SIP's are used to create an air tight building envelope. They are comprised of two skins of oriented strand board (osb). With an inner core of solid foam insulation, bonded together. The result is an incredible strong panel. The panels come in 4' x 24' panels, and can be factory cut to meet the buildings design. The panels actually replace the buildings framed wall system. A typical SIP's wall consisting of 6-1/2" think panels have an R-25 rating. Typical SIP's roof panels are either 10-1/4" (R-40) or 12-1/4"(R-48) . These are sized to accommodate conventional lumber at the panel connections. A SIP's envelope can reduce your buildings heating and cooling loads by as much as 50%. The strength the SIP's in one that you can only believe when you see for yourself. However the pictures to the right shows it to some degree. These buildings, if stick framed would have a number of braces to hold the walls straight. With SIP's the panels lock tight together creating a straight, strong wall system. Panel joints are not only nailed together but glued on all sides as well. Foam is used to ensure an airtight seal. SIP's are the most cost effective way to reduce your homes heating and cooling loads. Prefabricated panels speed wall construction while minimizing waste on the job.
To build a SIP's house, it begins with design. Most architects and builders are unfamiliar with this product. I have had years of experience designing and installing SIP's projects. I can develop a building plan specifically design to accommodate the panels. With careful manipulation of the panel design, we can eliminate almost all waste. My first experience with SIP's was almost 20 years ago, and I was impressed. The project was on a church roof in Dover MA. The roof was designed with exposed beams in the ceiling. The panels comprised of osb exterior, 11-1/4" foam core and sheetrock on the inside. The panels were sized to match the beam and purling spacing. This eliminated the need to sheetrock , tape or insulated the church roof. WOW what a savings. SIP's can be used to create a post and beam home, or restore and old barn, as well as stand alone structures. This creates the envelope needed to meet and exceed today's energy codes, and save you lots of money in energy bills. It is my belief that this is first key element in creating a zero-energy-home. As well as the single most cost effective way to build and energy efficient building. Thanks for reading my spiel. If you would like to learn more please contact me Tom Pittsley ecobuilder@aol.com 
