considering SIPS home vs 2 x 6 with Spyder or foam ....anyone ever seen sips like these..comments? http://www.hoploninc.com/products.html thanks

Thanks for the link to the website.

I have not seen this panel at any of the trade shows or in the field.  I see this company has R-values posted for various thickness of wall and roof panels.  Are the R-values "whole wall" or just between the studs?  Also, is the galvanized coating G30, G60 or G90.  I prefer metal to have a G90 zinc coating.

I noticed the company is located in Cleveland, Ohio.  Freight to the southeast may be too much for me to consider this panel.

from one of their spec sheets: (looks like G90)

"Integrated into the EPS rigid insulation light gauge galvanized steel

for structure, ASTM A787J05 according to the architectural and

engineering specifications for the project.

1. Typical shape of framing member is 2inchx 1inch tubular
galvanized steel, but shall vary in shape according to the
architectural and engineering specifications.

2. 11/2inchx11/2inch20 gauge(minimum)galvanized steel
angle or light gauge galvanized steel track shall be used to
connect wall panels together and also to the foundation and structural members of the project.

3. Specially bent shapes are used to connect the roof panels,
wall corners and other connections as required.

4. Minimum thickness shall be 20 gauge.

5. Minimum corrosion protection shall be G90 galvanized"

Word of caution with these unknown/new companies out there. Many a SIP companies have gone the way of the dinosaurs and homeowners have been left holding the bag. Recently a SIP company was going under and they were still taking orders and money. The forum poster was a GC who put down a deposit and they never gave him his money back or the SIPs.

So buyer beware.

Lbear,

Maybe the downpayment should be treated like buying a house.  That is, place the money in escrow until delivery has been accomplished.

Note that HopLon is not a SIP at all.

rd904 in what region are you planning to build?

Jelly how would you classify it? see any benefits, problems?

I'm in Ohio

I would classify it as a post and beam type of wall system using steel as the structural and EPS as the insulation. A SIP is a structurally insulated panel and the outer layers (either steel or OSB) are laminated to the EPS foam and create an "I-beam" structure.

So technically it is NOT a SIP. Why not just go with a SIP system? You can go with a steel SIP or wood SIP. Chris Kavala is a great guy to work with and he frequents this forum.

rd904, SIPs are stronger than frame. I know you don't have to worry about hurricanes in your region, but you do have the occasional tornado warning.

One sees a lot of proprietary systems come and go. No need to reinvent the wheel when SIPs and ICF seem to be prevailing methods of green building. I prefer steel SIPs.