Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Check out our blog post about this here!

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.

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.