Building with SIPs: Superior Insulation and other benefits

In the UK, using SIPs has be done for over 20 years, and the popularity of this building material is increasing because there are many homeowners and building owners that are looking for a material that can enhance the energy efficiency of a structure. Low energy consumption is desirable because of the following reasons:

• Improved energy-efficiency means you can save money by using less power to heat or cool your home.
• Homes account for a significant amount of energy consumed, and if you are using less, you are also helping the economy.
• Another reason to focus on energy-efficiency is to help preserve the environment.
• Energy-efficient homes are also more sustainable and comfortable.

Aside from energy-efficiency, building a home using SIPs has other benefits.

Rooms with open floor plans

A recent trend in interior design and architecture is creating open floor spaces. This is easily achieved if you use SIP panels because installing SIPs means you only need to join together panels for the floor and roof without requiring additional support.

Vaulted ceiling

Using SIPs for roof construction eliminates the need for trusses. You can create a stunning vaulted ceiling by using SIPs. Additionally, there is extra space available which can be converted into a loft or a spare room.

Glazed gable

Glazed gables are another favourite design element which you can achieve by using SIPs. In the same way that you create vaulted ceilings, glazed gables are possible through efficient design and planning.

Are there limitations to using SIPs?

Many who are not familiar with using SIPs to build homes think that it is a challenging material to work with. It is true that working with SIPs requires proper care and adequate planning, but in general, they are simple enough to work with. Nevertheless, there are a couple of challenges every builder needs to consider before choosing to use SIPs.

• Budget. The enhanced thermal performance and durability of SIPs come at a price. Expect to pay more for a SIPs frame system than a traditional timber system. But what you invest in construction, you earn back in energy-efficiency and performance.
• Installation requirements. Using SIPs to build a home reduces construction time, but you may need to consider planning for additional equipment such as a crane or forklift to install panels. If the project site is small, this may be a bit challenging. You may also need to secure additional permits to allow the operation of heavy equipment within the project site.

These challenges can easily be overcome if you work with a qualified supplier and architect. To minimise the cost of building with SIPs, you can incorporate other materials into the construction or use SIPs only for specific areas of the home.

Installation challenges are quite normal when working with SIPs but are not without a solution. Experts advise that pre-planning is the key to avoiding problems while erecting panels. You need to take into account every aspect of the plan including how to handle and store the boards to ensure hassle-free execution and construction.

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