Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) in Vermont

Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs are a sandwich assembly consisting of a lightweight EPS (expanded polystyrene) core glued between two sheets of Oriented Strand Board (O.S.B.). The lamination process is performed under carefully controlled conditions, insuring a quality product. The panels create a system which provides high load bearing capabilities, exceptional insulation, and an uninterrupted wall surface, all in one. The system is designed to be mounted over timber framing or can be used as a standalone product. Either way, SIPs form an uninterrupted insulating blanket with an R-value much greater than that of conventional walls with fiberglass insulation.

Throughout the country, Timber Frame construction is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. The structural skeleton of a Post and Beam home is stronger and more aesthetically pleasing than conventionally framed structures. At one time, insulating a post and beam structure demanded stud wall framing and conventional fiberglass insulation, which diminished the beauty of the exposed timbers. Today however, timber frame buildings can be enclosed in a new, more cost-effective way with laminated stress-skin panel systems (Structural Insulated Panels) from Tanguay Homes of Newport, Vermont .

 

An EPS core has been selected because of it strength and low rate of heat transfer. In addition, polystyrene is an inert non-formaldehyde, moisture and mildew resistant material that can withstand temperature cycling.

Tanguay Homes of Newport, Vermont installs Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for:

• Timber Frame Structures
• Log Homes
• Residential Dwellings
• Commercial Buildings
• Steel Frames
• Agriculture Systems
  

Structural Insulated Panels(SIPs) began in 1935 at the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin.
Test homes were constructed and watched for over 30 years and then disassembled. There goal was to see if the panels could take a portion of the structural load.
During this time period SIPs took a major jump forward with the creation of the first foam insulated SIPs by the inventor Alden B. Dow in 1952.
In the 1960's a stiff foam insulating product became available, resulting in the mass production of SIPs.
In the 1990's another great step in technology advanced the construction of SIPs even further.
This was the creation of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). This allowed automatic cutting machines to build SIPs to the certain Structure of the building. This brougt large savings to those that build with SIPs.

 With the construction of SIPs homes that are prefabricates using Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) there are less materials being used thus reducing the damage to the environment that is usually caused by regular construction
Since this type of construction is both quick and affordable the carbon footprint of your building is drastically reduced.
With the building of your SIPs home there is also the reduction in the amount of construction waste, plus your home is built in less time. Allowing you and your family to move into you home quicker.

Today more people are concerned about their health. Studies have shown that poor air quality can lead to sickness such as colds o flues.
Molds, radon and other pollutants which can be found in the common household can cause havoc with our bodies. SIPs can help.
With tight construction and having an efficient Aire Exchange System pollutants will be at a minimum, keeping both you and your family safer.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are helping today's Americans reduce their home energy use.
Compared to traditional built homes a homeowner can save up to 70% on their heating and cooling bills.
The reason for this is because SIPs are large, pre-made walls with a stiff insulating foam core. These types of walls replace the more traditional studs and insulation that most have been built with in the past. 
Since SIPs are constructed using fewer pieces up to 8ft by 24ft, their are fewer areas that need sealing.
SIPs houses are made with fewer joints and it is easier to make it tight thus reducing Air Loss. A well insulated SIPs house will save you money in both Hot and Cold Weather.

Strong Structure: SIPs homes are know to have survived natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
Improved Comfort: With tight construction SIPs homes stay warmer or cooler.
Quick Construction: SIPs homes are quickly costructed using prefabrication allowing you to occupy your home sooner.
Sound Proof: Sound in a SIPs home is drastically reduced because of tight construction.
Cold Proof: What happens when the power goes down, especially when it is cold outside? Well during the 1990's several SIPs homes went without power for well over a week and they never came close to freezing.

Infromation Provided by Foam Laminates of Vermont via: http://www.foamlaminates.com