PATH DECLAIRS VERTICAL WALL ICF BEST

The PATH Top 10 Technologies
1. Mold Resistant Gypsum– No Mold–Come Hell or High Water
Imagine the worst. Now imagine walls that can survive the flood. Treated gypsum wallboard products resist mold because they won’t absorb moisture as easily as typical gypsum board. The paperless surface does not support mold growth. Find PATH Partners who manufacture mold resistant gypsum .

2. Solar Water Heating– Solar Power for Your Shower
We allow that harnessing energy from the sun to heat water is not new. Solar water heaters have been commercially available since the 1800s. But now more than ever, they’re an environmentally sound way to reduce energy bills.

3. Recycled Concrete Substitutes and Aggregates– Grey Concrete Goes Green
Byproducts of the industrialized world have found a better final resting place in alternative concrete aggregate. Recycled materials such as granulated coal ash, blast furnace slag and various solid wastes like fiberglass and granulated plastics can substitute for sand, gravel and stones. (Look, Mom! No mining!)
4. Combined Heat and Power (CHP)– Make Your Power and Heat It Too
It’s not just for isolationists anymore! Whether you want to be entirely “off the grid” or just supplement your utility power, CHP systems can supply electricity much more efficiently than power plants. Using fuel such as natural gas to produce heat and electricity simultaneously, a CHP system can act as a built-in emergency generator when the grid goes down. The electricity can power any household device such as lights and appliances, and the heat produced can provide water heating and/or space heating. Home-sized units range in capacity from about 1 kW to 6 kW and are about the size of a major appliance. Find PATH Partners who manufacture CHP.

5. Horizontal Axis Washer/Dryer– Save Energy, Water, Space and Time (But the Folding is Still on You)
The two-in-one washer/dryer runs automatically from wash to dry: no more throwing clothes from one machine to the other. The compact size makes it perfect for apartments and condominiums, and it costs less than two separate units. It runs quietly and requires no venting, so it can be installed almost anywhere. The high efficiency horizontal-axis washer reduces water and energy consumption, and the high RPM spin cycle means the dryer uses less energy to dry the clothes. Find PATH Partners who manufacture horizontal axis washer/driers.

6. Hydrophilic, Impact-Resistant Windows– Windows That do Windows!
Now you can get self-cleaning and glare-reducing windows that also reduce the risk of window failure during tornadoes and hurricanes. A window coating causes water to run off the glass surfaces like quicksilver, preventing permanent water spots and making the glazing easier to clean. And glass laminated with composites provides enough strength to allow windows to withstand high winds, projectiles, or even bullets.
7. Super-Sized (Vertical) ICFs— Concrete Walls, Evolved
Vertical ICFs (Insulating Concrete Forms) have all the energy efficiency, strength and building speed benefits of conventional ICF walls, plus a bonus: they go up faster and easier because fewer pieces are assembled on site. The wall sections are sturdier than conventional ICF walls and require less bracing. Composed of two polystyrene panels held together by plastic or steel I-beams and filled with concrete, vertical ICF panels form straight, energy-efficient walls.
8. Induction Cooktops– A Cool Way to Cook
Induction offers flexible, safe and energy-efficient cooking. Go from extremely low to extremely high settings and back again nearly instantly. The stovetop doesn’t actually heat up or radiate heat from its surface because the heating elements under the ceramic-glass surface use electricity to produce a magnetic field that heats only the cooking container. Food heats much faster, which saves energy while pleasing hungry mobs. Induction cooking is about 90 percent energy efficient, while gas and electric are about 50 and 60 percent efficient, respectively.
9. GPS for Land Development– Simplify Your Site Work with Software Solutions
This satellite-controlled software simplifies site grading, therefore dramatically reducing labor and material costs. The software assists excavation machines to more efficiently and accurately cut and fill grade while also reducing the potential for soil erosion. It eliminates the need for grade stakes, while letting the operator know exactly where the machine is, and its relation to the final grade.
10. Permeable Pavers & Pavement– Surfaces for All Seasons
Look closely for the environmental halo: rainwater seeps through these pavement systems and filters naturally through soil on its way to groundwater aquifers and surface waters. That means less unfiltered, nitrate-laden stormwater running off paved surfaces into drainage gutters. And since engineered curb and gutter storm drainage systems are costly to design and build, permeable pavement systems can mean lower construction costs for developers or municipalities.
Content updated on 4/20/2007

 

Energy Efficient ICF’S

Energy Efficient ICFs
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are rapidly gaining popularity as an alternative building material. As energy prices climb, ICFs are set to become even more popular. Most homeowners save between 30% to 50% on heating and cooling costs when compared to regular stick-frame construction.
A recent study by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) found that the ICF homes used 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than comparable frame houses. That means a typical 2,000-sq.-ft. ICF home in the central U.S. would save $200 in heating costs and $65 in cooling costs each year.
“All the test data currently available shows that ICF construction has the best combination of energy efficiency and strength for building external walls,” confirms Ann Crocker, co-owner of Energy Smart Solutions, a Dallas-based residential contractor. “What we have found is that the homeowner will save at least two-thirds on their energy costs compared to wood frame 2×4 construction with fiberglass batt,” says Crocker.
ICFs work to conserve energy in five different ways.
Smaller HVAC Units: “To maximize your energy savings, it’s important to ensure the HVAC system is right-sized for the home,” says Richard Rue, founder of Energy Wise Structures. In most cases, that means buying a unit that is significantly smaller, cutting construction costs by $500 to $2,000.
Rue confirms this. “Many times a 2,000 sq. ft. ICF house located in a Sun Belt state may need only 1-1/2 tons of cooling capacity, instead of the 4 tons needed for a wood-frame structure of equal size,” he says.
Higher Rated R-Values: “R” is “R-Value” stands for thermal resistance, and the higher the R-Value, the better the wall is at stopping the flow of heat. Homes built using traditional frame construction typically have exterior walls rated between R-13 and R-19. ICF walls, on the other hand, have an insulation value of R-22 or R-26. A frame wall would need to be a full 12 inches thick to achieve a similar rating.
Airtight Construction: “Tested R-Values,” however, don’t necessarily reflect real-world performance. For instance, laboratory tests don’t consider the level of airflow through the wall, which is one reason why ICF walls usually perform even better than lab tests indicate.
Anyone who has lived in a drafty house knows how quickly a room can cool when a winter storm howls outside. For the past decade or so, homebuilders have tried to reduce air infiltration by covering exterior walls in a layer of paper-like “homewrap,” which has partially addressed the issue of air infiltration.
ICF walls, on the other hand, are virtually airtight. Even hurricane-force winds can’t force their way through four to six inches of solid concrete.
Thermal Mass: Even a modest ICF home uses dozens of yards of concrete, and that weight helps moderate temperature swings. The secret is that the walls take hours to heat up—even in the hot summer sun. And when the sun sets and temperatures drop, the stored-up heat keeps the interior pleasant through much of the night.
Homeowners report that once their ICF homes reach room temperature, it takes very little energy to keep them there. For example, one beautiful 9,000 sq. ft. home in Central Minnesota averages less than $70 per month in heating and cooling costs.
Conducts Ground Temperature: In most parts of North America, the ground stays a constant 50o to 55o Fahrenheit a few feet below the surface. Concrete actually conducts thermal energy fairly well, and in the winter months, it absorbs this extra heat from the earth and transfers it into your home. During the summer, it wicks that coolness from the ground and transfers part of it into the structure.
Admittedly, ground temperature conduction is probably a minor factor in keeping energy bills to a minimum, but when combined with the other four elements mentioned here, the five make a powerful argument for using ICFs above grade. No other alternative building technology can offer the high R-values, airtight construction, and thermal mass of ICFs.
Incredibly, the cost of living in an ICF home is no higher—and may be cheaper—than living in a regular house. Here’s the math:
The Insulating Concrete Forms Association (ICFA) estimates that ICFs cost 3% to 5% more than frame building. That’s about $10,000 for a $250,000 house. Financed with a conventional 30-year loan at 6.5%, it will add $62.55 to the monthly mortgage. However, because the homeowner will be saving at least that much on energy bills, the actual monthly cash outlay is less. In other words, when energy costs are considered, it’s actually less expensive to live in an ICF house. All of the other benefits—like quiet interiors, less maintenance, and disaster-proof walls—are added bonuses at no extra cost.
Crocker says, “A traditional builder sells what you can see: kitchens, master bedrooms, all the elements that have nothing to do with the structure. The value we offer is in the structure itself, and what it will do from day one for the occupant.”

 

Energy Wise …. Don’t buy a Home Without it

EnergyWise Guarantees You’ll Get 50 to 70% Energy Savings on Your Monthly Home Energy Bills!
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EnergyWise has developed the MOST comprehensive, easy-to-understand construction plan review and modification program available anywhere. Our proprietary software was derived from the experience of NASA thermal consultants on the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs. This unique tool allows us to create a detailed energy analysis report from each building plan we review. The report accurately projects the heating and cooling consumption, comparative savings, and the optimal heating and cooling system sizing for your unique home or building. Best of all, the energy usage calculations and incredible energy savings are GUARANTEED in writing! Learn more…

If you, or anyone you know, is thinking of building a new home, the EnergyWise “systems approach” will help save time, money and a lot of energy.
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When it comes to ultra energy efficiency, total comfort, and healthier indoor air, EnergyWise has the answers based on having designed over 40,000 homes and commercial buildings. The EnergyWise “systems approach” takes the guesswork out of properly heating and cooling any home and also highlights all the inherent benefits of building the ultra energy

 

Sip’s Achieve High-Energy Efficiency

Here’s A Look At How Using SIPs Can Attain High-Energy Efficiency And Improve Home Construction
By Scott Bergford, Owner, Scott Homes, Inc.
July 6, 2009
HousingZone

Building with SIPs has resulted in a 60 percent reduction in costs to heat our homes. Customers love the lower utility bills.
In light of rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, more homebuyers are focusing on the energy efficiency of their new home’s design and construction. It’s a home attribute that’s gone from a “nice to have” to being a deciding factor for many people.
Achieving dramatic improvements in home energy efficiency requires advanced building techniques and products, not simply doing existing things better. Think of it like a horse versus a car: no matter how well you feed and train the horse, it will never run as fast as a car.
To improve energy performance, meet other green building goals, and streamline the building process, my company has been usingstructural insulated panels (SIPs) for the past 12 years. In conjunction with double-pane, low-e, energy spacer glazing and hydronic radiant floor heating systems, building with SIPs has resulted in a 60 percent reduction in costs to heat our homes. For many of our SIP homes, it costs only $200-$300 per year to heat them. These numbers are significantly lower than what the costs are to heat the average home in Western Washington State where we build.
If you’ve been thinking about trying SIPs, it’s not hard to get started and there are numerous benefits. As a builder, we love SIPS because they enable us to dry in a house much faster, the walls are stronger than stick built, they always are straight and plumb, we have significant reduction in call-backs, we’re able to easily qualify for EnergyStar and Built Green® certification requirements, it’s easier to market and sell our homes because of the significant energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality, and we have extremely happy customers.
My customers tell us they love their SIP-built homes because they feel more comfortable and that the home gives them peace of mind due to its solid, quality construction, durability, and the healthy clean air environment. And, they LOVE the lower utility bills!

Structural Insulated Panels consist of two outer skins of oriented strand board and ann inner core of expanded polystyrene that are laminated together.
Energy Savings
SIPs are prefabricated structural and insulated components used to build walls, ceilings and floors. They consist of two outer skins of oriented strand board (OSB) and an inner core of expanded polystyrene laminated together to form a monolithic building panel with extreme energy efficiency.
They replace conventional stud or stick frame construction and need no additional insulation or skeleton for support. Because SIPs houses have fewer joints, it’s easier and cheaper to create a tight building envelope than when building with stick framing and fiberglass batts or spray-in insulation.
The U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has conducted many tests on building with SIPS. One important evaluation is comparing blower door tests of SIPs homes versus stick-framing. They found that SIPs reduce air leakage by about 90 percent, while also providing a higher overall R value for the completed wall. The benefits are so consistent that EnergyStar removed the requirement for a blower door test on a gas heat system in order to certify a SIP built house. Another test demonstrated that the whole house insulation value of a SIP wall is much greater than a stick built wall. You can see the results on the Structural Insulated Panel Association’s Web site.
Washington State University ran independent tests on three of our SIP homes and estimated the energy consumption to be 60 percent less per year than for a typical 2,250 square-foot house.
Another financial benefit to consider beyond the ongoing energy savings is the availability of federal, state and local tax credits and deductions for energy efficient building practices, such as SIPs. All our homes in the last two years have qualified for the $2,000 Federal energy tax credit!

Additional Green Benefits

In addition to superior energy efficiency, SIPs construction supports environmentally responsible building in several other ways, including indoor air quality, waste reduction, and recyclability.
Indoor air quality
Next to energy efficiency, indoor environmental health and air quality are typically top of mind with homeowners when it comes to building green. By creating a tight building envelope, SIPs help stop pollen, mold, dust and other irritants and pollutants from seeping in. Some manufacturers’ SIPs also do not contain formaldehyde or other off-gassing components that can negatively impact indoor air.

Waste reduction

We’re all familiar with the large dumpsters required to hold framing material waste at the typical job site. In many ways, it’s become an expected cost of doing business and is typically seen as just the way things are. However, using SIPs eliminates large volumes of wood waste – up to two thirds. The SIPs manufacturer cuts all of the pieces in their factory, eliminating much of the need for builders to cut lumber to length on site. This not only helps the environment, but also reduces labor costs and disposal fees.
Recyclability
Many SIPs are completely recyclable, including both the OSB, as well as the insulating foam core. Depending on the product, the foam core itself may include recycled content. Check with the manufacturer to see what amount they may be using.

Bottom Line Advantages

While building green is important, we also use SIPs because they help speed construction and create happy homeowners – both critical for profitability and long-term success.

Fast Construction

SIPs install much faster than stick framing. Because the structural elements and insulation come in an integrated piece, there’s no need for separate framing, insulating and sheathing work. Plus, the electrical chases are pre-cut so there’s no need to drill through studs for wiring. The window and door openings are also pre-cut, including curved doors and other complex features. As a result, we can dry-in a home within a matter of days, instead of weeks.
Quality finishes
The large, one-piece panels arrive at the job site straight and square, and are easy to install plumb. They eliminate the waviness that can be difficult to avoid in stud walls. Their straightness not only creates a better-looking wall, but also provides even anchor points for cabinets and smoother operating windows and doors.

SIPs are fairly straightforward to place and attach to the foundation or to other framing members.

Getting Started

Although most builders have not used SIPs, they are pretty easy to get used to. The primary requirement is a willingness to try something new. For an experienced framing crew, learning to work with SIPs typically only takes a few hours.
SIPs suppliers and distributors typically provide detailed assistance, from design through construction. For example, ourSIPs manufacturer, Premier Building Systems, works closely with us on design, integrating SIPs from the beginning. In other cases, they can readily convert a stick-framed design to one with SIPs. They then make the panels and deliver them to our job site ready to install.
The panels are fairly straightforward to place and attach to the foundation or to other framing members. Once installed, it’s critical to seal all joints between panels and other framing components with mastics, tape or other sealants to provide a tight envelope. The manufacturer will provide details on which methods and products are required with their SIPs.
As far as other aspects of construction, working with SIPs is similar to conventional framing. Because they are wood sheathed, they are easy to fasten finishing materials to with screws or nails.

Conclusion

Once we started using SIPs, we decided to never go back to stick framing. My customers say they can immediately see and feel the difference in our structural insulated panel built homes. With the benefits to customers, builders, and the environment, we believe that most homes will eventually be built with SIPs.
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About the Author
Scott Bergford is the owner of Scott Homes, a custom builder in Olympia, Washington, committed to green homebuilding and state-of-the-art construction practices. His company was honored as the 2009 “Builder of the Year” in the EnergyValue Housing Awards hosted by the NAHB Research Center and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

 

GOVT INCENTIVES FOR ICF’S

ICF Incentives Abound
Federal, state, and municipal governments currently offer a number of temporary programs beneficial to ICFs.  The incentives are designed to jumpstart the sluggish construction market, which is a major factor in the current economic slowdown.
DJ Ketelhut, sales director for the Eastern U.S. for Quad-Lock Building Systems, summarized many of the incentives in a recent company newsletter saying, “Whether you are an end-user, builder, contractor, or a salesperson, you will gain a competitive advantage by understanding these plans and communicating them with your clients or customers.”
In addition to the first-time homebuyer credit offered by state and national government, there are a host of energy credits that ICF buildings can easily qualify for.
These include:

United States
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Energy Policy Act
Homeowner/Residential

• Home Tax Credit, 30% tax credit up to $1500
• $500 tax credit for energy efficient home improvements
• Residential Builder tax credit of $2000 for building more energy efficient homes

Commercial

• $1.80 sq/ft tax deduction for buildings that achieve 50% reduction in energy consumption
• Partial credits of up to $.60 sq/ft are available for† upgrades to the building envelope
• 10 billion allocated for “greening” schools through Collaborative High Performance Schools (CHPS) program

Canada
Home Renovation Tax Credit

• 1  Up to $1350 on eligible expenditures

EcoEnergy Retrofit Grant

• 1  Grants up to $5000

EcoEnergy Retrofit Incentive for Buildings

• Up to 25% of eligible project costs or $50,000 (up to $250,000 per organization)

Additional details on these programs can be found online at: www.doe.gov, www.energystar.com, www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc, www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ECOENERGY-ECOENERGIE/index-eng.cfm.

 

EPS REDUCES GLOBAL WARMING

ICF News Roundup EPS Reduces Global Warming According to a new study sponsored by the EPS Molders Association (EPSMA), expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is one of the most sustainable building products in the world. The study, titled Energy and Greenhouse Gas Savings for EPS Foam Insulation Applied to Exterior Walls of Single Family Residential Housing in the U.S. and Canada, found that the energy and emissions used to create EPS is far outweighed by the environmental benefits of it’s insulation. EPS insulation can return up to 200 times the amount of energy required to produce it, and can reduce emissions by up to 100 times when compared to the emissions produced during the manufacturing process. The life cycle study concluded the savings from adding EPS insulation are both substantial and rapid, providing a 100% payback anywhere in North America in less than two years. It also provides significant energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions over the long-term. For more information, visit www.epsma.org. ICFA Revises Dues Structure In a bid to attract new and former members, the Insulating Concrete Forms Association (ICFA) has significantly revised its dues structure. The new system still has six different membership categories, but unlike the old system, the cost of membership is proportional to the size of the business. “Primary Members” have been rebranded “ICF System Members,” and dues in this category are based on product volume shipped semi-annually. “Associate Members,” which provide raw materials to the industry, pay only $500 under the new system if gross revenue on ICF-related business is less than $1 million annually.  This is a significant decrease from the previous $3,000 flat charge. Associates who voluntarily choose to pay a larger amount as dues can become “sustaining members.” Contractor, Distributor, and Professional members all fall under the same dues structure.  If ICF-related business is less than $1million annually, dues is $250.  For revenues between 1 and 2.5 million, dues is $500. Steve Heller, executive director at ICFA, says most former and potential members will find the change significantly reduces the price of membership.   He expects rising membership numbers to offset the lower dues. For membership information or to view the entire dues structure, visit www.forms.org. Fire Sprinkler Update As reported in Dec. 2008 issue, the 2009 International Residential Code will require automatic fire sprinklers in all new one-and two-family homes.  The vote would have failed by 2-to-1 margin if not for the sudden appearance of more than 900 fire officials who voted, then left the meeting. Now the NAHB has filed an appeal, claiming the International Code Council failed to provide a fair and open voting process during the final hearing in September. In the letter, NAHB asked the ICC to “take immediate action to eliminate the influence of third-party funding in the voting process” and “undertake corrective action … by restoring the principle of balance… in the selection of voting representatives.” The ICC has not yet set a date for hearing NAHB’s appeal. However, interested parties are invited to respond to the appeal by submitting their views in writing to mpfeiffer@iccsafe.org and to participate in the appeals hearing. Logix  Manufactures in Hawaii Logix Insulated Concrete Forms Ltd. will begin manufacturing in Hawaii effective July 2009. The plant will manufacture a full line-up of 6.25” and 8” knockdown blocks. The company anticipates adding other elements of the company’s extensive product line over time. “Establishing manufacturing in the state of Hawaii is the next stage of our expansion plan,” notes Andy Lennox, vice president of marketing at the company.  “We’ve recently added manufacturing capabilities in Minnesota and in California, as well,” he notes. Tom Smerchanski, one of the owners of Logix, says, “The current economic downturn presents challenges, but it also presents a great opportunity to separate yourself from the pack. Unlike most of our competitors, we are aggressively expanding… our distribution network, marketing capabilities, product offerings and manufacturing capacity.” With the expansion, the company is actively looking for a Territory Manager to oversee operations in this Pacific paradise.  Distributor inquiries are also welcome. LiteForm Sets “100% Recycle” Goal LiteForm Technologies has launched an initiative to use 100% recycled (re-grind) EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) in selected lines of their ICF forming systems. According to the company, the move was prompted by environmental concerns about depleting and wasting valuable resources. New EPS molding equipment and processes allow this Nebraska-based firm to intercept EPS scrap from local building contractors and incidental “consumer” scrap and recycle it into durable EPS building products.  EPS scrap from LiteForm’s operation is automatically captured and recycled, also. Currently, this discarded EPS is a major contributor to local landfills and dumps.             Lite-Deck Top Hats made from 100% regrind are already available.  The company is currently expanding the process to other product lines. ICF Flipbook Available The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has added another title to its popular pitch book marketing tools. The new Insulating Concrete Construction book is designed to be an easy-to-understand overview of how to build energy efficient and disaster resistant concrete commercial buildings. Designed for homeowners, architect, and commercial developers unfamiliar with ICFs, it lays out the benefits and features of insulated concrete buildings. Even the newest ICF salesperson or concrete promoter can speak with confidence, thanks to the book’s everyday language and explanatory graphics. The professionally produced flipbook can be presented over a cup of coffee, during a one-on-one meeting, or customized with a company-specific logo. A PowerPoint presentation (on disk) is included with the flipbook for an even more effective lunch-and-learn presentation. “The flipbook series has been very popular and with good reason – a sometimes the low-tech, simple approach produces the best results,” said Glenn Ochsenreiter, NRMCA’s senior vice president of marketing. “This marketing tool will be very helpful in advancing insulating concrete construction.” Like other flipbooks, each page presents attractive, clear and compelling information about the product on the viewer’s side of the page, while the reverse contains additional information only visible to the presenter.  “This helps every promoter stay organized, reinforce the key points and also cover additional helpful information to support the specifier,” says Jon Hansen, who developed the flipbook in conjunction with the editor of ICF Builder Magazine.

 

SIP’S SAVE UP TO 60% ON HVAC

A growing building technique – structural insulated panels (SIPs) – is helping Americans reduce home energy use. Compared to traditional “stickbuilt” construction, SIPs save homeowners up to 60% on monthly utility bills.

According to Premier Building Systems, North America’s largest SIPs manufacturer: SIPs are large, pre-made wall, roof or floor sections using high-strength wood panels sandwiching a rigid insulating foam core. They replace the wall studs and fiberglass rolls or blown-in insulation builders typically use. Because SIPs come in large sections up to 8 ft. by 24 ft., they have fewer gaps needing sealing.

“A SIP house has fewer joints, less complicated interfaces between conditioned and unconditioned spaces, and it is dramatically easier to make it tight,” says Sam Rashkin, National Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star for Homes program. In tests using large blowers, the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s (USDOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that rooms built with SIPs have 90 percent less air leakage than typical rooms.

A tight, well-insulated SIP home saves energy in both hot and cold climates. “It only costs an average of $200 to $300 a year to heat one of my SIP homes,” says Scott Bergford, Owner, Scott Homes – Builder of the Year in the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and USDOE’s 2009 EnergyValue Housing Awards. “That’s anywhere from one-fifth to one-sixth the typical costs for this region,” adds the Olympia, Washington-based builder.

“While SIPS have been around for several decades, they are getting more attention as homeowners and commercial building owners are looking to build green,” says James Hodgson, general manager of Premier Building Systems. “The energy savings are pretty dramatic, and a SIP home or building costs about the same as wood frame construction.”

In addition to saving energy, SIPs help seal out pollutants such as radon, molds, and pollen for healthier indoor air, and reduce construction waste up to 60% by eliminating the need to cut studs, joists and other framing materials on site.

“A SIP home is a true green structure that looks just like any other home,” adds Hodgson. “SIPs fit with any architectural style, and virtually any floor plan can be easily converted to SIPs construction. Plus they are far stronger and straighter than buildings framed on site.”

This article was prepared by Real Estate & Investment Business editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Real Estate & Investment Business via VerticalNews.com.

 

NEW EVALUATION REPORT FOR SIP’S

SIPA offers evaluation report for SIP manufacturers

May 01, 2009
by  Press release

The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) finalized an industry-wide evaluation report that will streamline building code acceptance for manufacturers of energy-efficient structural insulated panels (SIPs).  The report will provide SIP manufacturers with independent third-party structural testing, quality control, and other data required for compliance with building codes.

Currently, individual SIP manufacturers develop and maintain proprietary evaluation reports that contain structural load tables, fire code compliance, quality control guidelines, and other product application information.  Code officials can reference these reports, available to the public, when evaluating new construction projects.

The new industry-wide evaluation report will be owned and operated by SIPA.  Association members will have the option of using the SIPA evaluation report and manufacturing products that meet the structural requirements and other specifications in the report.

According to SIPA Executive Director Bill Wachtler, having the same product specifications among many SIPA member manufacturers will simplify code approvals for participating members.

“SIPs have been considered an alternative construction technology for some time and this has caused issues in the code approval process,” said Wachtler.  “The shared evaluation report will consolidate many manufacturers currently producing under different evaluation reports onto a single report with excellent quality assurance and clear product specifications.”

Manufacturers listed on the SIPA report must produce SIPs that meet the required structural performance in the report.  Participating members will also be subject to a standardized quality assurance program provided by third-party certification agency NTA, Inc., who developed the evaluation report. NTA, Inc. is a Nappanee, IN-based testing agency that specializes in product certification and testing for the modular and manufactured home industries.

“Quality control is an essential element of the shared report,” said Wachtler.  “The rigorous quality assurance program administered by NTA will bring uniform quality assurance standards to the SIP industry and further SIPA’s commitment to quality SIP production.”

Standardized product specifications also make it easier for architects and engineers to incorporate SIPs into their designs.  Instead of dealing with multiple sets of structural performance data from different manufacturers, design professionals can reference the single evaluation report that covers products from many SIPA member manufacturers across the U.S. and Canada.

“I see the report as a huge benefit for designers,” said Damian Pataluna, President of Louisville, KY-based SIP manufacturer FischerSIPS and a SIPA Board member.  “Narrowing multiple manufacturers down to one uniform set of load tables will make much it easier for designers and architects to engineer buildings using a consistent set of data.”

Wachtler noted that part of SIPA’s motivation in offering a shared report was to reduce the cost of code compliance for its members.  As a requirement for association membership, SIP manufacturers must provide evidence of code compliance and have an ongoing contract with a certified quality assurance provider.  The cost of the evaluation report, its maintenance, and future product testing is shared by the SIP manufacturers using the report.

Changes and improvements to structural insulated panel technology will likewise be shared across the industry through the evaluation report.

“Because we are all working together as one large group it will be more cost-effective to get new products added to the evaluation report,” said Pataluna.  “Alternative panel skins and cores instantly become available to all SIPA members listed on the SIPA evaluation report.  In turn, these products will also be made available to consumers on a faster basis.”
SIPA’s shared evaluation report is currently available to SIPA members.  Interested SIP manufacturers are encouraged to contact Mary Jane Hominda at maryjane@sips.org or 253-858-7472.

Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a non-profit association representing manufacturers, suppliers, dealer/distributors, design professionals, and builders committed to providing quality structural insulated panels for all segments of the construction industry.

 

Nationwide Energy Efficient Building Codes by 2010

Building energy efficiency advocates have high hopes that the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) of 2009 will be the first law to mandate more energy-efficient building codes.  Section 201 of the proposed legislation calls for a 30 percent increase in energy efficiency for residential buildings within just one year of enactment, using the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as a baseline.  This would be followed by an increase to 50 percent by 2014, and an additional 5 percent increase every three years until 2029.  Commercial buildings follow a similar pattern, using the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1-2004 as the baseline.

Code enforcement, however, is where such federal provisions move into unprecedented territory.  Code development is typically handled by code-setting organizations like the International Code Council (ICC) or ASHRAE, who develop model building codes through an open forum process.  States, counties and even local municipalities then adopt versions of the model codes entirely at their own discretion, and often with region-specific amendments.  One look at this map, published by the Building Codes Assistance Project, and you will see the wide variation in energy codes across the nation.

Under the ACES, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is charged with the task of working alongside code-setting organizations to draft a new national energy code that meets the aggressive reductions outlined in the bill.  States would be required to adopt the national energy code or demonstrate that their own local codes meet an equivalent level of energy-efficiency within one year of the completion of the national code.  The bill takes this a step further by mandating that states demonstrate to the DOE that new buildings are code compliant and the state is properly enforcing the code.

Tightening the nation’s building energy codes has long been a goal of numerous environmental groups and energy-efficiency advocates, such as the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition, theAlliance to Save Energy, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and countless others.  With buildings accounting for more than one-third of national energy use and 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, and with energy-saving technologies like structural insulated panels (SIPs) readily available, mandatory energy-efficiency measures are low hanging fruit in the fight against climate change.

Opponents of more energy-efficient building codes have been largely successful in blocking such code changes in private code-setting organizations by claiming they would increase the cost of construction, hurt an already reeling housing market, and make housing unaffordable for the average homeowner.  But serious reductions like those proposed by Congress offer homeowners significant savings on energy over the life of the home that can outweigh any incremental up front costs. It is up to the DOE to determine how these energy reductions will be met and how it can be done cost-effectively for homeowners.

Most likely, building envelope improvements will be part of new energy code.  Research has shown that in many climates building envelope improvements are an extremely cost-efficient way to reduce energy use.  One DOE project currently underway is seeking to determine the best and most cost-effective building envelope technologies by building four identical homes in Lenoir City, TN.  SIPs are one of the systems under examination in the ZEBRAlliance Project, which is a collaborative of the DOE-funded Oak Ridge National Laboratory and other private organizations devoted to building energy-efficient homes on par with the proposed new energy codes in the ACES.

Building code improvement is only a small part of the many energy and climate change initiatives in the ACES.  You can read a complete summary of bill from the Alliance to Save Energy and follow its progress through Congress on <a style="color:#a0091a;text-decoration:none;margin:0;padding:2px;"