SIP details and local panel suppliers

[John Raabe]

http://www.sips.org/content/technical/index.cfm?pageId=20

The SIPS association linked above is a good place to start a search for a local panel supplier. They also have some small details that can give you an idea how the system goes together.

[ergodesk]

Hi John,

Here is an interesting article on a company that is using [highlight]Magnesium Oxide Board [/highlight]instead of OSB in their SIP Panels.
This could be the next step in getting rid of the mold problem with wood and gyp board.
http://www.canada.com/globaltv/edmonton/story.html?id=52c0142c-ef44-418f-9cda-a8c7d10a7a7f&k=83468

The Future of Construction
http://ergodesk.blogspot.com  

[John Raabe]

Interesting development.

From a fire and moisture point of view this looks quite interesting. It appears they are using the same SIP panels in basement construction. That is a big step forward for below grade construction. You could just start at the footing and build... then backfill as needed and side or stucco what is above grade. No stepped footings and all the fussing around with sills, pony walls, etc. Also... No furring out and insulating the inside of concrete walls.

I would consider this for below grade construction even if you did standard framing at the first floor and above. It would build a much more livable and easily constructed basement.

I have slightly edited these notes from the above site:

"Tests have shown that basements made from these structured insulated panels are stronger and more comfortable than those made with concrete walls. Panels are nearly impervious to accidental damage and have proven to be far more fire resistant than regular construction materials. The panels are made in China from magnesium oxide, a versatile material often used in fireproofing. SIP panels have been made in North America since the 1950s, but are typically made using wood products or gypsum as the outer layer."

I can imagine a house layout being sent by email to a factory in China and then cut by computer controlled panel robots and shipped back and trucked to the site at a very competitive price to stick frame construction. This may be a few years away but could make a lot of sense, especially when an energy cost analysis is done.

[ergodesk]

I can think of "SEARS", "IKEA", now what CHIKEA
it seams that homes from China is very possible.

[Amanda_931]

Assuming that what is made in the panels is what is supposed to be in the panels.

(think pet food)