ABOUT SIPS HOMES

"SIP buildings are vastly more energy efficient, stronger, quieter, and more draft free than other building systems, such as stud framing with fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is sometimes used for furnace filters because air moves through so freely. Rigid insulation is used as solid component insulation in almost every industry for its inherent efficiency and lack of air movement. These attributes are built right into a SIP building. Less air leakage means fewer drafts, less noise, lower energy bills, and a much more comfortable indoor environment." -- Structural Insulated Panel Association web site--

New Homes that have earned an Energy Star rating, are supposed to be 15% more energy-efficient than a typical new home.  According to the Energy Star web site, the average annual savings for an energy star certified new home is $300.    Our SIPS home easily EXCEED Energy-Star's most stringent criteria, earning the highest rating of "5-Star PLUS".  One of our home owners has kept track of their home's performance.  Over the last few years,  the Pennsylvania family of 4 has had a total energy cost of less than $300 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR!!!

Many traditional "stick-frame" builders advertise their homes as energy-efficient. They are what we call "band-aid houses". They begin with the same old fiberglass insulated structure they have been building for years. Then, in order to make their homes more efficient, they begin to add band-aids - a little caulk here, some tape there, and maybe a can of spray foam. But even with all their band-aids applied, the performance of their homes can't begin to compete with the performance of a SIPS home.

SIPS homes can be any design and style, can fit in any neighborhood, and can utilize traditional interior (drywall, paneling, etc.) and exterior (stone, stucco, etc.) finish materials.

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SIPS HOME ADVANTAGES

"SIP buildings are vastly more energy efficient, stronger, quieter, and more draft free than other building systems, such as stud framing with fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is sometimes used for furnace filters because air moves through so freely. Rigid insulation is used as solid component insulation in almost every industry for its inherent efficiency and lack of air movement. These attributes are built right into a SIP building. Less air leakage means fewer drafts, less noise, lower energy bills, and a much more comfortable indoor environment." -- Structural Insulated Panel Association web site--

  Advantages of a SIPS home:

       - Energy costs can be reduced by 70% or more - easily exceeding Energy Star's highest rating of "5 Star +"

       - Homes are quieter - great for windy or high traffic/noise areas

         - Homes have better indoor air quality which is especially helpful for allergies and other health conditions

       - Homes are 2 to 3 times stronger and more durable than traditional stick-built homes

       - EXCEEDS 2012 IRC Building Code energy requirements - now mandated in Maryland

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard by which a home's energy efficiency is measured. It’s also the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home's energy performance.

                      SIPS HOME REPAIRS

If you are considering building a SIPS home, you will definitely want it built by a SIPA registered MASTER BUILDER like Bridlewood. By using a builder without proper training and years of experience, your dream home can easily turn into a nightmare. How can this happen? Read the article written by Al Cobb, owner of the SIPS School:

Unfortunately, there are SIPS homes that were built by untrained, inexperienced, or uncaring builders.  Bridlewood is one of the few companies qualified to assess damage to, and repair SIPS homes, ensuring that repairs are made correctly.

Bridlewood frequently receives calls from frustrated home owners who tried to save money by hiring a builder not experienced in building SIPS homes.  We do what we can to help out, but unfortunately, correcting the mistakes of others usually means the  owner ends up paying twice for what should have been done right the first time.  Remember the old saying, " You get what you pay for! "

Bridlewood Builders is committed to the practice of building it right the first time.  As building science continues to make advances, we are always learning and seeking the latest in best practices.   We will probably never be the low cost bidder on a job, but we will always be the best value.