energy efficient

SIPs & ICFs truly perform to their marketing claims over most other products claiming to be energy efficient. Study after study have proven that SIPs & ICFs save over 50% in heating and cooling costs in comparison to stick frame construction.

SIP & ICF building envelopes block heat and cold from penetrating the exterior envelope as well as escaping from the interior conditioned living space. Thermal bridging is low due to few penetrations and 70% less lumber compared to stick frame.

Energy Efficiency means real savings. Initially SIPs and ICFs appear to cost 2 to 3 per cent more than stick frame construction, but within a 5 year period SIP and ICF building systems life cost themselves.

You not only not only recoup your initial investment in a reasonably short period of time, you begin to see real savings that you can take to the bank.

People have often heard me say, "SIP and ICF construction is the best value for the single largest investment most people will make in their lifetime".

"Whole Wall" studies performed by Oak Ridge National Laboratories show how a 4 1/2 inch SIP wall (equivalent to 2x4 frame construction) out performs not only a 2x4 wall equivalent but also a 2x6 wall. Go to www.sips.org click on "Technical" then click on More Info under "SIPs Out Perform Stick & Batt in National R-ValueTest". For other good reads check out the study done by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

You begin to understand the huge losses with stick frame construction once you fully comprehend "Whole Wall" testing. With stick frame construction, you are led to believe that you are purchasing a home with R-11 (2x4), R-19 (2x6) but in reality, sticks leak like a sieve and don't retain their perceived "R" value. As you can see from the chart, the loss of "R" value of SIP's and ICF's is only marginal, you get what you originally paid for.