Is a HIP roof doable with SIPS? Most of the examples of SIP homes with SIP roofs that I have seen are gable homes. Has anyone done a SIP roof that is a HIP roof? IF so were extra measures needed for the valleys? I would assume that if one does a home design with a HIP roof and you desire to use SIPs then it would more than likely require that the angle cuts would be done at the factory and not on site. If you were planning the building of a home using SIPS and the design had a HIP roof, would you:
a. Change the roof design to gable and use SIPS for the roof
b. Keep the HIP roof and Use Trusses for the roof an spray foam the underside
c. Keep the HIP roof and use SIPs for the roof


Thanks

JW

JW;

Hips are done all the time, but usually more waste is involved and a reason why many shy away.
Since SIPs create a natural vault on the inside, gables are a little more practical.
But if you really like a hip then I vote for "C"

I design hip roofs with SIP's often. Yes the design is a little more complex and care must be taken with the support, but do able.
Don LINK

JW,

If you are in love with SIPs and it makes sense, go with the hips. A lot of threads have run the gauntlet on this subject. Here are some things to consider.

First the roof is already more complicated. I have been an EZ Build dealer because we specialize in putting components together including SIPs and trusses because it may make sense in situations like this as cost is a big factor. If your home is a custom and you live in it until you die, there may not be an issue but for the rest of it, the issue is a big one. SIP walls are easy, but you will need an experienced crew most likely for a complicated SIP roof. Issues with construction generally happen over the roof and in foundations that don't match the plans. A foundation that is not in agreement with the plans will give you a whole different issue that must be accounted for. They still use stick roofs around here so it is pretty easy to make an adjustment on the fly if necessary. This is gonna cause more headaches if your SIPs are in transit when the foundation is being poured. Next consider the weather. SIP roofs will provde and excellent seal and R value to your superior walls. But if you live in a mild climate there might be other ways to provide a seal and R value for less cost. Or the upgrade may not be realized in gains from energy savings. Next consider your design. If you will have to use complicated trusses and need to create exposed ceilings or dormers, SIPs may be the answer. The long and the short is that you can do a lot of math, but when it comes down to it, it is probably a matter of resources and what you really want. And your SIP saleseperson will definately be smiling if you go SIP roof.

JW;

 

we use an internal hip/beam with our steel SIPs, creating an interior hip vault

Chris,

With no experience in construction, I'm trying to envision the internal hip-beam.  I'm guessing a triangle at each end, sloped in, with a beam connecting the tops.  Would this create a spreading force on the wall's corners that the cap plate would have to carry?  Is this an issue?

I've read that hip roofs are better able to withstand wind loads (which makes sense).  If you have SIP walls and a SIP roof, do you gain much from a hip roof?

Very respectfully,
Larry

Larry;

In a regular wood frame hip, the hip rafter is not distributing the load to the corners. It is equally distributed to each of the jack rafters.
In the same manner with a steel SIP system the load is equally distributed thru the panels and spread across the walls
With standard frame construction hips are stronger, gable ends where they attach to the wall are the weak point and need to be back braced in high wind zones.
This is not the case with a balloon framed sips building as the gable wall is continuous and designed for the load
JWs questions were ; if they were do-able, and they are. Some people just realy like the looks of a hip.
The entrance to my own home has a small hip, but the rest of the home is gable to take advantage of the interior vaults. My home is built to withstand 140 mph wind loads, with large gable ends 48ft. wide

Thank you Chris.

Larry

I am going to put a SIP hip roof on my house in March 2008. I went with the SIPs because I wanted vaulted ceilings in most rooms. I have a hip roof because it blocks less of my neighbors view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

We are going to install all the ridge, valley, and hip beams (3 1/2" x 11 7/8" PSL) and then set the panels on top. We will use I-joist splines for the panel connection. We will also have a Simpson PA35 strap embedded in the ICF wall and nailed into the underside of the splines.

Joey

JW ~

Perhaps this may be helpful:
http://www.sipweb.com/monitor/bc_1.2005.asp

Bill,

In your example in the link above with a Pyramid, I do not see how it is different from a stick design in doing the calcs. Could you elaborate?

I am actually building my own home with SIPs panels and I have a hip roof. What I did is conventionally frame the roof and spray Icynene in. The design is more flexible that with SIPS and/or trusses. For instance I have 12' ceilings in the greatroom area and 9' ceilings in the bedrooms and bathrooms

Laser;

I am confused, if it is conventionally framed - how is it still SIPs?