In association with
An introduction to
Building with SIPs WHAT ARE THEY? Better known as SIPs, structural insulated panels are a preengineered building system, which was developed in America in the 1930s and first introduced to the UK in the 70s. The panels are made up of two parallel faces – usually oriented strand board (OSB) – sandwiching a rigid core of expanded polystyrene or injected urethane. These are the most common in the UK but other variations of facing materials and cores exist. The stressed skin panel makes it exceptionally strong, and high levels of insulation can be achieved in thinner wall thicknesses than other forms of construction. SIPs provide a fast, efficient way of building walls, requiring less timber with fewer studs compared with a timber frame. They have very good thermal performance and form a strong, lightweight structure which is fast to erect, thanks to the large components. They cost slightly more than conventional timber frame with insulated walls and uninsulated roof trusses, but the faster build speed, reduced waste, lower labour costs and less need for on-site machinery can offset the extra expense. Energy-saving benefits should also be considered.
SIPS Manufactured off site, SIPs can be used in a wide range of applications, and are quick and easy to erect, usually with a crane.
APPLICATION SIPs can be used as the inner skin of a cavity wall, as a self-supporting single-skin structural wall, in place of timber frame or blocks, and as a pre-insulated roofing structure. They can be used in walls and roofs, creating ecologically friendly and energy-efficient buildings. Suitable for new builds and home extensions, SIPs are commonly used for garden buildings and garages, as well as making ideal infill panels for other structures, such as oak, steel or concrete frames. They are perfectly suited for roofs for new builds, extensions and renovations. The panels arrive pre-cut, with insulation already fitted, and span from wall to ridge beam – usually unsupported. This means that the roof space can be left completely open to be used as further accommodation, storage or as a vaulted ceiling. SIPs are very flexible and can be used with any external cladding, including brick, render, weatherboarding and aluminium. They can also be roofed with slates, tiles or metal coverings. Internally, the panels may be simply finished with plasterboard and a skim coating (with service cavities where needed) so wet trades
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