Frequently Asked Questions

• 1 - What are SIPS?
• 2 - Construction of a SIPS panel?
• 3 - What type of buildings can SIPS be used for?
• 4 - Why choose SIPS over traditional methods?
• 5 - What type of foundations are required for a sips building?
• 6 - How do I get planning approval when using SIP?
• 7 - Are SIPS construction more expensive?
• 8 - How much time can be saved building with SIPS?
• 9 - External finishes?

1 - What are SIPS?

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) are a composite panel that can be utilised for wall and roof structures and are known as a good modern construction material. Sips are the sheathing, framing and insulation all in one prefabricated panel.

SIPS panels can be used in new structures as load bearing and non- load bearing.

2 - Construction of a SIPS panel?

Generally SIPS are made with Oriented Strand Board (OSB) faces; however they can also be manufactured using other sheet materials such as Plywood, Cement Particle Board (CPB), and Magnesium Oxide Boards.

SIPS can be manufactured with different cores including: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Graphite Infused Polystyrene (Neopor EPS) Polyurethane (PUR) or Polyisocyanurate (PIR).

Eurosips SIPS are manufactured using an injected closed cell Polyurethane – rigid foam system, sandwiched between two structurally rated skins of Orientated Strand Board (OSB/3) that can provide continuous structural integrity and superior insulation within one component.

Eurosips SIPS product ranges include: Residential (11mm/11mm OSB) and Commercial (15mm/15mm OSB).

U-Values

U-Value is the measurement of heat flow through any given combination of materials, air layers and air spaces. The lower the U-Value, the more slowly the transfer of heats in and out of a building and the better the insulating quality.

3 -What type of buildings can SIPS be used for?

SIPS can be utilised in any construction project whether it be (residential, leisure, commercial, and education, retail) as structural envelopes or in-fil panels within a steel, concrete or timber frame.

4 - Why choose SIPS over traditional methods?

The main benefits to building with SIPS are:

Installation time can be reduced up to 60% against tradition construction therefore minimising overall onsite costs due to reduced project management, plant hire, welfare facilities and most importantly labour.

Superior insulation provides improved energy efficiency which reduces heating and cooling costs.
Factory controlled manufacturing provides a consistent and accurate engineered product allowing for easier and precise installation. Offsite manufacture results in less waste on site.

Panels can be built in to large format walls prior to site delivery therefore reducing installation time.
Up to 7 times stronger when compared to timber frame construction.

5 - What type of foundations are required for a sips building?

Any foundation method can be used with SIPS, however, the slab or other types of foundation should be level and square to allow for easy installation.

6 - How do I get planning approval when using SIP?

SIPS are an accepted form of construction and raise no issues when obtaining planning approval.

7 -Are SIPS construction more expensive?

The initial, up- front cost of a SIPS build over traditional methods i.e. timber frame or brick and block, is typically higher dependant on the type of the design.

The savings in construction time, reduction of material waster on site and improved energy efficiency of the building will bring significant savings making a SIPS construction a long-term effective solution.

8 - How much time can be saved building with SIPS?

The time savings over timber frame or traditional methods of construction can be significant if an experienced SIPS installer is undertaking the build (up to 65% less). The separate steps of timber framing, insulating and sheathing are eliminated due to the composite nature of SIPS.

SIPS flexibility allows architects to design window and door apertures into the structural envelope reducing the need for traditional supports and lintels. Sips Panels are manufactured in the factory and once installed; SIPS are ready for interior and exterior finishing.

9 - External finishes?

External finishes are numerous and you can have many different types to suit your needs. You can have traditional cavity and brick or stone wall, render, brick slips, timber cladding, slate, copper, zinc, stainless standing seam, etc.

Sips Durability

A building constructed with SIPS panels will have durability comparable to other forms of traditional construction. If the design of the structure follows best practice and the building is maintained and weather tight, a life of at least 60 years can be expected.

Thermal Bridging

Thermal Bridging is the ability of external cold transfer to internal walls which can result in cold spots and damp. A thermal bridge/cold bridge is created when materials that are poor thermal insulators come into contact which allows heat to flow through the path created. SIPS panels have an insulated core which virtually eliminates thermal/cold bridging.

Eurosips Structural Insulated Panels can be joined together with the use of an insulated SIPS spline which provides a continuous polyurethane (PUR) core through the walls and roof of the building. This greatly reduces the thermal efficiency of the building compared to timber frame studs.

Air tightness

Air tightness is crucial in eliminating heat loss from a building. The superior air tightness of SIPS and the jointing method can create an airtight structure that meets all the new Building Regulation requirements.

The sips system is so effective that positive ventilation may need to be considered which can be linked to a heat recovery system and further reduce energy costs.

SIPS fire performance

When Eurosips SIPS are used as part of a through – wall build up they can achieve a fire resistance of up to 90 minutes meeting all current requirements for Building Regulations.

Are independent warranties available for a SIPS building.
Warranties for SIPS constructions are available from the majority of companies that offer warranty schemes.
All the major banks and lenders are able to offer mortgages on SIPS constructed houses.

Environmental Sustainability

Eurosips Structural Insulated Panels are manufactured using sheathing and timber products from sourced and managed plantations.
Timber is considered a sustainable building material because it is derived from a renewable source and has low embodied energy.

The Polyurethane (PUR) core in our Structural Insulated Panels is CFC/CFC – free with zero Ozone Depletion Potential and has a ‘Less than 5’ value for Global Warming Potential (GWP)