SIP FAQ's

SIPs is an acronym for Structural Insulated Panels Systems which basically are two facings of oriented strand board (OSB) bonded together by a high pressure injection of polyurethane closed cell foam, which in turn forms a rigid composite structural panel.

SIPs (structural insulated panel system) has been used in domestic and commercial building projects in the USA.canada and Japan since the 1950`s.

SIPs have been used for construction in the UK for the past 15 years, with its popularity exploding over the past few years.

SIPs panels when as standard fronted with any gypsum wallboard have passed every required fire test for domestic and commercial building projects.

SIPs panel constructions do not need a vapour barrier, though it is good practice to install either conventional polythene or foil backed boards.

U-value is the measurement of heat flow through any given combination of materials, air layers and air spaces. The lower the U-value, the more slowly the transfer of heat in and out of a building and the better the insulating quality.

Yes, SIPs are more energy efficient, stronger, quieter and more draft free than timber framing and brick/block houses. This means lower energy consumption which in turn means less co2 emissions. SIPs are factory made which means less site waste therefore less landfill use. OSB is made from sustainable harvested spruce, thinning and waste timber, and we use at least 35% less raw timber than traditional built homes.

The Construction industry dictates that buildings must last for a minimum of 60 years and Our SIPs buildings come with a 60 year guarantee but will last as long as any traditional building provided the building is maintained and kept weather tight. 

External finishes are numerous and come down to customer choice, you can have traditional cavity and brick or stone wall, any type of rendering, brick slips and cladding with timber, slate, metal sheets etc. 

SIPs are an accepted form of construction and raise no issues with attaining planning approval.

Warranties on SIPs construction are accepted by all companies that offer warranty schemes. Most if not all lenders are able to offer mortgages on SIPs houses.

Any foundation method may be used with SIPs, but ensure that tolerance to level must be no more than +/- 5mm to ensure correct erection of SIPs panels.

Thermal bridging is the ability of external cold to transfer to internal walls which can result in cold spots and damp. A thermal bridge, also called a cold bridge, is created when materials that are poor thermal insulators come into contact, allowing heat to flow through the path created. SIPs panels having an insulated core virtually eliminate thermal/cold bridging.

Any heating system is acceptable for a SIPs construction, but needs to be downsized due to the air tightness and efficiency of a SIPs building. SIPs are also ideally suited for more innovative and energy efficient systems such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and mechanical vented heat recovery systems. In fact in a new school build (one of our more recent projects) they can heat the classroom in the IT sections with only the lighting and the PCs as the heat source. 

When comparing like for like (i.e. code levels) then a SIP build will usually cost about .5 – 1% more than a traditional build. but when you factor in speed of build, less waste, less manpower, less site machinery hire etc.. Not to mention then the massive savings in heating and energy bills then you can see for yourself a SIP built house is the only way to build and any extra cost (if any) outlaid in the build process will soon be recouped.