RE: [GBlist] re: SIP roofs

[Sacie Lambertson <dlambert@grasshoppernet.com>]

Len King, I too am sorry about the experience you had with a first time
SIP building.  Perhaps the key to your note is the owner builder aspect of
the situation.  The other part of the equation has to do with the company
with whom you are dealing.  I learned, for instance, the second time I
used them that it would be best if I cut out all the doors and windows
with a long bladed saw-zaw rather than go through the agony of expecting
them to get it right--things like all the windows lined up at the same
height etc..  I put up a cabin using SIPs for walls and roof and needing a
crane and using a crew that had never done it before,---- in less than a
week.  It would have taken my husband and me the entire summer to do that
same work by ourselves.  Yes it was more expensive up front, but not in
the long run.  Chris Koehn (who responded to the SIP question) offers good
experience and can recommend a good company; I would go to him if I were
to do it again, if only as a consultant.   It is useful too, if you are
going to use SIPs, to design the house with those in mind.
      I don't think they are useful for all construction but in the right
circumstances, they are the best.  Sacie Lambertson



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