How to Build a HOUSE that WILL NOT BURN

[@DavidMDensford]

I got a call from a SIP customer after the fires burned 1200 homes in Bastrop, TX. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4KxiIN4Yqyhq8U

[@NoName-ml5yk]

Good video. A little context for those unaware. It takes a lot more than SIPs to reduce the chances of a house burning down. Put on wood based trim, soffits, siding, porches and decks and a SIP home will burn just like all the rest. Even without the wood products heat can still ignite drapes, etc. In fact, I would bet on the 2x6" stick built over SIP if the latter was full of exterior wood products. Ember attack against wood trim and siding and the OSB on those SIPS will burn just like any other wood. Even if the SIPS gives you enough extra time for the fire department to arrive water and smoke is likely to make it a total loss.

[@DanielleD2895]

I am about to begin my home building adventure. This video is invaluable for people like me that are looking to build a home to be as strong as possible and that includes fire safety.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

I live just North of Denver where recent wild fires took over 900 homes. From the inquires to rebuild, I can clearly see that Eurathane Insulated SIPs are finding their value. Be Blessed

[@angkit216]

Good info but ill go with concrete blocks or ICF

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Franklin, my ICF vid is coming up soon. Thanks

[@billybastar4022]

That’s all fine and good....apparently the osv is fire proof as well? Roof trusses, decking, exterior finishes? A fire proof house is a cool dream, however if the fire doesn’t kill ya, the off gassing of all the fire retardant material will most certainly.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Bill, we don't have trusses and you can check with Huber(Zip) how they comply with ATSM 119. Like the video says this isn't EPS with the off gassing issues. Be a believer Bill do some digging like I did. Thanks

[@billybastar4022]

I am a big fan of the structural panel system you chose, my point is the sandwich material is not fire proof, and if it is treated, very few naturally fire retardant compounds exist. The point I was trying to get across is, we all want the perfect fireproof building system, just not realistic. See your exterior siding video...board and baton natural wood may look beautiful, but it ain’t fireproof. I would have chosen cement siding..boom bring on the forest fire! Keep the videos coming. I like them a lot...god bless your project, and may he keep you and yours safe throughout the process and beyond.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

@@billybastar4022 Most areas do require a large percentage of exterior to be stone or masonry for the fire proofing, but not here. Had the site been closer to the forest I would have had to address that too. Here the wanescot of steele is for fire mitigation (and snow) because at this distance from the trees in a forest fire event the threat would most likely be wind blown on the ground or falling from the sky(metal roof). 2 more points: I have 4 new units of Hardie siding stored on another property left over from my last apartment build that I could have used but my objective was in following the local Mining vernacular with a twist. Thanks for the blessed send off, be Blessed.

[@billybastar4022]

Looking forward to journey.

[@GoodSimpleLiving]

What is the price of these when compared to traditional stick frame construction?

[@ModernMountainLiving]

10pm, just drove back to civilization after 3 weeks. I see some comments, will address in the morning, thanks.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

R-42 walls are the same thickness as 2x6 construction without the thermal bridging. 2x6 stick built walls with urethane closed cell foam insulation can attain R-30 because of the voids. Stick built framed house take 1-6 months of exposure and material degradation to dry in(not insulated). SIPs go up fast and a house your size can be dried in in 1-2 weeks. Labor and time are the difference as well as performance. Price is only part of the difference in overall Cost. Stick built just under $8 SIPs $11 for the best, less for less performing EPS SIPs

[@GoodSimpleLiving]

@@ModernMountainLiving thanks!

[@bobmariano3731]

Great video Tim ! 👍 Valuable info for those of us who don’t have much experience as a builder / owner . Invaluable, keep up the awesome info & continued success as well. ⚾️🎣

[@genesishep]

I wonder if Aircrete would be an alternative as well. Low cost, excellent insulation properties, no rot, no fire, extremely strong. Any thoughts on it? Nevermind, just saw the comment below. Also the Arched Cabin system seems very promising along with being low cost especially with your love of vaulted ceilings. I know they can isulate to R-25 but unsure if more is a possibility...most likely with additional interior insulation.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Aircrete is interesting to me, but I have never personally had any experience with it. Some reports on it's Insulation are an r3-6 per inch so that can be pretty good. Referring back to our cold climate while building the retention of water during curing could be a problem. This might not even be an issue in a more temperate climate. Thinking of our snow melt, refreeze cycles the fact aircrew will still be absorbent could cause structural issues. After all the mountains around are continually flaking off from water getting in the crevices today then expanding when it freezes tonight. I have been watching about 40 tons of rock above the road to the property that the fissure is on a diagonal and you can see where it started from. I just don't park under it. Aircrete, Cool Idea that I never thought of. Thanks

[@genesishep]

@@ModernMountainLiving From what I understand if Aircrete it does not retain water, it can actually float, you could theoretically make a ship hull out of it and build a floating home...What about the Arches Cabin method? Have you seen them? They can be built very large and could easily be made into a proper 2 story home if using widths over 20'. I believe the 20' widths has a 17' peak which allows for a proper arched 2nd floor living space. I'm curious i how difficult it would be to put a dormer in, it would likely need to be split to incorporate the skeleton of the build but it doesn't look impossible to me to fabricate...They go as wide as 30' and lengths up to 40'. The costs are impressive. I've been considering a small tree stand/house for my rear yard. I'm up North in snow country myself (although Vermont doesn't get what you do) so insulation is important to me as well.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

@@genesishep My first thought on the dormer idea is structure because the arch relies on the tension for strength.

[@genesishep]

@@ModernMountainLiving IMO it shouldn't be too difficult do. If you have particular concerns you could either overbuild the framing of the dormer, by using heavier guage steel, stronger headers reinforced welds or do as I suggested and incorporate the frame in the design of the dormer which could be a very unique look. I mean, everyone has seen a vertical support beam but how many have seen a "floating" arched support beam in a build? From what I've seen in the photos of the arched cabin builds the beams are approximately every 2ft. Unless you intend to install long dormers (8ft+) I don't see that they would impact the structure in any way that couldn't be accounted for. If you wanted longer dormers I would definitely use a mixed method that incorporated the existing skeleton.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

@@genesishep I have a career behind me of taking jobs that were impossible, difficult and getting it done. I have found that a square can fit in a circle if you beat the corners in till it is round. Fear isn't the issue, but I have found that a great design can be ruined by deviating too far from the original intention. If I was promoting GO BUILD IT DIFFICULT that would be a different channel. Thanks

[@raymondpeters9186]

Foam may not burn but the OSB WILL For a truly fireproof house pumicecrete is the material to use Pumicecrete is by far the best building material on the planet Pumicecrete is fireproof termite proof rust rot and mold proof and has a high R value and good sound attenuation solid poured walls means no critters can live in your walls Pumicecrete is a mixture of pumice cement and water mixed and poured into a set of reusable forms You can build your entire home out of 3 materials Pumice cement and water You can build floors walls roof interior walls counter tops bath tub hottub gopher proof planter boxes and much more Don't drink the SIP kool-aid

[@ModernMountainLiving]

I remember a trick from camping. Water in a styrofoam cup will boil if you put it in the fire. Styrofoam burns, right? As the water boils away, the foam cup burns down to the water line, because one side is protected by a fireproof material. Works like that with Urethane SIPs, but I am sure the OSB will smolder but not burn away from house as is the warrantee from the manufacturer has to comply with ATSM guidelines.

[@wingspolefitnessanddancest2951]

Does he ever show a finished product?

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Keep watching the series, a preview is in the "Modern Plans" vids. Thanks

[@christinelauraconley7583]

How Much does this type of material cost?

[@ModernMountainLiving]

You can get cheaper SIPs than my favorite, the give is you either have to do more work in the field or more materials that will cost you more. In this series the Modern Cabin uses ICS Sips 6.5” walls R-42 at $11 an area square foot and 8.25” roof panels R-54 at $13. Currently I am wrapping up a very remote build and drove to town to check messages. Would love to help more in a week when I return to civilization. Be Blessed

[@PaullaWells]

Yep, you are starting to gain a loyal viewer. Now I am wishing there were even more videos to catch up on.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Welcome to the Team Kitty Palmer, and All the Subscribers. Thanks!

[@ynAMe6Aj]

That demo didn't put the flame where it will naturally occur. The heat from the fire is going to be against the side not the foam. Won't that burn? Once that is burnt off isn't the panel compromised. One the panel is compromised how do you restore it? Not to mention the roof. I don't understand the premise that these houses wont burn.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

I understand your comment. Does wood burn, sure it does. Have you ever filled a styrofoam cup with water and let it boil on an open flame? The cup will not burn as long as air can't get to both sides(in and out). Closed cell foam allows NO air migration. SIPs if done correctly are near airtight and easily exceed the 2018 Energy Code. Long before the OSB will smolder thru, the oxygen will be depleted. Thanks

[@ynAMe6Aj]

@@ModernMountainLiving Great. Redo the demo. Put the flame on the bottom of the wood side of a 4x8 wall size part.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

@@ynAMe6Aj Ed, funding would be the issue unless you want to contribute. A complete envelope Roof, Walls, Windows, foundation, finished sheetrock, flooring would be required to simulate a house fire. If you are game and have the land we can do it. Or I can show the difference in the EPS SIPs that burn vs The Closed Cell Urethane components that don't. For that we can refer to this vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHq8eJdjhtN9hrs. Thanks

[@ModernMountainLiving]

SIPs made of styrofoam can catch fire, but SIPs made with Polyurethane closed cell foam insulation have no air, vapor migration and DON't BURN.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Marten, You are correct that OSB is a wood product and it can burn. But if you look in your Code book OSB is also has a half hour fire rating. Further on the topic, is like a styrofoam cup filled with water on a campfire, it will not burn until all of the water has boiled away. OSB won't become fully ignited unless air can get on both sides. Sips with closed cell foam won't allow air or vapor migration. You can't get any better than that! New Vid "Talk Dirt y " kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6Uh2ynp6Z5pdE Thanks for watching!

[@yeshuarules8154]

There is also dome structures made of cement for non-burn and hurricanes too. I think there i an alternative for lighter cement with air too.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Aircrete and dome houses have potential. Look at some of the comments. Thanks for adding to the Team

[@bergoes11]

Hey there I'm your subsciber number 994& just 10 minutes later you where over 1000! Congratulations. Now teach me more about sips homes

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Wow, you knew it before I did. Just got home and knew it would turn today. Bergoes 11 that's what this channel is for, better building info. Now I'm being nosey: where are you in your building process? Thanks and welcome to the Team.

[@chronicmonkey]

Oh Doggo is beautiful!

[@ModernMountainLiving]

When I discovered Hempcrete in 2015 it was on a build in Steamboat Springs. You can now resource without importing from France in that case. Once I learned that hempcrete has relatively the same (low) insulation value as concrete but cost much more sadly I had to write it off as more of a novelty. I try to include "Rowdy" dog antics in every vid, hope you watch to the end. Thanks

[@lizh1988]

@@ModernMountainLiving What about Aircrete?

[@ModernMountainLiving]

@@lizh1988 I am trying to get with Aircrete Harry because he is in the area. My first take is IT IS VERY TIME AND LABOR INTENSIVE! Kinda joking there but keeping concrete from freezing for a month before you can put them up is somewhat the reason I can't do Rammed Earth in winter. By going with SIPs I put up the whole house in a week, got twice the insulation R-value per Aircrete. If you watched my ICF vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4mZYal3g9yYiK8 you know that with concrete use you have to insulate for thermal bridging which just adds to time, labor and material costs. For every additional layer you get condensation/venting issues so I keep it simple. For me there are not extra points for making it harder. The real test is how it performs. So keep life simple and just Go Build It Better. Thanks kzbin.info/www/bejne/an7NgamOnr2fptk

[@lizh1988]

@@ModernMountainLiving Thanks for you answer. I had been wondering about the moisture facture too. That does kind of cheese that deal, no mold farms!

[@ModernMountainLiving]

@@lizh1988 Gotta love the cheese factor. That's good.

[@JayHesley]

What do you think about aircrete. I am trying to build a low cost shop that will last for a long lifetime that I can make multi level and if I'm lucky get a few different uses out of....is aircrete good for multiple levels?

[@ModernMountainLiving]

JJ, total disclaimer is that I have No experience with Aircrete but I am interested.I can't speak of something I don't know about but I can state the concerns I would research. To your question of multistory: find out what the strength of aircrete is capable of. Look for numbers from 3000-4000lb. Also look in to reinforcement requirements(rebar). Keep me posted, Thanks

[@shootsandscoots]

Nice Australian Cattle Dog 🐕 I had a ACD and German Shepard mix. He was very much the cattle dog.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

That's Rowdy. Thanks

[@TerraFirmaX]

Wow, that's pretty cool. That's the other consideration for my build, burning. Good to know there are products out there like this one. Great video and new sub here

[@ModernMountainLiving]

New Vid "Talk Dirt y " kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6Uh2ynp6Z5pdE Thanks for watching!

[@BrianBriCurInTheOC]

What brand were the SIPs in the first part of the video? Why not use larger more efficient SIPs on the House build? I did not see any SIP Seal Adhesive/Sealant used on the house build.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

ICS SIPs are the Polyurethane in the Video, 6.5" walls are R-42 and the roof are 8.25" R-54 is there better than that? On the EPS build they provided the "BLACK NASTY" sausage tubes. It is a gasket and never Dries. I prefer expanding foam for my builds, as it seals and glues.

[@BrianBriCurInTheOC]

Gobuilditbetter Yes there are thicker SIPs EXTREME TECHNOLOGY PANELS. I agree that hollow areas must be filled with Closed Cell Foam but SIP Seal Brand Products in Big Sausage tubes primo! There is also a SIP manufacturer that uses metal internal braces and uses a sheet metal 90 degree bracket attached to the foundation that the SIP Blocks are held in place with and I would use SIP SEAL both under and on top of the bracket. In brain storming secessions with my Comp Owner we are going to seal blocks to each other on the earth side of the wall!

[@BrianBriCurInTheOC]

Gobuilditbetter SIP SEAL is like that Black Nasty!!!

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Brian, glad to have you back. I am going down the list of SIPs manufacturers I have worked with: going back 12 years, first it was KingSpan, R Panel, Premier(I think is EXTREME) Thermal Span( job coming up) ICS eco SIPs and another EPS company that escapes me. I can get a 12" EPS panel but I like the performance from polyurethane for performance per inch and that it is an adhesive thru and thru. Put a piece of duct tape on a sheet of EPS and pull it off and the top layer comes with it. I have a fear that if the top layer is all that adheres to the sheathing then delamination can occur on large span roof panels. With the Closed Cell Polyurethane it also resolves the Vapor Migration issue too. The Metal Sill Bracket you mention, is it like the sill plate used in metal stud walls(commercial)?

[@ModernMountainLiving]

If you are sealing "blocks"...earth side of wall, Might you be talking about ICFs? If so you should talk to my ICF expert Joey Hughes. He builds entire houses with ICFs. Ask him about his Seminar coming up soon in Idaho.

[@TeeyoDoubleDee]

Great info! You could be John Denver's brother. I miss that guy.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Funny is that in the video I wear glasses"Modern Cabin Plans ph2" I didn't that comment once.

[@seanreynolds4840]

Awesome time lapse video!! You totally jumped when touching the burning test piece 🤣 that’s awesome material!!

[@ModernMountainLiving]

New Vid "Talk Dirt y " kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6Uh2ynp6Z5pdE Thanks for watching!

[@ModernMountainLiving]

How you guy's doin' in the real world? Been thinking bout you guys.

[@arizonajames6131]

At the end of the video you kind of speed things up there which was kind of cool. Watching the sky got me thinking those planes are really leaving a lot of pollution in the sky what the hell is up with that. They polluted the sky so much they created pollution clouds! That's kind of creepy not kind of that is very very creepy sickening I just got to look into that more.

[@arizonajames6131]

Yeah been researching that. Cannot believe people aren't screaming from the hilltops about this crap. I guess people either just do not care. They are so busy looking at their phone every 15 seconds to take the time to look up. I really can't understand how people are just letting the government do this. From what I can find the government claims they're making fake clouds to bring down global warming. At the same time I also found papers from the late 70s early 80s that said we were going into another Ice Age. For what I can figure they started this saying they're going to prevent another Ice Age. Now they're still doing it saying they're going to stop global warming. All sounds fishy to me typical government BS.!

[@harveymorgan1749]

@@arizonajames6131 america tests sfuff on its own citizens

[@anjinsan537]

@@arizonajames6131 Sick Age, not Ice Age, spraying heavy metals etc... research depopulation and Georgia Guide Stones

[@arizonajames6131]

Copy that thanks a lot will research that

[@ModernMountainLiving]

New Vid "Talk Dirt y " kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6Uh2ynp6Z5pdE Thanks for watching!

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

*Good info !* New Sub.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Welcome to the Team. Good number too.

[@Conservator.]

Now I know where you’re coming from ;)

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Follow the series because I would like a European perspective. Thanks

[@Conservator.]

Gobuilditbetter Haha, I’m not a builder and just one person so take any of my comments with pinche of salt.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

@@Conservator. I have been at this a long time but I do enjoy a different perspective. Thanks

[@Conservator.]

Gobuilditbetter I’m looking forward to your next video. I like it how you take the time to explain things and mix it with some humor.

[@Conservator.]

Gobuilditbetter I’m want to build a small workshop (150sqft) in my garden. I want it well isolated so that I can use it comfortably in the winter. It usually freezes several weeks but nothing like what you described. The foundation will be an isolated slab on ground. The walls will be either double layer framed or SIPs. I’m still looking for a good way to connect the walls to the floor while avoiding a heat sink. So I’m extra curious to see your solution for that. 😉 I also follow The Essential Craftsman but his house has a crawl space and a wooden floor.

[@joeyhughes1183]

This one subject I would be very careful with and definitely elaborate more on what actually causes a house to burn. Especially being that certain ASTM testing standards are in place for example ASTM E84 regarding fire resistance of building materials. With modern foam manufacturing process both EPS and XPS are "fire-resistant", however multiple steps in the building process can improve or diminish the "fire-resistance" of any building material or application. At the same time most foam products manufactured before ASTM E84 was put in place as a standard requirement for both XPS and EPS were both flammable and "off gassed". Even though we as building professionals in our fields have our own bias, I feel its important to not let those bias present misleading information to the end users of that information. Otherwise another great video on SIP's keep it up.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Good insite and informative. I appreciate the dialogue from industry professionals, Thanks

[@steveraymond982]

While talking about built to last try not filming in a room built with fall apartical board.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

@@jaquigreenlees This is why I do what I do, provide sound advice from real experience by pushing for Better. Do your own research to my claims. Please forget particle board, only formica tops and bad cabinet makers use that stuff. Ever heard or Huber? That is what you are looking at on those Panels. If you haven't heard of Huber then maybe Advan tech. This is All I use for Subfloors and Sheathing. Why, the very best look it up. Gauranteed for the life of the house. ICC says so too. This is a product that does cost more but how often do you want to swap out your subfloor? I don't try to spend money, I want value.

[@TerraFirmaX]

@@ModernMountainLiving Going to use Huber myself, ZipR

[@safffff1000]

Good character, videoing and articulation now add regular substance and you'll have something

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Not that I wanted to, the channel I do alone. Building the Modern Mountain Cabin I challenged to do alone, sometimes some help. I don't wear a cape but I do enjoy the process at the expense of sleeping. Thanks and see you soon.

[@ModernMountainLiving]

BTW I want your feedback. I need a target DAY that I release new videos. What Day?