5/12 or better. If I did indeed read the part about second floor wall heights and roof pitch how does this reduce costs if you're trying to follow the 4' increments rule? I'm not sure that I understand what you are saying. Maybe they are suggesting to use the short walls and a steep roof pitch to gain useable space with less panels? And, please remember, the "4' Rule/Idea/Whatever" is mostly for widths, not lengths. I think you're right it is just for usable space.