Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): Strength and Energy Efficiency Through Structural Panel Construction (For Pros By Pros) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Let's face it: The building business is changing..." (more)
Key Phrases: jumbo panels, foam scoops, custom chases, Jon Blumb, Winter Panel, Hot Knife (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

For over 100 years, the majority of North American homes have been built using wooden framing. This technique is strong, conserves materials, and allows great design flexibility. Framing Basics (part of Sterling's excellent "Basics" series, which covers numerous tools and woodworking techniques) offers a helpful introduction to framing for do-it-yourselfers. Readers for whom this book is intended aren't going to build an entire house; they are homeowners who want to move, remove, or install a wall or create built-in storage. Peters covers tool-use, materials, methods of work, and demolition in easily understood text supplemented with numerous color photographs. Thallon, a professor of architecture, takes frame construction to the next level, showing how to build a house's entire shell from the foundation to the roof. He believes that when properly constructed, a wood-framed house should be able to last for 200 years or more. This title's intended audience is professional builders and designers; a great deal of reader knowledge is assumed by the author. Broad sections include foundations, floors, walls, roofs, and stairs. The text is brief and to the point, with a huge number of excellent illustrations providing the details. Libraries that own the original edition (1991) of this title should consider this revisionDit covers recent developments such as new sheathing methods, wood I-joists, and vinyl windows. A comprehensive glossary and list of resources round out this title. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) consist of slabs of foam insulation sandwiched between oriented strand board or plywood. They represent one of the newest technologies and may render wood-framing methods obsolete. Morley, a builder who specializes in SIPs construction, gives a compelling argument for this new systemDit's structurally superior, better insulated, faster to erect, and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods. The use of SIPs requires many specialized tools and techniques, all of which are covered in detail. A large resource list provides the names of architects, builders, and companies that deal with this system. Framing Basics is well written and is geared toward the beginner; with other titles in Sterling's "Basics" series, it deserves a place in most public library collections. Both Thallon's and Morley's works are excellent but are geared toward a specialized audience; public libraries with comprehensive collections and academic library architecture collections should consider them.DJonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Within the decade, it is estimated that as much as one-third of residential construction will use structural insulated panels, or SIPs. These energy-efficient building panels are among the strongest, most versatile construction components available today. Michael Morley presents information about this relatively new technology for the many builders who will be using it within the near future but who know little about it.

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Product Details Hardcover: 192 pages Publisher: Taunton Press; illustrated edition edition (September 10, 2000) Language: English ISBN-10: 1561583510 ISBN-13: 978-1561583515 Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.2 x 0.7 inches Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #76,741 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #17 in  Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > Materials #33 in  Books > Home & Garden > Home Design > House Plans #89 in  Books > Home & Garden > Home Design > Buildings & Construction

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Inside This Book (learn more)

First Sentence:
Let's face it: The building business is changing. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
jumbo panels, foam scoops, custom chases, electrical chases, urethane panels, rake flashing, panel screws, panel supplier, pullout resistance, expanding foam, structural insulated panels, ducted systems, beam pockets, vertical chase, hot scoop, lifting plate, eave wall, boom truck, roof panels, termite shield, uplift resistance, engineered wood products, cold roof, panel adhesive, insulating core

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Jon Blumb, Winter Panel, Hot Knife, Panel Built, United States, Linear Link, Premier Industries, Premier Building Systems, Thermapan Industries, University of Oregon, Little Samson, Superior Wood Systems

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Books on Related Topics (learn more)

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction by Scott Wolf

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• rake flashing
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Building an Affordable House by Fernando Pages Ruiz

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Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House by Carol Venolia

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Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 9th Edition by William J. McGuinness

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• electrical chases
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Graphic Guide to Frame Construction by Scott Wolf Discusses: rake flashing beam pockets termite shield Architectural Graphic Standards, Tenth Edition by John Ray Hoke Discusses: expanding foam vertical chase roof panels Building an Affordable House by Fernando Pages Ruiz Discusses: electrical chases expanding foam structural insulated panels Renovation by Michael W. Litchfield Discusses: rake flashing expanding foam boom truck Loading...

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	79% buy the item featured on this page: Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): Strength and Energy Efficiency Through Structural Panel Construction (For Pros By Pros) 4.2 out of 5 stars (13) $23.07
	11% buy Building An Affordable House: A Smart Guide to High-Value, Low-Cost Construction 4.1 out of 5 stars (22) $9.98
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Customer Reviews

13 Reviews 5 star:  (6) 4 star:  (4) 3 star:  (3) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 4.2 out of 5 stars (13 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 91 of 91 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive new book to cover emerging building technology, October 13, 2000 By A Customer While SIPs have been arround for 60 years, the author believes the time is now for explosive growth of this technique for residential and commercial buildings. The book covers all steps in the fabrication and assembly of SIP panels and buildings in a way that isn't overly technical. The emphasis is for professionals, and indeed SIPs present a challenge to the do-it yourselfer since some of the panel elements are so large a crane or forklift is essential. SIP building as presented, however, seems very simple, and otherwise suited to self-builders. In essense each panel when complete can stand in for many other elements: the studs, plates, the sheating , insulation, vapour barrier, fasteners, plumbing and electrical chases, and interior rough or finished surfaces. The book gives lots of information on different SIP types, and tools. The book covers structural panels almost exclusively, in other words the simmilar panels used for timber frames etc..., which are not load-bearing are addressed, but are not the subject of this book. My only dissappointment is that as an amateur builder the book doesn't deal with that aspect of the subject at all. The field is relatively unfriedly to non-commercial participants. SIPs are relatively hard to find in small quantities, and even though the process is simpler that stud building, for instance, they don't want to deal with you but your architect. Not the book's fault. The author seems a sincere advocate for SIPs, if at times a little closed to other alternatives, which would present less of a cultural, financial, or technical barrier to the average buyer or user. I'd like to believe him, but so far SIPs haven't made an appearance at the local Home Depot. Most people have hammered a nail into a 2x4, but your going to have to buy into this system sight unseen, unless the SIP industry gets a little more democratic about its distribution. This book was probably a three star or four star effort for me, given my focus, but fully five star for the intended audience: Contractors stepping up to the system for the first time. 25 of 25 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Answered my questions, May 24, 2004 By  Robert Sharpe (Spring, TX United States) - See all my reviews I have been considering building a home on a piece of property I own for the better part of a year now. I'm a fan of SIPs due to energy efficiency and the perception I have of their ability to withstand the harsh climate of south Texas. It helps that the best home I've ever owned (and I've owned more than ten) was a panelized home but on a wood foundation that I purchased in Minnesota 15 years ago. The house was solid, energy efficient and better built than anything any of the many site built stick homes I owned before and since. I've tracked down a variety of sources of information on SIPS including most information readily available on the web. This book has been an essential tool for me, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone considering building with SIPs. It addresses all of the common objections and misperceptions (and there are many), and it does so in a methodical and comprehensive manner. I can see where some folks might consider that to be promotional, but I believe there is still a stigma to panelized construction, at least in the minds of a large segment of the population, so perhaps it's appropriate that a little promotion or cheerleading is included. It also addresses a number of practical considerations you'll have when building, such as electrical, plumbing and hvac considerations. It's not a manual, but I wasn't looking for a manual. After reading it, I feel that I will be better able to find and work with a builder and accomplish my goal...to build a quality, affordable house that is structurally superior, energy efficient and will last the rest of my life. Most importantly, I have yet to find another source on the subject that provides so much information with so little effort. As a result, it gets five stars. 18 of 18 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Starting Point for Learning about SIPS, September 21, 2005 By  Tom Ferrell (Charlottesville, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    Just a quick note on this book. My wife and I are looking to build an energy-efficient home. We are both engineers and very detail-oriented people. As part of our due diligence, we picked up this book after seeing a demonstration house built with SIPS as part of the 2005 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival (this was part of the US Forest Service pavilion - sustainable building approaches area). As noted in an earlier review, this book does have a bit of a promotional feel. However, it could simply be the author's enthusiasm for what appears to be a very good product. The book is also somewhat light in treating potential problems with SIPS. The failures of mutliple SIP roofing systems in Juneau, Alaska should have been addressed. In fairness though, these failures seem to largely be installation problems on the part of a small number of builders unfamiliar with the product. Overall, this book is a very useful and fairly detailed introduction to SIPS building. We would love to see a follow-up title that goes into much more technical detail on designing for SIPs use, as well as further exploration of lessons-learned from using SIPs in various settings and climates.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Structural Insulated Panels Excellent reference book. Also very helpful in learning this relatively new innovation. Should be called "Structural Insulating Panels for Dummies". Published 22 days ago by Lawrence W. Gooss 4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good basic information This book was helpful to me, but I've been familiar with SIPs for years. It was written a few years ago, and could use some updating on the list of manufacturers. Read more Published 2 months ago by gadgetman 5.0 out of 5 stars Simpler, stronger, faster building method Many people have swung a hammer, but I have participated in remodeling and new home construction. Read more Published 13 months ago by R. Drew 3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but basic This book is a good primer for anyone who has doesn't know much about SIP's, but I found it quite basic. Read more Published 24 months ago by XY RN & Woodworker 4.0 out of 5 stars Great SIPs Primer Excellent overview of SIPs construction basics and techniques. Author explains in ordinary terms so any layman can understand. Read more Published on August 23, 2007 by R Smith 3.0 out of 5 stars Arguing for the Technology Good book to explain the fundamentals and ideas behind why Structural Insulated Panels area a good building medium. Read more Published on January 12, 2007 by T. Rodkey 5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent source for hard to find information this book provides a thorough and well detailed look at SIP anatomy and construction techniques. information on this construction type is extremely difficult to find from sources... Read more Published on June 17, 2006 by disestablishmentarianist 4.0 out of 5 stars Informative, though promotional Three years after it was published, this is still the only book that I'm aware of that offers comprehensive coverage on the subject. Read more Published on September 9, 2003 5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I was looking for This book filled every expectation and more. I am a builder looking to possibly transition to SIPs. This book answered all my questions and some I hadn't thought of yet. Read more Published on November 28, 2002 by hlcole1 3.0 out of 5 stars A dissapointing offering from the Taunton press While the Taunton press has published some quality books, I certainly don't feel this is one. As a professional contactor looking for an introduction to SIPs, this book did... Read more Published on July 5, 2002 by Jeff Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press; illustrated edition edition (September 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583510
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583515
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #76,741 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #17 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > Materials
  #33 in	Books > Home & Garden > Home Design > House Plans
  #89 in	Books > Home & Garden > Home Design > Buildings & Construction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive new book to cover emerging building technology, October 13, 2000

By A Customer

While SIPs have been arround for 60 years, the author believes the time is now for explosive growth of this technique for residential and commercial buildings.

The book covers all steps in the fabrication and assembly of SIP panels and buildings in a way that isn't overly technical. The emphasis is for professionals, and indeed SIPs present a challenge to the do-it yourselfer since some of the panel elements are so large a crane or forklift is essential. SIP building as presented, however, seems very simple, and otherwise suited to self-builders. In essense each panel when complete can stand in for many other elements: the studs, plates, the sheating , insulation, vapour barrier, fasteners, plumbing and electrical chases, and interior rough or finished surfaces.

The book gives lots of information on different SIP types, and tools.

The book covers structural panels almost exclusively, in other words the simmilar panels used for timber frames etc..., which are not load-bearing are addressed, but are not the subject of this book.

My only dissappointment is that as an amateur builder the book doesn't deal with that aspect of the subject at all. The field is relatively unfriedly to non-commercial participants. SIPs are relatively hard to find in small quantities, and even though the process is simpler that stud building, for instance, they don't want to deal with you but your architect. Not the book's fault.

The author seems a sincere advocate for SIPs, if at times a little closed to other alternatives, which would present less of a cultural, financial, or technical barrier to the average buyer or user. I'd like to believe him, but so far SIPs haven't made an appearance at the local Home Depot. Most people have hammered a nail into a 2x4, but your going to have to buy into this system sight unseen, unless the SIP industry gets a little more democratic about its distribution.

This book was probably a three star or four star effort for me, given my focus, but fully five star for the intended audience: Contractors stepping up to the system for the first time.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Answered my questions, May 24, 2004

By	Robert Sharpe (Spring, TX United States) - See all my reviews

I have been considering building a home on a piece of property I own for the better part of a year now. I'm a fan of SIPs due to energy efficiency and the perception I have of their ability to withstand the harsh climate of south Texas. It helps that the best home I've ever owned (and I've owned more than ten) was a panelized home but on a wood foundation that I purchased in Minnesota 15 years ago. The house was solid, energy efficient and better built than anything any of the many site built stick homes I owned before and since.

I've tracked down a variety of sources of information on SIPS including most information readily available on the web. This book has been an essential tool for me, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone considering building with SIPs. It addresses all of the common objections and misperceptions (and there are many), and it does so in a methodical and comprehensive manner. I can see where some folks might consider that to be promotional, but I believe there is still a stigma to panelized construction, at least in the minds of a large segment of the population, so perhaps it's appropriate that a little promotion or cheerleading is included. It also addresses a number of practical considerations you'll have when building, such as electrical, plumbing and hvac considerations. It's not a manual, but I wasn't looking for a manual. After reading it, I feel that I will be better able to find and work with a builder and accomplish my goal...to build a quality, affordable house that is structurally superior, energy efficient and will last the rest of my life. Most importantly, I have yet to find another source on the subject that provides so much information with so little effort. As a result, it gets five stars.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Starting Point for Learning about SIPS, September 21, 2005

By	Tom Ferrell (Charlottesville, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Just a quick note on this book. My wife and I are looking to build an energy-efficient home. We are both engineers and very detail-oriented people. As part of our due diligence, we picked up this book after seeing a demonstration house built with SIPS as part of the 2005 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival (this was part of the US Forest Service pavilion - sustainable building approaches area). As noted in an earlier review, this book does have a bit of a promotional feel. However, it could simply be the author's enthusiasm for what appears to be a very good product. The book is also somewhat light in treating potential problems with SIPS. The failures of mutliple SIP roofing systems in Juneau, Alaska should have been addressed. In fairness though, these failures seem to largely be installation problems on the part of a small number of builders unfamiliar with the product. Overall, this book is a very useful and fairly detailed introduction to SIPS building. We would love to see a follow-up title that goes into much more technical detail on designing for SIPs use, as well as further exploration of lessons-learned from using SIPs in various settings and climates.