Images Courtesy Enercept
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Enercept has pioneered sustainable building since 1981, when they became one of the first to manufacture structural insulated panels (SIPs). With the use of these super insulated, factory fabricated and environmentally friendly framing solutions, homeowners and builders can benefit from reduced build time, lower skilled labor requirements, improved durability and resilience, and higher energy efficiency performance,
With a foundational commitment to innovation and excellence, Enercept has a national reputation for delivering highly customized SIPs. The Enercept team and a network of experienced dealers provide environmentally friendly framing-and-insulation solutions for residential homes, commercial buildings, and agricultural structures. They’re always ready to tackle new design challenges.
The most customizable SIP homes on the market
Enercept believes homeowners shouldn’t have to sacrifice vision to build sustainably. Enercept has a library of pre-designed, conceptual plans, which could form the basis of your new home and be helpful in refining your ideas in terms of style, square footage, and price range. These plans can also serve as a jumping-off point for a custom design through Enercept’s network of designers and architects. If you are looking for a way to execute your existing plans, their design team will work with your architect to define the components that will execute your vision quickly and accurately with SIPs.
But the important question is, what are the limitations in designing with SIPs? “Based on my experience I think we can we can do pretty much anything residential. There’s a limit to the height… but there’s not many limitations when you combine proper engineering with SIP panels,” Chuck Pfeiffer, Enercept Regional Sales Manager, responded. “You could jot down your dream house on a cocktail napkin, and we’ll find a way to put it together.”
From the earliest stages, the Enercept design team helps determine the optimal SIPs layout for every project. Enercept drafters then create panelized construction drawings to exacting specifications. They embrace creative design elements with detailing, unique shapes, or irregular openings. Complex rooflines and joins are actually easier to execute on site with precision prefabricated components.
Featured home: Rosenvold Timber Frame Home, Minnesota
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Advantages of SIP panels
Why use SIP construction? It solves many problems encountered with traditional stick frame construction. SIPs are made of rigid foam insulation enclosed between two oriented strand boards (OSB). Enercept builds insulated panels in their factory, custom-tailored to the specific project. Then they’re quickly assembled on-site.
Compared to traditional construction, SIP construction offers
- Faster installation times: SIPs are factory-made, so they can be built during site development and foundation work. SIP construction also bypasses many of the supply chain and labor shortage issues faced by builders in recent years.
- Less waste: Off-site construction means less waste at the build site and less disposal costs. Often, the exterior framing waste of an Enercept home can be hauled away in a single 55-gallon container.
- Increased energy efficiency: SIPs create an airtight building envelope that virtually eliminates heat losses. The result is significant energy cost savings throughout the life of the home. Compared to conventional stick-built structures of similar size, SIP homes offer energy savings up to 60%.
- Healthier indoor air quality: Airtight SIP construction helps prevent outdoor allergens and pollution from entering the home.
- Durability: Instead of hundreds of joins between framing and sheathing, SIPs distribute loads across the entire panel and adhere to rigid quality control standards.
- Extra conditioned space: Vaulted ceilings can make even small homes feel larger. And with insulated roof panels, a loft or conditioned attic space can be used for bedrooms, storage, or a bonus room.
Featured home: Custom Family Lodge, Arizona
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Experience and reputation count
From architects envisioning groundbreaking designs to builders erecting affordable tract or multifamily housing, a customer-focused SIP manufacturer can help. Enercept builds insulated panels off-site, custom-tailored to the specific project. Then they’re quickly assembled on-site.
- Quality materials: Enercept sources premium materials from trusted suppliers. Robust insulation and structural support bring longevity and durability.
- Precision manufacturing: Enercept uses computer-aided design and manufacturing to accurately size and cut the SIPs. Skilled workers then fit the panels together, reducing air leakage and improving energy efficiency.
- Customization: Standard floor plans are helpful, but tailored solutions cater to the unique demands of your home’s design and climate setting.
- Testing and certification: Enercept undergoes third-party testing for structural stability, fire resistance, and thermal performance. Membership in the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) serves as a hallmark of quality and reliability.
- Technical support: Enercept provides support at every stage of the construction journey, from engineering insights to installation assistance.
- Environmental responsibility:
- Enercept panels are made with oriented strand board (OSB) produced from fast-growing, small-diameter trees harvested from farms. No old-growth timber needed.
- They are committed to low waste. All scrap foam and wood from Enercept SIPs production is ground and recycled.
- Enercept SIP structures are compatible with USGBC LEED and ENERGY STAR home certifications.
- Cost-effectiveness: Enercept balances competitive pricing with excellent service and product quality. In a tighter structure, right-sizing HVAC systems helps reduce both build and operating costs.
- On-time delivery and logistics: Time is money, so Enercept prioritizes on-time delivery and easy logistics.
- Precutting windows and electrical channels means quicker time to move-in.
- The insulated roof and wall panels arrive at the job site stacked for speedy assembly.
- Enercept goes beyond industry standard practice, installing frames and headers for all windows and doors, which can shave considerable time off a build.
- Warranty: Many SIP panel suppliers offer 20-year warranties, but Enercept offers a limited lifetime guarantee. This long-term commitment shows faith in their materials and the durability of their SIPs. They have many years in the business, standing by their products.
Featured home: Elm Tree Residence, North Dakota
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Dream homes become reality
Building a SIP home with Enercept anywhere in the US starts with a free, no obligation, project estimate.
After reviewing the package with Enercept, a project kicks off with an initial down payment. An experienced Enercept drafter will generate detailed plans for the SIPs’ manufacture and how the build will be constructed. As site prep proceeds, Enercept will start manufacturing your SIPs. A project manager and production scheduler guide clients through the process and keep progress on track.
Panels arrive at the construction site, and the builder and electrician have all the information they need to assemble the structure. Enercept’s free virtual on-site assistance, available nationwide, supports builders to ensure quality, hassle-free installation.
As more consumers demand high performance homes, there is a large pool of experienced SIPs builders. Your SIP home will be airtight and durable. They offer low-maintenance reliability and significant energy savings throughout the life of the structure. From simple structures to architectural masterpieces, Enercept drafters can create a fully customized panel layout. And Enercept has been building SIPs for longer than almost anyone else.
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