Insulation - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

February 13, 2003 Lyle Oman Building Official City of Orono Orono, MN Dear Sir: Please consider this letter my official request to adjourn a board of appeal as per section 105 of the 1977 Uniform Building Code. This request is made in response to your refusal to consider utilization of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) designed for below- grade construction in my project at 180 Big Island. Recapping my situation, I provided the city with my initial set of drawings in January 2003. These drawings detailed the materials and construction of the specified panels. During your initial review, you indicated that I had not provided ample information for you to approve the below-grade panels. At that time, you requested information on NER and/or ICBO testing for these panels. I contacted Extreme Panels Insulspan, the manufacturer of the proposed panels, and determined that the below-grade panels do not have an NER or ICBO number. The manufacturer did, at that time, provide a new set of plans with a structural engineering stamp. The manufacturer also agreed to provide additional information on the engineering of these panels including: 1) Engineering data (from the approving engineer) addressing any specific concerns you might have. 2) Reassurance from the foam manufacturer including testing for below-grade use of their product. 3) Reassurance from the board manufacturer including testing for below-grade use of their product. 4) Test results from the University of Minnesota regarding the structural integrity of the proposed panels. IYs my understanding that an NER and/or ICBO certification is not a requirement for building material. IYs also my understanding that you have the authority to review other testing data and engineering during the approval process. It's my opinion, however, that your statements to me and to Duane DeLonais, a representative of the Minnesota Building Codes and Standards Division, did not demonstrate a good faith effort to review these materials. Your comment to me that you would not consider"anything" other than an NER or ICBO approval is inconsistent with the National and State guidelines for alternate building materials. Section 104.2.8 in the UBC states that alternate materials, alternate designs, and method of construction can be reviewed for approval. Extreme Panels Insulspan is using this method in several surrounding communities after being approved by the local officials— some with an engineer's stamp and some without.