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Dow SIS (Structural Insulated Sheathing) provide structural stability?

N4zXSbGY4w | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

Does anyone have field performance data/experience with the Dow SIS (Structural Insulated Sheathing) product as it relates to lateral stability and transverse load? I’ve read the ICC reports but continue to be skeptical. Concerned about house creaking and racking, especially in high wind conditions.

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Dennis,
    I don't know whether or not your are an engineer. But this is fundamentally an engineering calculation, and Dow should be able to provide all of the data needed by you or your engineer to make the calculations.

  2. Danny Kelly | | #2

    I have used it twice and have been impressed with the stability of the product. The first time I used it, I was a little skeptical as well so I installed let in 1x4 braces just in case. second time i used it I did not do the let in braces. For one story or simple house I would not lose and sleep over it. For a taller more complex home, maybe install the let in braces if you will sleep better.

  3. N4zXSbGY4w | | #3

    I'm hoping to hear from someone, like Danny, who's actually used SIS in the field. Danny, have you lived in either of these homes, or been in them under high wind conditions? Any racking/creaking noises? Thanks for your helpful responses.

  4. Danny Kelly | | #4

    I have not lived in either of them but one is almost two years old and have been in it several times. although it was a only a one story house, I have been very impressed with the perfoemance. From a warranty perspective, this house has performed extremely well, not a single crack in any of the Sheetrock and especially in the corners where they are fairly common. I also attribute this to the tight construction and two stud corner but if the sheathing were not performing correctly I believe there would be issues.

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