Consumers tend to think of R-value as having prime importance. But effective sealing is really more significant. For the best energy performance, you need continuous air barrier and uniform insulation coverage, with few gaps as possible. Every air leak and every thermal bridge adds to your heating and cooling bills. The SIPs themselves are air-tight and fully insulated (R30 or R42); so in building your SIP structure, we pay close attention to joist and structural connections. We use panel sections that maximize the thermal envelope and we make each joint airtight.

The envelope is the combination of the foundation, the walls, and roof working together providing a comfort level inside by maintaining temperature and relative humidity thus reducing heating and air conditioning requirements in a safe environment. The structural integrity of the building holds up the building protecting the contents against rain, wind and groundwater. The envelope also prevents insect and vermin infestation and condensation inside the structure.

Discount the “human factor” – thermostat settings and so forth – a number of side-by-side tests show that between 15% and 40% less energy should be needed to heat and cool a home with SIP wall and ceiling panels. In tests by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, SIP walls out perform fiberglass walls by over 50%.

SIPs are Energy Star Rated by the US Department of Energy.