Which type of insulation do SIPs use?
Our Sips Eco Panels use premium carbon treated EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) as the insulant. EPS achieves a BRE Green Guide rating of A+ (taking into account whole lifecycle impact) and is widely used throughout the construction industry as an insulator. EPS is 98% air, fully recyclable and can give you very low U-Values in your project.
How quickly can we get SIPs on site?
Because SIPs are prefabricated ahead of time, they do require a little bit more lead time (on average around 8 – 10 weeks), which is why we recommend you get in touch with us for a quote in the first instance, ahead of work commencing on site.
How long do SIPs roof panels last?
If kept wind and watertight, SIPs panels will last the lifespan of the building. Unlike polyurethane, EPS doesn’t degrade or deteriorate over time, so it could potentially last a lot longer than standard roofs.
What kind of construction methods can SIPs building panels be used with?
The versatility of SIPs mean they can be used with any type of modern construction, such as brick and block, and timber frame. We can also pre-manufacture window reveals so they can be delivered to site.
What U-Values do your roof panels achieve?
Our standard wall panels can achieve U-Values from 0.25 down to 0.15 (these are panel-only values). However, the U-Values will drastically reduce, as total wall build up is taken into account. The SIPs Eco system can achieve a passive house rating.
How quickly can SIPs roof panels be installed?
This one really depends on the job, but for a standard domestic roof you can expect a typical installation to be completed in just one day. See our Sip roof panels page for more information.
Are SIPs roof panels fully insulated?
Absolutely. SIPs roof panels provide a high level of even-spread insulation throughout. Unlike some other forms of insulation, expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation does not degrade or deteriorate over time.
Are SIPs building panels good for existing buildings?
Yes. SIPs are an versatile and innovative method of construction, great for house extensions and can also replace the roof on an existing building. For more info please see our introduction to SIPs.
What is a SIPs house like for the end user?
SIPs houses are fully-insulated and incredibly energy efficient, with Passivhaus status easily achievable. Due to the inherent nature of SIPs, the insulation does not degrade over time and provides an even spread of insulation.
When SIPs panels are used in the roof, there are no trusses, allowing the attic space to be turned into living space with the inclusion of dormers, at a low added cost, so families can grow into the space over time.
How quickly can a SIPS house be built?
SIP homes can be constructed considerably quicker than traditionally framed buildings. A properly trained Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) installation crew can cut framing time by as much as 55% compared to conventional timber framing and by even more when compared against traditional brick and block build. See our complete comparison to building with SIPs versus Timber Frame versus Brick and Block .
Can you get a mortgage on a SIPS house?
Yes, getting a mortgage on a Sips home is no problem. Please see this page for detailed information on Sips mortgages.
Who do I contact with further questions?
Please contact our Technical Team by calling 01592 631636 or e-mailing via our contact form
Can SIPs be used for garages / garden buildings / basements etc?
Yes, definitely. Sips can be used wherever you desire as long as they are detailed to comply with the Building Regulations. Common projects which SIPs are used for include:
1. New builds (residential or commercial)
2. Home Extensions
3. Modular Buildings
4. Uses – Insulated SIP Roofs
Click on each of the projects above to see example schemes.
What are the main benefits of using Sips Eco Panels?
There are three main benefits of using structural insulated panels:
1. Higher levels of insulation and air-tightness than other forms of construction, with thinner wall sections
2. Increased roof space, truss free roofs, vaulted ceilings, room in roof construction. All achieved using our easi-roof panels
3. Quicker builder times
Other benefits include the environmentally friendly benefits of SIPs, EPS and OSB, the solidity and strength of the construction as well as the flexibility it gives you with other aspects of the build. Give us a call for more details.
Can SIPs be used for Party Walls?
Yes, Sips Panels have been used successfully in party wall construction, achieving a 59dB reduction with 25mm mineral wool and plasterboard plank to either side. Again further information about the acoustic performance of SIPs can be found in our Technical Section.
What size Sip panels do you make? Are they suitable for tight sites?
Our SIPs are very well suited to tight site (believe me we’ve worked on a few!) Full details are in our Technical Section, including approximate weights, but we can make them at any widths from 300mm up to 2.4m. Our standard wall panels are 1.2m by 2.4m, with roof panels up to 5.1m long.
You can learn more about building with Sips in our Learning Centre.
What U-Values do your panels achieve?
Our standard Sip wall panels can achieve u-values from 0.21 down to 0.13 (without any additional insulation). Visit our technical section here for more details on specific panels, or our Sip u-value guide for full information.
Do you have examples of previous projects and customers?
Yes, please see our Sips Case Studies and Sips Gallery or see the testimonials from happy customers throughout the website.
What insulation do they use?
Our Sips Eco Panels use premium carbon treated Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) as the insulation which helps you achieve Part L of the updated building regulations and achieve very low u-values. EPS achieves a BRE Green Guide rating of A+ (taking into account whole lifecycle impact) and is widely used throughout the construction industry as an insulant. EPS is 98% air and is fully recyclable.
Are SIPs safe in a fire?
Yes. Sips have to comply with exactly the same specifications as any other form of construction and full fire testing was part of our third party accreditation. Independent testing has been conducted on structural insulated panels in a real-life scenario and the SIPs outperformed expectations. View this article on the Sips fire rating and testing of our panels and see independent Technical Bulletins on SIPs and fire in our Learning Centre.
Do your SIP panels have third-party accreditation?
Yes. Our panels have been through rigorous testing by C.A.T.G. and we now have a C.A.T.G. SIP Mark certificate for both our panels and the use of the panels as a building system. This makes our panels fully accepted by most Building Controls and Insurers. See here for more info on our SIP Mark Scheme certification.
Can they be used for home extensions?
Yes, Sips are an ideal solution for home extensions. Please view our Sips home extensions page for examples.
How much do SIPs cost?
Whilst structural insulated panels are generally slightly more expensive than timber frame, this is largely because they have the insulation pre-installed. When you take into account the time savings that SIPs provide, at the end of your build you should have a better insulated build, built quicker, for a comparable or lower price than other forms of construction. The actual SIP cost per square metre (m2) will depend on the design complexity etc. Want to try us out? Request a quote now.
What are SIPs?
SIPs are Structural Insulated Panels. They are a high performance construction method that provides an energy-efficient and incredibly strong pre-insulated structure. See our introduction to building with Sips.
