Structurally Insulated Panels: An Xtreme Workhorse

At XtremeADU, one of the topics we’re most passionate about is the materials we use to build. We’ve been in the industry a long time, and have been able to really hone our skills and techniques to keep families warm and cozy in their homes not just once the build is finalized, but for many long years to come. One of our favorite topics to wax poetic on is the use of Structurally Insulated Panels, or SIPs for short. We’ve individually been building with them for years, and exclusively work with SIPs for all of our XtremeADU models because we are that passionate about their structural superiority, health benefits, speed of assembly, and energy efficiency.

Join us in taking a brief deep-dive into our favorite building material and to learn why your next build should absolutely use SIPs!

What are SIPs?

SIP stands for Structurally Insulated Panel, and in a nutshell, that’s exactly what it is. SIPs sandwich a layer of rigid insulation between two OSB (oriented strand boards) and are then worked with as one unit. These panels provide both structure and insulation in one step, and can thus be assembled as one unit instead of framing out the home and then adding insulation later.

While this seems innovative, this concept and even SIPs themselves are hardly new! This technology was originally developed and experimented with in the 1930’s in search of a way to better utilize wood products by distributing the structural load of a building over structural facings and reducing the additional structural members needed for a project. A series of test homes were built in Madison, Wisconsin, which are still standing strong today.

In the 30’s and 40’s, famous architect Frank Loyd Wright used this technology in his iconic homes. One of his students is credited with further developing this technology for residential construction use and commercial production, and the 60’s and 70’s thus saw a surge in use of SIPs panels.

The 1990’s brought about both developments in production that reduced the price and allowed for more precise sizing to better suit individual projects. [ 1 ]

Why Could SIPs Be Right For Your Build?

Of course, as a company that uses SIPs technology in all of our homes, we’re admittedly biased. But for good reason- we’ve built countless homes over the years, and have seen how their contributions towards the durability of the home and the health of the inhabitants make them the only material we trust to build your home with.

Health
Due to the airtight envelope, or seal, achieved with SIPs buildings, all air entering the home comes through only controlled access points such as air vents. These systems have filters that remove wildfire smoke, mold, pollen, humidity, and other pollutants or allergens.

The SIPs materials we use in XtremeADU homes are also VOC-free, and free of any health-harming chemicals. This means no formaldehyde or any other unwanted chemicals in your home. [ x ]

Speed
Since SIPs combine multiple steps of a traditional build into one, build time is significantly reduced! This translates into lower labor costs, as well as being able to enjoy your home or bring in renters much quicker! According to one study, building a residential home with out SIPs can take up to 122% longer . [ x ]

Energy efficiency

When aiming for energy efficiency in a home, insulation is a key player. Whether your goal is to save your bank account or to save the planet, strategic insulation choices can have a big impact; heating and cooling the average home can account for up to 50% of energy usage. In addition to extremely effective insulation, SIPs are known for their superior air sealing, allowing less heat to enter- or escape! [ x ]

At Xtreme, we hold that SIPs build better, and we love digging deep into this topic with potential clients. Have more questions? Curious to learn more? Call us today to chat SIPs and to learn how they could work for your project!

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Net-Zero: A Goal Within Reach!

By bcsrefit • May 1, 2023

Stories of net-zero living and families who live with zero carbon emissions can often conjure up images of exclusive communities and shiny sterile homes. And while those homes may have their place, for many, that lifestyle could never feel like home. But is this all net-zero is? What is Net-Zero? The term “net-zero” refers to living in a way that completely balances out carbon emissions, bringing the net total of a person’s carbon footprint contribution to zero. As our planet surges farther past the line of un-sustainability with every passing day, world organizations and countries are placing goals in action to motivate consumers and companies to better align their consumption and output with the planet’s needs for the future. And while it’s true that the effect that one family can have by bringing their lifestyle more in line with net-zero values is minuscule in comparison to the effect that could result by one large corporation doing the same, we believe that this is a poor comparison that does little to set any of us up for success. All changes, however small, are steps in the right direction. So what steps can we all make? Worthwhile Steps When considering which changes are most impactful to be made, most sources recommend that instead of thinking too big, we think small. What are everyday energy-wasters in our home? What specific single-use plastics seem to clog up our own trash cans? How can our driving style make what gas we do use last a bit longer? Building for Success with Sustainability At XtremeADU, we believe that Net-Zero Living is not a lifestyle only achievable to a select few. We seek to inspire people to not just view Net-Zero as a concept for constructing their house but as an ideal that can become a living and breathing piece of their home and lifestyle. Building a home set up to generate and run on solar energy as well as being designed for maximum temperature retention can be a great next step for families looking to do more to bring their lives more in-line with the ultimate goal of net-zero. All XtremeADU’s come solar-ready, and with easy add-on options to leverage your desire to help the Earth while providing you with a place that looks and feels like home, wherever home is for you and your family. We strongly hold that viewing net-zero as a goal instead of one large step and taking gradual changes as they come is the most sustainable way for families to make this step. It’s a journey, and a worthwhile one to undertake! Call us to talk more about Net-Zero living and how easy we can make that jump for you. Your first step is really that simple! Further Reading and Resources: 35 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint New York Times: How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint How to Calculate Your Carbon Footprint 7 Steps Towards Net-Zero For G7 Countries that have a place in your home

Building Smaller to Live Bigger - How XtremeADU’s and Tiny Homes Compare

January 22, 2023

With the recent social trends encouraging mindfulness and living with less, the Tiny House Movement has caught a lot of traction. Whether for the freedom and lifestyle it promises, financial accessibility, or the chance to get back to what’s important, people all over the country are jumping on board. But what exactly is a tiny house, and how does it compare with what we offer at XtremeADU?