(May 23, 2008) — I was confused when I read the headline to Matt Griswold's March 3 [Page 9] article relating to structural insulated panels, titled, “SIPs struggle to convert fans from status quo.”
I became concerned when I began reading only to see the first reference made to structural insulated panels being “likely to share the same fate” as insulating concrete forms. It was a puzzling introduction into an article that went on to share the virtues of the product, which actually expanded its presence in a year when the entire market took a step backwards. It would seem to me that the article would be better titled, “SIPs continue to grow through a down market.”
I'd like to share a few thoughts:
c As the largest SIPs manufacturer in North America, Premier Building Systems experienced a record revenue year in 2007. In fact, we enjoyed growth of roughly 20 percent in total revenues. While the SIPs market segment is indeed smaller than older building methods, the SIPs segment is one of the few to experience a healthy 2007. We see this as a sign of progress rather than a struggle!
c SIPs are pre-insulated and prefabricated, resulting in a higher raw product cost over older stick framing methods. However, it is a far “greener” product, offering significant energy savings to home/building owners of up to 60 percent. In fact, mortgage companies are recognizing the energy savings and are open to granting higher construction loans to compensate for a more environmentally conscious product.
c Rather than a struggle, industry experts have recognized the advantages that SIPs bring to the construction industry. The ICC has adopted SIPs into its building code. Government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program have waived the requirement for a blower door test for all SIPs construction projects. And the Department of Energy has said the $2,000 Federal Energy Tax Credit is virtually impossible to gain without SIPs or ICF construction.
c We at Premier have no shortage of new projects wanting to use SIPs and are spending more and more time fielding inquiries that are coming our way. We have the most regional field representatives working throughout the West Coast and are growing with calculated actions.
We're excited about the energy and interest that SIPs are generating in today's market and we thank Plastics News for promoting the many successes that the SIPs industry is experiencing. Perhaps next time, a little less doom and gloom in the title.
James Hodgson
Premier Building Systems
Fife, Wash.