Green Building with Timberline SIPs
Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Construction Method
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) make up one of the most sustainable, energy-efficient construction methods in the residential & light commercial building industry today. The finished product will have consumed fewer materials than a conventionally built home, require less energy to maintain, emit less pollution, and result in an improved, more comfortable indoor living environment.Most of the energy used in homes is for heating and cooling. The exterior shell of the building is critical for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. SIPs make use of a thick core of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) which creates both high R-values (a measure of the resistance to the passage of heat) and low U-values (a coefficient of heat transfer). Foam construction eliminates the voids and thermal bridges common in conventional stud framing and Fiberglass insulation. In SIP construction the rigid insulation blankets the entire structure in a well-sealed envelope.
What makes SIPs so green?
- Energy efficiency – Reduced energy consumption.
- Reduced energy bills - 40-50% versus traditional construction.
- Reduced air leakage - up to 90% versus traditional construction.
- Less expensive heating and cooling systems.
- Easy to qualify for Energy Star.
- Reduced construction time.
- Reduced construction waste.
- EPS is manufactured without the use of CFCs or HCFCs.
- Reduced CO2 emissions over the lifetime of the home.
- Reduced impact on forests. Oriented strand board is made from “new-growth” trees, requiring less virgin lumber than conventional construction.
- Improved indoor air quality.
- Ozone-friendly – EPS uses the eco-friendly pentane as its expanding agent. No out-gassing is produced from the foam releasing system, and the EPS foam core can be recycled.
