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ABOUT SIPs

About SIPs

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are:

  • Prefabricated 

  • Pre-insulated

  • High performance 

  • Lightweight building panels

 

They can be used for:

  • Floors 

  • Walls 

  • Flat or Pitched Roofs

 

What types of building can SIPs be used in?

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 SIPs can be used in:

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A SIP consists of two high density outer facings, typically Orientated Strand Board (OSB) which are bonded on both sides of a low density, cellular foam core, typically Expanded Polystyrene Sheet (EPS) or Polyurethane (PUR).

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 To find out more go to: "How are SIPs Made?"

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What are the benefits of building with SIPs?

 

  • SIPs can withstand considerable vertical loads

  • Considerable horizontal loads

  • With excellent racking resistance

  • Reduced internal studding

  • Excellent thermal performance (Low U-Values)

  • Improved air tightness​

  • Low energy bills

  • Vaulted ceilings (No need for roof trusses) 

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The load carried by the SIP is transferred to ground by the OSB skins, held in position by the fully bonded insulation core.

 

In the UK Structural Insulated Panels are available with a number of different insulated cores:

  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS)

  • Extruded polystyrene (XPS) 

  • Polyisocyanate (PIR)

  • Polyurethane (PUR)

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In terms of strength and resistance to fire there is little difference between the different core materials - both forms of manufacture will comply with the Building Regulations. In all cases it is the insulation core that provides excellent thermal properties due to the limited amount of timber studs required.

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Our SIP panel kits are available with either EPS or PUR insulation.

EPS is the leading insulation material for the construction industry, to find out more click here

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In most cases the outer skins are typically OSB however some companies manufacture panels with other materials.

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Quality Control

Our SIPs are manufactured under closely controlled factory conditions and can be custom designed for each application.

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The result is:

  • A fully certified building panel

  • Fully certified building system

  • Extremely strong

  • Energy efficient

  • Cost effective

 

Strict quality control procedures are implemented in the manufacture of Eco SIPs Homes SIPs to ensure quality and consistency.

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Our OSB-EPS SIP panels and SIPs building system has third party accreditation:

  • Certified by BBA (British Board of Agrément)

  • The factory production is ISO9001 certified for quality management

  • The factory is ISO14001 certified for environmental management

  • All engineered wood products have PEFC chain of custody certification for sustainable sourcing of timber

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Our OSB-PUR SIP panels have third party accreditation:

Certified by CATG (Certification & Timber Grading)

 

Air Permeability:

Due to the large format nature of the supplied panels air permeability is much lower than traditional construction due to the small number of joints in the structure.

 

Due to the improved air tightness that can be achieved we recommend in all cases installing Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) to recover the buildings heat though mechanical ventilation, this will help to keep energy bills down.

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Applications:

There are two fundamental applications for SIPs; full structural frame and infill for other forms of construction i.e.

  • Concrete frame 

  • Steel frame

  • Post & beam engineered timber frame

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In all cases the buildings will be engineered for: 

  • Load bearing capability 

  • Racking resistance

  • Wind loading

  • And we will provide structural engineers calculations

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