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S.E.A. Construction has Gone Green! As a leader in residential remodeling, S.E.A. Construction is dedicated to staying at the forefront of technology while keeping the health of the environment in mind. After much research we now have various types of products available that are both economical and environmentally safe. The built environment impacts the environment, social health, and the economy. Green building strategies maximize both economic and environmental performance beneficial to the client and the environment. Green construction can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction. Potential benefits of green building, as stated by the US Environmental Agency includes the following: Environmental benefits Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems Improve air and water quality Reduce waste streams Conserve and restore natural resources Economic benefits Reduce operating costs Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services Improve occupant productivity Optimize life-cycle economic performance Social benefits Enhance occupant comfort and health Heighten aesthetic qualities Minimize strain on local infrastructure Improve overall quality of life You can learn more about green building by visiting the US Environmental Agency Green Building with SIPsA: Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are high performance building panels used in floors, walls, and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings. The panels are typically made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs are manufactured under factory controlled conditions and are custom designed for each home. The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective. A: SIP homes go up faster than traditionally framed buildings. Panels can be manufactured as big as 8- by 24-ft., so entire walls can be put up quickly, reducing dry-in time. SIPs can be supplied as ready to install building components when they arrive at the jobsite, eliminating the time needed to perform individual jobsite operations of framing, insulating and sheathing stick-framed walls. Window and door openings are precut in the panels. Electrical chases are typically provided in the core of panels, so there is no need to drill through studs for wiring. A: Homeowners can save money through decreased construction and labor costs. The superior whole wall R-values and building tightness capable with SIPs allow HVAC equipment to be downsized and ductwork to be minimized. Homeowners can also significantly reduce jobsite waste disposal and temporary heat during construction. Homeowners that incorporate other energy efficient features with SIP construction can benefit from the energy efficiency of a SIP home with reductions in heating and cooling costs of 50 percent or more possible and may, qualify for Energy Efficient Mortgages, and enjoy higher appraised value. |