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Yurt Nerds: SIPs Decks

SIPs deck: not a place to enjoy a beverage in the summer. A SIPs deck is a simple way to build a deck/platform for your Colorado Yurt. SIPs panels can also be the insulated yurt footprint on a larger deck.

SIPs is an acronym for Structural Insulated Panels. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) consist of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, typically oriented strand board (OSB).  SIPs are used in many settings in the building trades. They are strong, energy efficient and cost effective. Yurt decks are just one use of SIPs.

R-Value on the 4-1/2” SIPs panels we use for our decks is R-17, creating a well-insulated, stable base for your yurt. Panels are manufactured in pre-cut sections, assembling on site to the exact diameter of the yurt. A ¾” plywood sub-fascia is stapled flush into the circumference of each SIP panel, providing a rigid perimeter and reliable nail base for connecting bender board*. The panels sit on a beam system which can be freestanding (similar to our simple yurt deck) or they can be the footprint for the Colorado Yurt on a larger rectangular deck (similar to our extended yurt deck). Sips are extremely rigid; they can span across bigger spaces than normal decking, allowing for fewer beams in the sub-structure.

Buying your SIPs deck from us has several advantages. We can ship or deliver the SIPs deck with your yurt. You have a well-insulated footprint without installing any extra insulation in the floor. Your budget is clearer, as the pricing for the SIPs deck will be on the quote with your yurt.

When buying your yurt deck from Colorado Yurt Company, you can choose from several different packages. Please contact us for SIPs details and pricing.

Complete SIPs Deck: This package includes the precut SIPs panels 1/2″ x 8″ bender board*, beams, piers, anchoring system & hardware. The supports are mobile home piers, engineered to carry substantial weight and the package includes double helix anchors to secure the structure for wind loading. This option is a great solution for situations where you may want to move the yurt later or where you want to have the least impact on the site. The complete SIPs Deck leaves a light footprint and can be easily deconstructed and relocated.

SIPs & Beams: This option is a deck package that is intended to be placed on concrete footers, sonotubes or other customer-built substructure. It includes: precut circle SIPs panels, 1/2” x 8” bender board* and support beam set. When placed on concrete footers, this simple deck is more permanent than the option above with the pier set.

SIPs Deck: This, most-basic option is just the precut circle SIPs panels with the 1/2″ x 8″ bender board*. This works best when you have a larger rectangular deck or slab, and want to use the SIPs as the raised, insulated footprint for the yurt.

After your SIPs deck is installed, you can finish your flooring right on top of it. The OSB works as an underlayment for wood, tile or carpeted floors.

If you’d like to learn more about SIPs decks, give us a call or drop us an email. We can share technical drawings, instructions and please contact us for SIPs details and pricing for all the different options.

*Bender board is a flexible “wrap” around the yurt deck (on simple decks) or the yurt footprint. Its purpose is to contain the lattice wall and provide an attachment point for the yurt wall fabric. We use a flexible composite material, which can be purchased with your yurt.

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