Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) are lightweight modular panels fabricated off-site which consist of insulating foam sandwiched between 2 panel boards, typically oriented strand board (OSB). SIP construction is a form of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) which can be used to construct sustainable buildings.
Some of the key features of SIPs are:
- Structural strength
- Thermal barrier
- Lightweight
- Moisture resistant
- Adaptable
- Quick build times
Structural strength
SIPs are able to bear significant vertical and horizontal load by transferring the loads to the ground through the OSB skins which are held together by the insulated core. The structural strength of SIPs makes them an ideal solution for use in walls, floors and roofs and they can are equally adept for use as load bearing structural walls or as infill walls.
SIPs can be used as load bearing structures up to 4 storeys
Thermal
The core of SIPs is insulating foam which provides natural thermal insulation embedded in the structure and contributes to achieving lower U-values.
The panelised nature of SIPs allows for a high degree of air tightness which helps restrict the transmission of air through the walls, floor and roof, thus retaining a thermal barrier between the inside and outside.
Lightweight
The composition of SIPs using OSB skins and insulating foam provides a lightweight option relative to its structural strength. Our panels use ployurethane (PUR) insulating foam injected between the OSB skins which provides an even lighter option than some others on the market.
Mositure resistant
When wrapped in a breather membrane, water from external sources are repelled while moisture from within the SIP can pass through the membrane as vapour.
We use OSB3 moisture resistant board to add extra moisture protection.
Adaptable
The modular nature of SIPs allows for a range of configurations which can be used as as external, internal and party walls, as well as roofs and floors. This enables SIPs to be used for whole building structures or as part of a structure.
Quick build times
The panelised design of SIPs allows for structures to be assembled quickly with limited manpower, saving time with on-site construction. Because the panels combine structural elements as well as embedded insulation, there is less requirement for stud wall framing and insulation materials on the internal walls which further reduces the overall construction time.