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I am thinking about building post and beam addition onto my cabin prior to moving in and calling it home. I read a lot info about structural insulated panels for walls which replace studs and bat insulation. There are plusses and minuses: thermal gaps, electrical and plumbing installation, strength, etc. But all the literature I read seems like an advertisement for SIPs, that is, all the minuses are down played. Any real experience out there which would be contrary or which I should consider when finalizing my design?
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Look into Larson trusses; using 1x2's or 2X2"s with plywood (or OSB) gussets. You make the wall cavity any thickness you want, use low cost material; easy to install plumbing and wiring; and dense pack the whole thing with cellulose. This system is site built using a jig for lightweight, non-load bearing walls.
Tedd
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we are in the process of building a SIP home,and have had very good luck so far.before we started we looked at a log home that they used SIPs for roof
structure. the owners used 8'x 24' panels over the
roof beams. we have the structure up and windows going in. the walls went very well,the roof was
a little tricky,mostly due to angle changes and hips and valleys.wall panels were mostly 4'x 8' with door
window openings already in (easy for 2 people to carry).roof panels are 4'x 18' and need a lite duty
crane to lift,although 4 guys can carry them on the ground.large screws,splines from panel to panel and
8p nails or staples hold roof together. very strong.
process is easy for the do-it-yourselfer.thermal gaps minimal and easily filled with expanding foam.
electrical chases(1-1/2" hole) every 2' vertically and 16"(outlets) and 48"(switches) up horizontally.plumbing
usually comes up thru floor into cabinets or interior
walls. it has been intriging so far and yes I would do it again.more info available if you desire.
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I am thinking about building post and beam addition onto my cabin prior to moving in and calling it home. I read a lot info about structural insulated panels for walls which replace studs and bat insulation. There are plusses and minuses: thermal gaps, electrical and plumbing installation, strength, etc. But all the literature I read seems like an advertisement for SIPs, that is, all the minuses are down played. Any real experience out there which would be contrary or which I should consider when finalizing my design?