structural insulated panels

[marcros]

does anybody know about these? I get the general concept, effectively a torsion box/laminated structure. From drawings and youtube, i think that i understand the erection method of continuous foot plate down, panel up and then a continuous header.

Do trusses just sit on this header beam? it doesnt seem quite right to have no vertical studs!

This is only for a single garage sized structure, so I cant reap the speed benefits that a house sized project would. Are they an item that i could make myself- some pu or eps insulation, some osb, glue and tracksaw? the majority would be 8x4 or 8x2 panels, one window, an access door, a garage door. Any electrics would be face fixed, so the benefits of CAD cut factory panels are limited on this one.

 

[Cottonwood]

They are commonly used to infill modern timber frame buildings, instead of the mud/clay/brick/lath etc that was used in previous eras of our history. So at least in that application, the oak frame is creating the structural integrity. I watched once when they were craned onto a small cramped site to do a timber framed houuse. They seemed to be about 4 inches thick and had window and door openings already cut in. But they went in quickly. When I worked in a UPVC factory we made big panels which were I suppose a simple type of SIP, 6mm ply (10 x 5) with 25mm foam sandwiched between. These were used in conservatories I believe. But I am sure you could do something simlar yourself. We used a sort of green adhesive which was activated with moisture.

 

[Steve Maskery]

SIPs seem the way to go for me. I've had a few quotes for SIP structures and have found a company who appears to be able to give me what I want.
As trusses go, my understanding is that it is quite possible to eliminate trusses altogether by using a glulam ridge. The roof panels just fit between the walls and the ridge.
I'm assured that assembly is straightforward, but not a one-man job.

 

[marcros]

The big advantage of trusses for me is that extra bit of storage, particularly for boards. Although it is slower, they are probably a lot easier to handle too- SIPS seem to be craned into position on roofs, from what I have seen.

I assume that your plan is to have a factory built workshop delivered to you for assembly, Steve? I think that mine will be more a case of using as many "standard" panels as I can, and adapting some more- I already have a structure where it is going that I want/need to replace in sections.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Correct.
I must admit the issue of getting them up there is one that does concern me a bit, although the sales lady said that they could make them narrower to reduce the weight.
But I do want it to be trussless if that is possible - I want height and I want it clear so that I can light the place properly.
S

 

[houtslager]

well, if you do go for sips, make sure you have an army of friends to help placing them on the roof.

I only had 2 mates to help, but we did manage, with some forethought [ a rare thing in my house ]

to get 18 x 4m x 1m x 8cm sips onto the timber frame, the next morning once the moisture was "burnt off" I was up there dragging the panels into the right position for screwing down.

IMHO, these panels are the DB's for getting a water tight roof with insulation in the quickest time.

hth,

K

ps; photos to come l8r