SIP fire, mold and insect treatments

 

I have reviewed approximated a dozen sites using SIPs in Southern California. One had what appeared to be Copper Napthanate on the strandboards however the sills appeared to be standard timber  (not ‘pressure treated’) lumber.. I was also told that a few rep’s are promoting a fire retardant treatment. I really do not want to experiment with products that have not been thoroughly tested for compatibility or a long period of time.

 

Any feedback on these issues?

Yes .........avoid all those issues with steel sips

Fire. Get out. Am told that SIP fires have extinguished themselves when air is used up. I would not want to be in the house when that happens. A pro is that you don't have any chimney effects to deal with. On the other hand when the house gets hot enough as in a big CA fire from threat on the outside, the foam could start melting as well as the steel if using steel SIPs. I am not sure if you get a big advantage if your threat is from the neigbors building on fire. There is a product from Conseco that we looked at to eliminate drywall inside the home, but it was more expensive to use then the drywall itself.

Mold. You need to eliminate the moist air. Us an air exchanger. If you don't have a lot of moisture to deal with, you might be able to just use high powered fart fans. Check with your factory. In any case, you are eliminating the void where mold grows. SIPs are better then sticks. And I have seen mold on windows, so am not sure you can eliminate all the problems with steel. I wouldn't get exterior treated SIPs. A good house wrap will provide your drain plane. Felt paper seems to be a good ole standard. Any board touching concrete must be treated by code.

Insects. Most SIPs are treated. Talk to the factory. Get your slab pretreated and pay for yearly treatments. Let the termite guy carry the liability rather then your application of materials the defense if you are concerned. I feel comfortable knowing I have a certificate from a professional rather then a promise that materials that cannot be seen will retard a pursuit.