SIP Energy Homes (www.sip-energy.com) who are based in Athenry, Co. Galway are Ireland's only true manufacturer of Structured Insulated Panels.

This method of construction is the latest building technology available in Ireland designed to greatly improve energy performance by increasing the air tightness of your home. A SIP Energy Home is particularly airtight (3.25m3/h/m2, nomincal, standard) thus facilitating the use of aero thermal and passive solar design features, which deliver lower heating and energy costs. Typical U-values from SIP build homes range from 0.14-0.16 W/m²K.

If you are building a new house or planning an extension how do you achieve the highest energy performance possible and still remain within budget? A variety of energy options exist but many that are cheap at the beginning will end up costing much more over the long term.

When it comes to achieving greater energy efficiency, spending a little more on the insulation and air tightness of your house will pay major dividends in the years to come. Air tightness is now seen as one of the most important elements of any future building design. It's a simple concept – don't let the heat that you have paid to generate escape. Making your home airtight can conserve up to 25 per cent of the energy used in your home.

Structured Insulated Panels, known as SIPs, are a pre-engineered building system consisting of an inner core of high performance insulation sandwiched between two outer layers of oriented strand board (OSB). A SIP home is better insulated, faster to erect, more environmentally friendly and, as a building method, provides a higher energy rating than either timber frame or conventional block-built homes.

SIP Energy Homes offer an alternative answer in a climate of spiralling increases in materials, labour and energy costs. Deciding to build a SIP Energy Home is not only a good decision now but also a great decision for your pocket in the future.

For further information on SIP Energy Homes, log onto their website www.sip-energy.com where you can view a DVD of the entire building process or phone 091-874290.

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