My Industrial Cabin Build

[s219]

Is there any sort of sonar or sounder or sensor that could be used to test for PEX lines before you drill? This should be easy to detect. Whether or not it needs pricey equipment is another question. Maybe it can be done with low cost equipment or good old fashioned farm thinking.

I have found that even very basic stud finders can be used to learn what's below, you just need to train yourself on how they behave. It would require calibrating the behavior over known areas with and without PEX.

Another option could be running moving water through the loop, and then trying to detect that. I have seen a driller pinpoint an underwater plastic irrigation pipe that way.

There's got to be a way to do this, seems like eyesight is not the only way when you have both density differences (pipe full of air embedded in concrete) and the ability to run water through the pipe. And maybe more crazy concepts I am not thinking of right now.

 

[rScotty]

I don't understand taking the risk of drilling. Structually he probably doesn't need to mount all the interior walls with concrete studs anyway. I'd bet he could get by with alternative methods.
For example he could glue some composite deck boards to the concrete to be used for a base for the interior wall framing. Then mount the wall framing to the deck boards. Lots of options. Get some professional advice rather than continue drilling.
rScotty

 

[pmsmechanic]

Run cold water through the pipes on a sunny day and use an infrared thermometer on the concrete. You'll be able to pinpoint the pipes with pretty good accuracy.

I would just use a good construction adhesive and call it good. If the inspector needs to see anchors just cut the bottom off of a bolt and glue it into the wood.

 

[airbiscuit]

Run cold water through the pipes on a sunny day and use an infrared thermometer on the concrete. You'll be able to pinpoint the pipes with pretty good accuracy.

I would just use a good construction adhesive and call it good. If the inspector needs to see anchors just cut the bottom off of a bolt and glue it into the wood.

Good plan.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I have thought about the metal studs for an upcoming outdoor project.

I built a house using wood, what else was there, or what else did I know about...nothing, I saw metal stud being used in an industrial build, seemed easy but I wasn't sold.

I am now thinking about an outdoors Fireplace... and a metal stud enclosure might work.

So back to Metal Studs inside the house, are there any special requirements using metal vs wood studs ?

All metal studs are galvanized, that's a good thing. Also you have different gauges to consider. 20 is good, 18 better, and 16 gauge for bearing some loads. Never use the cheapo 25 gauge at the big box stores... except to maybe hold up drywall.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Run cold water through the pipes on a sunny day and use an infrared thermometer on the concrete. You'll be able to pinpoint the pipes with pretty good accuracy.

I would just use a good construction adhesive and call it good. If the inspector needs to see anchors just cut the bottom off of a bolt and glue it into the wood.

I hope you aren't a contractor...

 

[pmsmechanic]

I hope you aren't a contractor...

If I was a contractor I would have cut and laid out all the base plates on top of the pex and drilled or marked the holes before I poured the cement.

But honestly a good construction adhesive will not let you pull the wood off without tearing the wood.

There is more than one way to skin a cat....some ways are better than others.

 

[airbiscuit]

......

But honestly a good construction adhesive will not let you pull the wood off without tearing the wood.
...

. :thumbsup:

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Run cold water through the pipes on a sunny day and use an infrared thermometer on the concrete. You'll be able to pinpoint the pipes with pretty good accuracy.

I would just use a good construction adhesive and call it good. If the inspector needs to see anchors just cut the bottom off of a bolt and glue it into the wood.

Good idea, you could also use hot water at night and blue tape the lines where the PEX is using thermal camera.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

My house was designed by an architect. there are sheer walls on each side where it is stick built. They must be anchored to the slab with 5/8 inch anchor bolts, no more than 32" off center. I am following my plans. The rest of the walls will be attached to the floor with construction adhesive. That follows the building suggestion of the SIPs manufacturer. The foundation is a wide U-shape. The sides of it are conventional lumber (stick built) the center section is post and beam. All exterior walls and roof are SIPs.