SIP Tools
Besides the normal assortment of tools on your belt and in your truck, here's a list of important and optional tools that should make your SIP job go faster and easier.
Important tools:
- A hot knife for cutting/melting foam wherever you cut panels on site (which is inevitable, even if you order everything pre-cut); for urethane panels, you'll need a router for this task.
- Large sledge hammer
- A couple of 20' to 30' tightening straps with clips on each end
- Large tarps to keep your stacks of panels dry
- A 6-foot level, backed up with a plumb bob
- Plenty of the right height of step ladders
- High-quality caulking guns (not the cheapo types)
- Several butterfly drill bits for drilling your floor plates for wiring access holes
- Square-head drill bits for driving long (6" to 12") screw fasteners
- Two pneumatic nail and/or staple guns for fastening splines, plates, etc.
- A laser level for checking your floor
- A foam dispenser gun for sealing the structure with both low-expanding and high-expanding foam
Optional tools:
Either a large-diameter saw, a chain-saw adaptor for your circular saw, or a chain saw; either of the first two will prevent your having to flip panels for any on-site cutting- Long pipe clamps for straightening out plates for the ends of panels
- Adjustable braces, 10' or longer, to help keep long walls plumb as you add on to them
- A pneumatic caulking gun
Don't forget to have the usual suspects on site: pry-bars, crowbars, a hand saw, squares, saw horses and planks, etc.
Comments:
Al Cobb- Cobb & Associates
Phone: 304-728-2622
Email: alcobb@ix.netcom.com
Some of the tools I always take with me to any panel job:
- Power Planer- nothing better at removing small amounts along a panel edge to ensure a snug fit.
- Sill Seal- A couple of rolls come in handy especially were the foam has been removed too deep and you don't want to squeeze out copious amounts of sealant.
- Panel Hooks- I forge my own and have found them most effective in lifting roof panels