Are SIP Homes Hurricane Proof?

In recognition of Hurricane Preparedness Week I thought I’d offer the SIP perspective on building a structure that can withstand much of what Mother Nature can dish out. SIPs have a notable history of surviving direct hits from the devastating winds of a hurricane while their traditionally framed neighboring structures often shatter into sticks. I have […]

A Blower Door Test Doesn’t Lie

As the HERS rater set up his equipment he explained to the audience, including the homeowner and the GC, what  he was doing.  The homeowner was interested because the test had been included as a way to confirm good workmanship and the future benefit of energy savings. The GC was interested because this was his […]

Vertical Chases in Every SIP Panel?

Conversations with those new to SIPs inevitably turn to concerns and questions on how to run electrical through structural insulated panels. Most assume that the solid core of a SIP thwarts the efforts of your electrician to efficiently run wires through walls and roof. In actuality, with a bit of preplanning and knowledgeable SIP installers,...

Sizing HVAC for Your SIP Home

The following question was in my Inbox this morning. Does SIPA have any contacts in the "HVAC world" regarding proper sizing of HVAC equipment for SIP homes?  At the 2015 Annual Meeting the Structural Insulated Panel Association announced that SIPA had entered into a buying agreement with the folks at NORESCO, LLC to offer discounts...

Are SIP Homes Hurricane Proof?

In recognition of Hurricane Preparedness Week I thought I'd offer the SIP perspective on building a structure that can withstand much of what Mother Nature can dish out. SIPs have a notable history of surviving direct hits from the devastating winds of a hurricane while their traditionally framed neighboring structures often shatter into sticks. I have...

Does an OSB Spline Really Work With My SIP Design?

 I received the following email last week from a consumer who has questions about using splines in SIP walls and roofs. I’ve been researching SIP manufacturers and have a question no one has satisfactorily answered for me. Panels that I have seen in demonstration use a block spline for joining panels although one had framing...

My House isn’t Solar Ready, Yet

I recently had an amiable conversation with the Sales Manager from a well established Solar PV Distributor. During our conversation he asked if I had photovoltiacs mounted on the roof of my home.  Now anyone that's ever sat in one of my classes knows that I firmly believe the cheapest alternative energy is that which...

A Blower Door Test Doesn’t Lie

As the HERS rater set up his equipment he explained to the audience, including the homeowner and the GC, what  he was doing.  The homeowner was interested because the test had been included as a way to confirm good workmanship and the future benefit of energy savings. The GC was interested because this was his...

To Vent or Not to Vent, That is the Question

I received an email today from a homeowner whose architect and GC wanted justification from a SIP expert regarding the question of roof venting on a SIP structure. The roof detail that provides “back-venting” is often called a “cold-roof”. However, in the context of SIPs, it would be far more accurate to refer to the...

Mr. Cobb goes to Washington – Al’s efforts to promote the SAVE Act

I thought our followers would be interested in Al's meeting today with Senator Manchin's Energy and Tax Council in Washington DC.  Below is Al's letter to Senator Manchin in support of the SAVE Act. June 25, 2012 Dear Senator Manchin: I am writing to encourage you to support the Sensible Accounting to Value Energy (SAVE)...