Structural Insulated Panel construction?

[billyvray]

I am interested in using structural insulate panel construction for a small shed/shop (up to 20 x24, maybe smaller).
It is difficult to find much information on this type of construction. I am interested in fabricating the panels myself using EPS and OSB panels, under vacuum.
What does the collective know? Suggestions, cons, tips, etc. would be appreciated.


Thanks in advance
Bill in Georgia

 

[sneezer41]

It is a great system, but I don't think you will find it cost effective to do it your self. Call the most local supplier and talk about their services and costs. Many of them have extensive engineering abilities

 

[Red05GT]

We built our home 13 years ago using SIPS. Google Structural Insulated Panels and
you'll come up with a ton of suppliers. One spec house we built we used some 8'x24'
panels on a slab foundation. For taller side walls you can use 8' x whatever height if
you want taller sidewalls. Really a great system for a straight wall.

 

[Mattlt]

Just curious... why under vacuum? My humble knowledge of EPS thinks you would end up with the chunk of foam doing strange things under vacuum, and possibly never regaining it's original shape?

Please educate me.

 

[thdewey]

You know I really considered SIPs for my detached garage. Here is what it came down to: It's more expensive. Functionally the only reason you might want a SIP garage is if you live in Alaska or something were you work in the garage in the dead of winter. If I ever build a HOUSE it will be made of SIPs. There are many reasons you probably already know.
So for most people, you never recoup the extra cost in heating savings in a garage.

I can see one exception. You are a novice builder and want to learn how to build a SIP house on your own. i.e. using the garage as practice. You would then save time and money buy learning how it's put together and the pitfalls to lookout for.

Just my opinion but I put a lot of thought into using SIPs. Either way, good luck and please post photos of your build.
Tom

 

[billyvray]

Thanks guys.

I was looking into actually making the panels myself. I've found a local EPS supplier. That, some adhesive and OSB and let's roll. I suggested using vacuum (basically a big plastic bag over it) for good adhesion - no worries about the foam being damaged - foam is made for compressive loads - the adhesives only recommend a few psi, not full atmospheric.
With my quote, I could make a 4X8 panel for about $37 each. I would consider putting T1-11 as the outside sheet too, so once the wall is up, it's covered too.

Just random ideas...

 

[ixlr8]

I watched them make SIPs when I was in AZ, they used expanding urethane foam, very high R values, and the sheets of OSB were held in place with large presses as the foam generates LOTS of pressure filling the cavity. At least the process I saw was not a typical DIY project.
I would be a little leary of just gluing plywood/T111 to EPS foam panels. Although there is nothing to say it couldn't be done and would certainly be more DIY friendly. If you proceed.. good luck, be careful and let us know how it goes.

 

[randydupree]

Billy,theres a SIPs plant in Bainbridge Ga,not too far south of you on 27.

 

[Red05GT]

I don't see how you can make a 4x8 panel for $ 37. when 7/16" osb for the two sides is runnig nearly $ 15. a sheet. 2" EPS is running about $ 12. a sheet and then you have
your adhesive and time. I have seen SIPS made with the T-111 as the outside skin,but
they were factory panels. The EPS density is a major part of the strength in conjunction
with the continuous bonding to the OSB.

 

[lupinsea]

I don't know about making the panels yourself. I suspect it would end up costing more and taking more time than conventional framing.

We've done a couple SIPs projects in our office and it's always a mixed bag. They are good for simple structures but when the building forms starts getting complicated labor costs / coordination hassles go up.

We have one project that has used SIPs panels on the three buildings. Two of the buildings simply used the SIPs for the roof. The third building us SIPs for roof and walls. I talked to the contractor the other day about the bottom line costs. . . done right the theory is taht you can get a building built fast and save or come out even on labor. But you might end up spending more time for the other trades like electrical and plumbing as they aren't the easiest to get the mechanical systems installed into.

 

[Ord]

I wonder if the planning department would approve a permit if you built the panels yourself? Do they usually come with engineer stamped drawings?

 

[thdewey]

SIPs are highly engineered construction materials. Not really DIY. I guess if it's a shed maybe. But you are on your own.

 

[billyvray]

I had a quote of $16 per EPS panel, $8 per OSB sheet (from a big box store - really) and about $5 adhesive per panel - that may be off, I'm not totally sure yet. No money for my time.
It does seem like a neat way to build, using the structural panels vs stick. I don't think I could pass inspection without certified panels, even though they are easy to build and the strength calcs are pretty amazing. I am going to check on manufactured sips, but I'm pretty sure cost will blow it out of the water.