Hello,

I would appreciate the input of experienced SIP professionals on my understanding of the limitations for the wall height and the number of stories for SIP homes (without timberfaming) under HUD's Prescriptive Method for SIPs and the 2007 Supplement to the IRC for SIPs.

The Prescriptive Method and the IRC limit the wall height for SIPs to 10' and the number of stories above the basement level to two stories.  I assume that this means that, for example, a two story foyer or a two story family room of about 17' or more in height or a walkout basement wall constructed with SIPs would not be allowed under the Prescriptive Method or under the IRC.  Is my understanding correct?

Thank you in advance for your help.

AJA

 

AJA,

The prescriptive method does not describe a wall that high. Remember that the prescriptive method provides a standard that code officials, architects, lenders and anyone else interested can use with confidence that a measure of standards has been applied. Then they can approve a project. If every aspect of the house has a prescriptive method in code, then the code officials have a reference to inspect against. A SIP roof for example does not, to my knowledge, have a prescriptive method. There-fore, if you use a SIP roof, many county code offices will require a Structural Engineer review and certification of the design. Think of it as one or the other. If you need engineering for one part of the structure, you have the engineer review/approve all components.


Contact the county inspections office where the construction will take place. Ask them what is required for the permit. Explain to them what you are doing so they can participate and ask questions and offer them information. Don't sneak up on them with an application for a permit and tell them you're going to build something they've never seen before.

Good luck!

John

AJA,

You should read the thread

http://www.greenbuildingtalk.com/Forums/tabid/53/forumid/5/postid/63643/view/topic/Default.aspx

Its under Structural Insulated Panels and is titled Four Stories SIP?