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The Essential Guide » Timber Frame | Sips » Sips (Structurally Insulated Panel Systems)
SIPS
(Structurally Insulated Panel Systems)
For SIPS Videos, go to: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/self_build-property-renovation-diy/self-build-and-property-renovation-videos/sips-structurally-insulated-panel-systems-430
Introduction to SIPS:
WELL! - Just as you were all getting the hang of these “new fangled” Timber Frame buildings, after being nervous of them for 20 years, but being told that they are SO much better than Traditional Build. – What do they go and do? – They land another new product on you, called “SIPS”. - And what do they tell you? – This new product is SO much better than a boring old Timber Frame!!
It all seems a bit like buying a TV or mobile phone these days, no sooner have you “bought into” the latest new ideas, and shelled out a fortune, than something else comes out which makes your new gadget look like it’s from the Stone Age!
So, what about these “SIPS” panels then? – Are they any good? – Are they worth considering for your Self Build or Extension projects? – The answer is most definitely “YES – and – YES”!!
One of the reasons for this site being created was to find easier, quicker, simpler and better ways to help Self Builders and Property Renovators to plan build and complete their projects.
Our thinking is that, by making the industry simpler and less daunting for people who often don’t have much, if any experience of building, we will help to promote the advantages of Self Build and Renovation to a wider audience, who will then see that “it not actually that difficult” and be more tempted to “have a go”.
From what I have seen of them so far, SIPS are a product that could give the industry a major “shove” in the right direction! – The industry and the individual builders just have to “get their heads round them”, and the public have to be made aware of their advantages for Self Build and Extension projects.
What are SIPS?
SIPS are high performance building panels that can be used in floors, walls, and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings.
The panels are made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural skins of strand board OSB (Strand Board is a homogenous wood based panel manufactured from softwood strands compressed and bonded together with exterior grade water resistant resins. The manufacturing process utilises virtually 100% of the wood with very little waste). - Other skin material can be used.
SIPs are manufactured under factory controlled conditions and can be custom designed for each home. The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective.
SIPS Panels don’t use the timber “studs” in the same way that a standard timber framed building does. - The rigid foam plastic (which is around 90% air), is installed in each panel as a “single sheet”, almost completely filling the void between the 2 sheets of OSB board. – This allows each panel to provide high levels of insulation across its full width (timber provides a much lower degree if thermal insulation than the rigid foam).
Panels are fabricated and cut to suit each project, including window / door openings and can also include service ducting (making first fix wiring very easy, but meaning that you have to design your electrical layout a bit earlier than you would need to for standard timber frame or traditional build.
How strong are SIPS?
The structural strength of the panel is greater than that of a timber frame panel, and so I understand, can be equated to a steel “I” beam, - where the flanges of the beam are equivalent to the OSB board, and the web of the beam is equivalent to the insulation.
The joints between SIPS panels give an excellent structural joint, probably better than standard timber frame jointing.
What size do they come in?
Panels can be made in larger sizes than standard Timber Frame Panels (SIPS panels can be brought to site in up to 6m lengths and 3m heights, with window and door opening preformed), and because the SIPS panels are factory made, they create very little waste during construction.
Thicknesses of the panels are usually 100mm – 250mm depending on their intended use.
Are SIPS easy to use and build with?
SIPS Construction video (American - some details may vary in UK):
The manufacturing process, the jointing process and the construction process also combine make it easier and quicker to erect and to make sure that walls are plumb and structurally “sound”. – Construction requires less skilled labour input than a standard timber frame.
The panels are lighter in weight than standard timber frame and because the panels require generally less labour input, a team of 2 erectors can normally easily manage to complete a single storey residential construction project in a short time. – Possibly 2 - 3 days.
Can we use them in the roof or floor construction?
Yes, SIPS panels can be used to replace roof trusses and give a completely open, insulated space in an attic. – In a simple roof construction, the top edge of the panels can sit on a “spine” support purlin which runs along the ridge line of the house and the bottom edge can sit directly onto the wall panels.
(Go to: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/self_build-property-renovation-diy/self-build-and-property-renovation-videos/sips-structurally-insulated-panel-systems-430) to see SIPS videos showing the roof spine)
Using the panels rather than roof trusses means that as soon as the panels are fitted, the roof will be weather tight. With a Traditional or a standard timber framed roof construction, the fascias, soffits and barge boards have to be cut and fitted before the structure can be covered with roofing felt and battened. – The fact that the panels immediately give protection against the weather as soon as they are laid means that work can begin inside the building much sooner.
What are Structurally Insulated Panel Systems like for sound insulation?
The sound insulation values are similar to standard timber frames, however, the jointing techniques used in SIPS buildings mean that the sound transmittance through the joints is reduced. – This will help to reduce sound transfer between rooms and floors (if used as floor panels).
Panels tend to offer better sound resistance to high pitched sounds than they do to low pitched sound, but if you increase the density and thickness of the plasterboards you use, you can improve the soundproofing qualities significantly (Where extra soundproofing is required, consider “double boarding” rooms with 15mm sound deadening plasterboard, making sure that the plasterboard joints are “staggered”).
How energy efficient are they?
Sips panels are very energy efficient. - Probably the most energy efficient way of building presently widely available (when you compare like for like cost / energy efficiency).
Timber is not particularly good at retaining heat, so the fact that SIPS have fewer “timber studs” “timber sole plates” or other timber members used around the building means that heat loss is reduced. - Also, because the jointing system provides a good “thermal break” which further reduces heat loss, more heat is retained inside the building.
When you think that timber framed buildings have always been sold saying that they are “far better” than traditional build for heat insulation, it gives you an idea how efficient SIPS must be!
How long will they last?
Although SIPS panelled buildings are fairly new to the UK, they have been used in other countries since the 1950’s, and as far as I know, they have not been found to have any significant flaws or disadvantages when it comes to longevity.
Potential Self Builders tend to worry about how long timber framed buildings will last. – The same worries will obviously attach themselves to SIPS buildings. – All I would say this is that in Scotland there are timber framed buildings which came over from Scandinavia “flatpack”, which are around 900 years old! – If timber frames can last that long, and SIPs buildings are very similar, but probably even stronger, then I don’t think we need to worry too much!
Anyway, if you think about it, Blockwork walls, used in “Traditional build” houses are very inflexible. A tiny bit of settlement and it cracks and this can substantially weaken it as a “structural member” of the building. – Continual vibration from traffic can weaken it. - A small earth tremor can terminally damage it. – Timber, as a material is more flexible, and as such should be able to withstand more of the “wear and tear” that modern life throws at it.
How much do SIPS cost?
SIPS panels systems are generally similar in price to Standard timber framed houses. – You may, however find that there is an overall saving with SIPS due to the fact that the labour content is reduced and not so much skilled labour is required.
Also, the facts that the building is completed faster and you can use the panels to replace roof trusses could possibly generate more savings.
How environmentally friendly are SIPS?
Because Structural Insulated Panels give high thermal performance (the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) layer of rigid insulation, achieves U-Values as low as 0.22W/m2K) they can offer savings of up to 60% on heating costs. - Also, less air movement and drafts can mean even lower energy usage.
Less wasted materials during construction is good news for the environment.
Less timber in the construction and the fact that the foam is 90% air mean less use of timber and “consumables”.
What are SIPS like for fire resistance?
SIPS have passed all the required fire ratings for use in UK residential property. – However the fire resistance rating will be governed by the specification of the plasterboard which is fixed to the internal face of the board. – The higher the fire rating of this boards the better the fire resistance of the panel as a unit.
Are SIPS recyclable?
Obviously the wood itself is recyclable. – As for the rigid foam? – Well, despite trying to find out, I have drawn a blank on how that would be disposed of in the future. – I imagine it could be burnt or melted, but the chemical reactions from that process may release unwanted waste into the atmosphere. – If nothing else I would imagine it could be ground up and used as postal packaging! – I don’t have a definitive to this at the moment – If you do, let me know!!
Who can design a Structurally Insulated Panel System Home?
Structurally Insulated Panel Systems will require a particular type of software package to be able to design them, and the designer will need to be trained in its use. – This means that you might not find many people yet who can offer the design service.
We will endeavour to get some of them signed up onto this site as quickly as possible, but until then, you can search the term “SIPS DESIGNERS” on the internet, or drop us a line through the “questions” box on the home page, telling us where you are and we’ll find you someone who can help you.
Timber Frame Vs SIPS – Which is best?
I have to say, at the time of writing, I am very impressed with the SIPS system. – I have been building with Timber Frame for many years, and have been very happy with it. - BUT when I see the advantages that the SIPS system offers, I think I could be swayed in their direction!
The system seems to be incredibly easy to use and build. The speed of build will be even quicker than timber frame and the costs look like they are about the same as standard timber frame. – The structure can be made watertight in a shorter time, so work can be started inside sooner. There is not as much skilled labour needed to build it, it is a better heat insulator, stronger and just as flexible in regards to design.
The only part of the system I am not sure about as I write this is the soundproofing. – BUT, by using plasterboards to increase this between rooms and floors, I am sure this does not need to be a problem.
Whether or not it is suitable for your particular project, obviously I can’t say, but I reckon it’s definitely worth you looking in to before you make up your minds which type of building method to use
Where can we find SIPS Manufacturers and SIPS Builders?
As mentioned in a previous paragraph, SIPS is not widely available at the moment. – If you can’t find manufacturers via this web site yet, then either search the term in google, or drop us a line and we’ll soon find you someone who can help you.
Will Mortgage lenders accept SIPS houses?
As far as I know there are none of the standard Self Build Mortgage companies who have a problem with SIPS house warranties. – Just check with whoever you are planning on using before you get too far down the line planning everything. – If your first choice, for whatever reason won’t warranty it, try another company. – You should not have too much problem at all.
What warranties to the manufacturers provide with a SIPS house?
From what I can gather, all the main Warranty companies will happily warranty a SIPS home for a 10 or 12 year period (similar to their standard traditional or timber frame warranties)
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