The Home Owners Guide To building with Structural Insulated Panels
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
An energy efficient home that’s also strong yet flexible.
What Do Structural Insulated Panels Provide You?
- Superior insulation performance
- Superior air tightness
- High structural strength.
- Withstands high wind loads and seismic forces (ductile).
- Freedom of design, plus ability to span large distances due to reduced need for additional bracing.
- Reduced build time due to earlier weathertight shell and factory manufacture.
- Reduced risk of weather delays where pre-assembly can be undertaken indoors and panels craned directly to site for same day install.
- A sustainable product.
Structural Insulated Panels Guide
What Are Structural Insulated Panels?
Structural Insulated panels (SIPs) are high performing thermally efficient composite panels. Simply put, a sandwich comprising two layers of approved structural board with an insulating layer of foam in between.
The (SIP) panel replaces the three separate elements in traditional frame construction, namely, framework, plywood bracing and insulation batts. They can be used for walls, roofs and floors.
Structural Insulated Panels are gaining popularity due to the growing evidence, both here and overseas, of their benefits for insulation, strength and rapid installation.
The exceptional strength and bracing properties are often overshadowed by the insulation benefits but the strength, and the ductility, of this product is significant in addressing several issues, including their suitability for earthquake zones.
Additionally, in a home where air tightness is important, SIPs, is one of the most efficient ways to achieve the levels required.
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Is Building with SIPs Expensive?
Whilst the material is slightly more expensive than traditional frame construction, cost savings occur with a shorter build time, reduced risk of delays, and long-term savings on energy.
An experienced SIPs builder will save you money in terms of efficiencies and expertise, and an experienced design build team can also suggest how the unique properties of SIPs can be used more economically to meet your requirements.
If you are interested in finding out more, request a copy of our ‘Homeowners Guide to Building with Structural Insulated Panels’ or feel free to contact us to discuss your energy saving options.
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SIPs FAQs
How quickly can you put up a SIPs house?
One of the benefits of SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) is their quick installation.
While the floor is being laid, the panels can be assembled in our indoor assembly yard. A crane will then transport the panels to the site, where they can typically be craned and fixed into place in one day.
Walls: The walls are installed in one day.
Ceiling Panels: Approximately one week later, the ceiling panels are installed in one day.
Roof: The roof can also be installed approximately one week after the ceiling panels.
Because the panels require shop drawings for their manufacture, window openings are confirmed in advance. No site measure is required allowing windows to be ordered early and installed soon after the panels, ensuring the home is weathertight quickly.
At this stage, homeowners can walk around their new home and see the structure taking shape.
Is there much wastage with SIPs panels?
90% of the tree is used in the OSB board (a lot less wastage than traditional frames). Plus, the EPS polystyrene used is fully recyclable unlike other rigid foams.
Do SIPs Off- Gas?
The panels we use have undergone independent assessment and adhere to some of the world’s most stringent air quality standards. Testing and certification has concluded that the SIPs we opt to use does not emit harmful emissions.
Not all SIPs are the same so always conduct due diligence when choosing a SIPs supplier.
What about formaldehyde?
Tests of OSB panels fresh from production revealed formaldehyde off gassing of less than 0.1 parts per million (ppm), declining near zero as the panels age. To put this in perspective, there is more formaldehyde naturally occurring in many foods, such as apples and onions, or the human blood (3 ppm), than in a home built with OSB SIPs.
To clarify, this OSB does NOT contain urea-formaldehyde that is associated with other composite products.
Not all SIPs are the same so always conduct due diligence when choosing a SIPs supplier.
Are SIPs fire retardant?
EPS (expanded polystyrene) is not a propellant. Panels made with fire-retarded EPS shrinks away from heat when it’s exposed to ignition energy and will self-extinguish as soon as the heat source is removed. This means that SIPs panels made with EPS will not provide a route for fire to spread.
EPS is also recognised as non-toxic and chemically inert, producing considerably fewer toxic fumes than other insulants. It requires a very low level of fire retardant (0.5% – 0.1%) compared to other insulation materials (up to 30%).
Not all SIPs are the same so always conduct due diligence when choosing a SIPs supplier.
SIPS INSTALL SPEED
Time Lapse Of SIPs Install
Check out our two 30-second time-lapse videos of one of our Christchurch home builds!
Why Choose Chatterton Homes for Your SIPs Build?
Having designed & built SIPs homes since 2011, we can confidently claim to be leaders in this field of construction.
Don’t take our word for it – check out our SIPs testimonials.
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Key Benefits:
- Trained and experienced in the use of structural insulated panels since 2011.
- Understand what is required in both design and construction – you get the best advice and expertise out there.
- Indoor panel assembly plant – utilise our plant and skilled team to reduce weather delays and guarantee an efficient build process. Panels are not exposed to the elements during pre-assembly. The panels are taken to site and promptly installed creating a weatherproof shell a lot sooner.
- Strong relationships built with designers experienced in SIPs, engineers, and our SIPs suppliers. We work with designers and homeowners providing input on the practical aspects of the design, use of SIPs and advise on any cost implications.
- Established systems and processes to ensure a smooth supply, delivery, and installation process for our clients.
- A detailed understanding of shop drawings (technical SIPs plans), potential inconsistencies and possible solutions.
Want To Use SIPs For Your Next Project?
Find out how SIPs could benefit your project!
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