building envelope

We utilize several strategies to provide economic and energy saving solutions.  Methods employed vary depending on site, local codes and owner requirements.  Although these methods are proven to be effective, it is the owner/occupant’s responsible environmental practices which truly affect performance.

structural insulated panels

structural insulated panel

Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s) are a composite building material which is comprised of a sandwich of two layers of structural board with a layer of insulating material between.  The structural board may consist of cement, metal or engineered wood and can be finished like any conventional building.  This material may be utilized for walls, floors or roofs and carries a significant R-value compared to conventional building methods at less expense.  Significant savings can be achieved in speed of construction, on-site material waste and cost.

insulating concrete forms

insulated concrete form

Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF’s) are modular interlocking concrete forms made of foam insulation which are connected by plastic or steel connectors or ties.  Once the forms are erected, steel re-bar is placed where required and concrete is poured into the hollow cores and left to cure.  Once cured, the foam form-work is left in place and can be finished by conventional means.  Foundations walls built with ICF’s are typically faster, easier and cost the same or less compared to masonry or cast-in-place concrete.  ICF’s can be used in place of other above-grade situations giving the benefit of durability, thermal mass and energy efficiency.

dual pane low-e glazing

Dual Pane Low-E windows provide a superior insulating value compared to standard windows by utilizing an inert gas airspace between two panes of glass.  By this process, a thermal barrier is achieved between the inside and outside environment.  A low-emissivity coating is applied on the glass within the airspace that reflects thermal radiation which inhibits heat transfer through the glass.  In effect, the low-e coating reduces heat loss but allows solar radiation to pass through into a room thus allowing the room to be warmed by direct sunshine.  A conventional single pane will give you an R-value of approximately 0.85 while the R-value for a dual pane low-e window can range between 2.7 and 3.6.