SIPs or structurally insulated panels are regaining popularity for home building and renovations because of their inherent energy efficiency properties. But like many construction building materials, all SIPs are not made the same way. By understanding the differences between SIP systems, you can make a well-informed purchase for your next construction project.
What is a structural insulated panel?
One of the main features of a SIP is the rigid foam core for insulation. This core is then sandwiched between two boards made with a structural board or, in some instances, metal and plywood. The tight construction between the two boards and the foam insulation core create the stress which makes structural insulated panels highly durable.
The difference between SIP systems
You can differentiate SIPs by the insulation core and the method used for connecting the panels. In general, SIPs are genuinely called such when they contain an insulation core made with Polystyrene, Polyurethane, or Polyisocyanurate foam. However, many experts advise that using Polystyrene is bad for the environment which makes some argue that using SIPs defeats the purpose of an eco-friendly building. Connecting SIPs also differs, and the three options are as follows:
- Dimensional timber spline
- OSB thin-spline
- Mini SIP spline
When it comes to structural integrity, a dimensional timber spline has the best load-bearing capacity.
SIP insulation quality
The thermal insulation property of SIPs is measured by the R-value or U-value. The higher the R-value or U-value rating of a building material, the better its capacity to prevent heat loss. Polyurethane SIPs are arguably the better option concerning energy efficiency. But aside from the property of the foam layer to prevent heat loss, thermal bridges and the airtightness of the structure also play a significant role in achieving high energy efficiency. If SIPs are not correctly installed, an additional 25% of energy will be lost. As such, another primary consideration when building with SIPs is to ensure that you hire a builder with sufficient experience and expertise in handling SIP installations.
Tips for choosing a supplier
There is no doubt that SIPs are slowly gaining popularity in the UK because of their benefits. Nonetheless, the success of building a home or structure using SIPs boils down to finding the right supplier. Here are tips for selecting a supplier:
- SIPs can be quite expensive depending on the size of the project. You’ll need to find a supplier that offers reasonable prices and can work within your desired budget.
- Look for a supplier offering excellent product design and engineering. You also need to verify the quality of materials used in constructing the panels.
- Aside from choosing the right supplier, you also need to spend a good amount of time selecting a building team that will install and erect the panels. Since building with SIPs is not widespread in some parts of the country, some builders won’t have the know-how to do it correctly.
In conclusion, SIP building systems are increasingly becoming popular because energy efficiency is a desirable characteristic for many homeowners. As such, it is worth considering SIPs for your next construction project or renovation plan.
Image: Pixabay.com
Source: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/how-to-choose-a-sips-system/
