The builder managed to dry-in the house just in-time for the first snow! Over the last couple weeks, the builder foamed all the joints in the SIPS, taped them, laid-down the Solitex Mento 1000 weather resistive barrier (WRB), put furring strips on the roof, and laid-down a second layer of ZIP sheathing on the roof.

I opted to go with a cold-roof, which uses furring between two plywood layers to create an air-gap, because it is a best-practice that allows the SIPS to dry outward should moisture get under the shingles.

The photos below show the Solitex Mento 1000 WRB on the house. It is black fabric-like high performance house wrap. It is installed with lapped joints that are then taped with Tescon Vana (blue pressure-sensitive tape). These products are very popular in Europe and while used extensively in their construction industry are relatively new to the US market.

Taping the seams help mitigate the potential for water to infiltrate as well as help air-seal the house. Wrapping the SIPS with a high-performance house wrap isn’t necessary (they actually suggest using 30lb felt paper!), however it provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration.

Following the installation of the WRB, the Intus windows were installed. The windows are triple-pane ultra-efficient European windows that promise to let in the warmth of the sunlight and retain it during the winter months and retain the AC in the summer.

A view out the windows from inside the house gives a good perspective on just how large they are. They sit on the floor and extend to 7 feet above it! To do this, I had to select tempered glass and utilize a thicker pane. The window glazing is nearly an inch thick and the windows themselves weight several hundred pounds!

Seeing the windows installed I have no doubt they were the right choice!