How SIPS Address Fire Rebuilding Challenges
fire, projects
The Storm after the Storm
It’s up for debate which is more devastating – a natural disaster that obliterates a home in virtually no time at all, or the aftermath. Once the magnitude of the loss is comprehended, the long and arduous journey to rebuild begins. For the thousands of people who are beginning that journey due to the Southern California wildfires, an immediate and unanticipated need is hitting the construction industry. As such, five key challenges that our principal engineer foresees are presented, as well as how the choice of building material can help overcome them.
Key Challenge #1: Extreme spike in demand for lumber
Remember the great toilet paper shortage of 2020? Think of that, but for wood.
SIPS Solution:
According to Premier Building Systems’ analysis, their structural insulated panel systems (SIPS), use about 80% less lumber than a traditional stick-framed building. SIPS can do more with less.
Key Challenge #2: Quality of lumber possibly sacrificed in order to meet demand
Suppliers are going to rush to fulfill increased orders, but since this was unplanned, the quality of lumber available may be in jeopardy.
SIPS Solution:
A SIP is an engineered wood product. Two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) sandwich polystyrene foam, with a high-strength glue bonding everything together. A SIP panel takes out the guess work of which pieces of lumber are stronger than the others. The panels are manufactured, the results are reproducible, and a consistently high-quality product is delivered every time. Additionally, in laboratory testing, a Premier SIPS wall was found to be roughly twice as strong as a stick-framed wall.
Key Challenge #3: Long construction periods ahead
“Construction” and “fast” are not generally associated with each other. Not only do structures usually seem to take longer to build than anticipated, but wait times will increase as contractors fill up their schedules. Additionally, contractors may hire unskilled laborers they will have to take time training to help meet their increased work flow.
SIPS Solution:
With SIPS, since the panels arrive cut to size and with labeling corresponding to the project drawings, installation is simpler and faster than traditional building methods. While some training is needed to understand how to successfully assemble a SIPS structure, the learning curve is relatively quick. Furthermore, contractors working with Premier SIPS have found that they need smaller crew sizes and less time on the schedule to complete projects. As an added advantage, a structural insulated panel includes framing, insulation, and sheathing – addressing several needs with one product.
Thus, not as many specialized crews are needed on the job. Fewer people and less time? Embrace the cost savings.
Key Challenge #4: Confusion when multiple builds are in close proximity
Oops, your material got delivered to the wrong address. Oops, your construction truck cannot get by because someone else is blocking the street. Oops, there was a delay in part of your order.
SIPS Solution:
Since SIPS are a modular construction solution, the panels for the walls, roof, and floor of your house are manufactured off-site. The openings for windows and doors are already cut out, and chases to run electrical wire are pre-drilled. Once the panels are ready, they are loaded onto a truck, along with miscellaneous other lumber needed for the build, and that truck delivers the home-building kit to the jobsite, ready to go. Since materials are pre-fabricated, there is no need for excessive staging space or waste. Crews can get right to work popping panels into place and securing them, similar to a gingerbread house.
Key Challenge #5: Meeting California's strict environmental standards
With the myriad environmental rules and regulations in California, choosing building materials that comply without having to break the bank will make a difference.
SIPS Solution:
Premier SIPS building materials have been proven to exceed EnergyStar and HERS standards. In addition, a SIP is a sustainable building material and both federal and local tax credits may be available for building with SIPS. Learn more here.
The GBL Difference
As a homeowner, undertaking a brand-new construction process from start to finish can be a headache. We offer to be your guide on the path to a new home. Our services range from consulting during the design process, to checking the plans to ensure the correct materials are ordered, to coordinating the material delivery, to offering construction support.
For contractors interested in the advantages of SIPS but unsure of how to build with them, GBL Materials provides training resources, both digitally and in-the-field. GBL Materials works with developers as well to coordinate large material orders and offer connections to capable contractors.
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