Day 6

Day 6:
Whew! I can't believe it's only been six days! Today was very productive, and we only were able to work half-a-day (I had work commitments I had to attend to). ICS (the SIP manuf.) shared Sean with us for the half-day so that we could button up the roof, close it up. And it worked! We had the roof finished today at 1:15pm -- YEA! We couldn't have made it without the four horseman: Jeff, Nate, Sean, Aaron. We worked very, very hard these past two days, and although we hit a few snags again today, we pushed through and closed up the roof. Now all I need to do is put down felt paper (tomorrow) and set the windows and we will be completely dried in: No water penetration!!



So here's how the SIP roof was erected:

First Jeff and Nate drilled two holes into the 6" SIP panel (approx. 150lbs). They ran an eye-bolt thru each hole and rigged a tow strap to the bolts and the boom lift.

Then Nate ran upstairs to help us (Sean and I on the roof) while Jeff ran the boom lift from below.



Sean and I would prepare the surface for receiving the panel. We had to foam all of the edges, nail down roof jacks so that we could stand of the roof and not fall 25' to the ground. Once the panel got within reaching distance, we had to foam the panel and work it over to the approx. spot for placement. Can you see our squatting positions in this photo. My thighs are SOOOOOO sore from 2-1/2 days of holding this position for 36 panels!


Once the panel was in the approx. spot, Nate would pop his head in and say, "How long do you guys need me to hold this 2x4?"

Meanwhile Sean and I were busy lining up the seam to receive the SIP. You can just barely make out in this photo the slots in the foam. This is where the cam locks were located. Each panel had anywhere between 1 and 4 cam locks. Once we locked the cams, the panel was secured in place.


Check out that pulling action. Can you guys see why my back, knees, and thighs are so tired. Here Sean and I are "pulling" the panel to be in the exact position where it needs to be locked into place. Then, right as we're about ready to lock it into place, Nate hollers over, "Guys, really, can I let go of this 2x4 yet?" "NOT YET NATE". Heh, heh -- rookie! We thought it was too fun to tell him that we already nailed it off!


Now that the panel is locked into place, Sean and I begin the task of screwing down the panel. Each panel got about 20 - 8" long screws. Sean had a corded drill that drove those screws fast and quick. Even though I have a 14.4 volt, it was not nearly as powerful as Sean's.

Nate said, "Guys, my arms are getting REALLY tired holding this thing!" "Count to 100, Nate". "Okay. 1, 2, 3, 4, ....."


Once we had the panel secured, we checked the factory plans and moved onto the next chronological panel. Nate: "98, 99, 100. Guys, can I let go now?" "Yes. Thanks Nate! Good job..."

Actually, all kidding aside, we could not have made the progress we did today and yesterday without the 4 of us. We each worked our tails off to put it out, and I am grateful to Nate, Jeff, and Sean for making it happen.













Jeff Aaron Sean Nate


The rest of the week will just be Jeff, Nate, and myself. We will be working on backout framing, finishing up the missing wood details: interior walls, stairway, exterior trim details, etc. Then next we will have the plumber back to finish his stuff, and the electrician on-site (sparky) to wire up the new and old lines, and get the fireplace set.

Thank you to all of you well-wishers and those praying for good weather: we haven't had a drop of water hit our house since this project began! We've had a few close calls, and an occasional overspray from the hose, but overall we have been very fortunate and blessed to have such great weather!

My body is tired, burnt, wiped, and exhausted. Thanks for checking up/in on us! I appreciate and look forward to reading your comments and responses to this blog. It really is a fun project. But it's very difficult and stressful. Kat's having a tough time with the house being torn up and chunks of drywall and insulation hanging from the ceiling. I can't blame her. I've got foam stuck to my body part, and cuts and scrapes and bruises all over my arms and legs. This is what they call "Sweat Equity". I told her tonight, "Look, it's one month of hell for 12 years of heaven." If you see her, give her some encouragement....we all need it right now.

Ciao! XOXO.

p.s. If you are reading this blog and what to know a bit more about what I have learned about SIP's, here's my summary:

1. Make sure the architect has calculated and given the manuf. all of the CRITICAL dimensions.
2. When setting walls, two critical pieces.
a. Make damn sure that your floor plate is dead on.
b. Start from one prefab corner and work out. DO NOT START FROM OPPOSITE CORNERS. If there is a mistake, it's much, much easier to fix a corner than a middle wall.
3. SIP roofs need a boom lift, 4 guys minimum (6 preferred), and start from an edge. It's tempting to work from the middle out, but it's not as efficient or accurate, IMHO. Again, it's much easier to correct an edge than a middle section.
4. WEAR GLOVES!!! OSB splinters and that very sticky glue -- no fun on bare hands!