"Understanding structural insulated panels”.
Structural insulated panels are a high performance building system that sandwiches insulation, bonded between two boards, usually oriented strand board OSB. There are many forms of proprietary SIP systems available,all of which use different core and thicknesses of board, and often referred to in the trade as “lick and stick” panels.
As Kingspan TEK delivery partner, Clix only supplies the market leading Kingspan TEK building system, "which you can read more about here”
Kingspan TEK™ utilises Kingspan’s high performance, fibre-free rigid thermoset Urethane Insulation for the core of the SIP panels, which is autohesively* bonded and sandwiched between two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB/3). This process is exceptionally reliable and vastly superior to the ‘secondary adhesion’ process often used in the manufacture of inferior SIPs panels. The TEK panels has been extensively tested in high altitude and harsh weather environments and out performed all similar products in durability strength and insulation values.
Unlike the manufacture of other SIPs panels, the Kingspan TEK solid PU insulation core is more resistant to moisture ingress and rodent infestation.
SIPs for Cost effective and zero carbon homes.
SIPs are one of the most environmentally responsible building systems available. One of the main benefits of SIPs construction is that an extremely high level of insulation is integral to the structure. SIPs buildings can be extremely airtight, meaning that the amount of energy used to heat and a cool a room can be cut by up to 50%.
SIPs buildings are more energy efficient, stronger, quieter and more airtight than older technology systems such as timber framing. Less air movement or leakage translates into less drafts, fewer penetrations for noise, lower energy bills and a significantly more comfortable and controllable indoor environment. The result is lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
The inherent airtight construction lends itself to Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery Systems (MVHR) which reduce energy costs and improve air quality.
SIPs for ecologically-friendly homes.
Housing in Western Europe currently accounts for around 30% of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions. By reducing the amount of energy used in buildings, architects, builders, and homeowners can contribute to a clean environment for the future.
SIPs can outperform other building methods in virtually every environmental category because the insulation is a core component of the system, rather than an addition.
The outer skins of SIPs panels are manufactured from Orientated Strand Board (OSB3). This is made from young, fast growing trees which are deliberately grown in plantations accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Young trees produce oxygen and remove more carbon dioxide from our atmosphere than mature trees and are renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and non-toxic.
To make a product with the same strength, timber uses 20% of the energy needed for concrete. Timber is naturally low in thermal conductivity and an excellent insulator. It is 15 times better as an insulator than concrete, 400 times better than steel and 1770 times better than aluminium.
Superior strength of build
One of the lesser appreciated benefits of SIPs construction is the superior strength of SIPs construction. SIP buildings are capable of withstanding extreme climate and weather conditions.
Once completed, a Kingspan SIPs structure forms a monolithic shell which is up to seven times stronger than a conventional timber frame structure. This provides a building with a very robust and solid feel which can be indistinguishable from a traditionally constructed building once complete.
Title 5 Minimising waste and transport.
Offsite construction is a low impact construction method, creating minimal waste on and off site. Factory based fabrication means minimal amounts of onsite waste being sent to landfill which reduces environmental impact with the added bonus of reducing costs for disposal.
To further minimise waste and enhance the environmental benefits we utilise panel offcuts to produce the spline connections, recycling wherever we can.
Regarding transporation, as all the components of a typical Kingspan TEK™ building system such as the panels and ancillaries originate from one source, there are fewer deliveries to site. This results in less transport, congestion, noise and traffic pollution, which subsequently substantially reduces a project’s environmental impact.
Overall benefits of SIPs
Off-site and in particular SIPs construction, enables a predictable build programme which subsequently ensures accurate completion times. Its relatively simple construction process means structures are quick to build and will be watertight within a matter of a few weeks of being delivered to site.
Unlike traditional methods of constructions, which rely on good weather conditions for wet trades, bricklayers and on-site processes, SIPs are erected regardless of the weather, meaning there is little or no disruption to follow on trades which reduces both the length and cost of the build process.
In addition, factory controlled manufacturing with precision engineering and upfront design of the system means that defects or build errors are rare. Amendments or inaccuracies, should they occur, can be identified and corrected prior to the project being delivered to site- again, saving time and money
A brief history of SIPS panels can be found here.
https://www.sips.org/documents/SIPA-BEST-1-Introduction-to-SIPs.pdf
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