The Advantages of SIPS Panels

Sips or structural insualted panels save time, money, and energy. They outperform many other building methods in virtually every aspect because of the structural strength, ease of erection, and insulation value of the components.

SIP Panels are a structural composite acting like an I-beam. The skins act like the flanges and the rigid core is similar to the web. In short, the three components work together, rather than against one another. The composite assembly yields stiffness, strength, and predictable responses to loads. Sips panels have an integral tongue and groove system for joining panels together that also helps carry the structural load. Sips resist both compressive forces from above and buckling and warping forces from the sides. Sips panels have been tested to UK standards by UKAS accredited testing facilities, for compression, transverse, and racking loads. Depending on the type of structural test being administered, Sips range between two and seven times stronger than traditional framing.

Four key factors make the average SIP building very energy-efficient.
1. Polyurethane foam provides higher insulating value per mm than alternative insulation materials.
2. There is much less wood framing within the typical panel, which increases total U -value.
3. The foam is continuous and is not susceptible to the commonplace flaws found in average installations.
4. Foam, when bonded directly to the exterior and interior wall “skins,” doesn't allow air infiltration around it.

SIP-made buildings are vastly more energy-efficient, stronger, quieter, and draft free than alternative building methods likes stud framing with lose laid insulation. Man made mineral fibre insulation is sometimes used for furnace filters because air moves through so freely. Polyurethane foam consists of billions of tiny cells with solid polyurethane cellular walls. Air cannot flow from cell to cell or between cells. Rigid foam insulation is used as solid component insulation in almost every industry concerned about heat transfer, such as the refrigeration industry, for its inherent efficiency and prevention of air movement. These attributes are built right into the sips panels. Less air movement or leakage translates into far fewer drafts, fewer penetrations of noise, much lower energy bills, and a significantly more comfortable and controllable indoor environment. You can have a quieter, more comfortable accommodation.

Fire requires three components: ignition, oxygen, and fuel. Sips panels have no "air" within the solid core of the insulation. The fire cannot "run up the wall" cavity, as is the case with traditional stud construction.

For more information on SIPS Construction feel free to contact us.

The above text is provided courtesy of Craig McKillop craigm@gardenlodges.co.uk or feel free to contact Craig via his web page www.gardenlodges.co.uk