Sips explained

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) are an advanced method of construction offering excellent thermal performance, light-weight structural strength and time and cost saving benefits over traditional construction methods or systems.

What is the purpose of SIPs?

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are engineered panels used to construct walls, ceilings, and floors. As a replacement for construction methods using traditional framing lumber and insulation, SIPs provide an extremely durable, strong, and energy-efficient building option 

What does SIPs mean in building?

Structurally-insulated panels, or 'SIPs,' are commonly used throughout Europe and North America as a construction method. The UK market has been slow to catch up, but SIPs have many advantages over standard masonry and timber frame construction methods. 

What are the advantages of using SIPs?

SIPs buildings are more energy efficient, stronger, quieter and more airtight than older technology systems such as timber framing. Less air movement or leakage translates into less drafts, fewer penetrations for noise, lower energy bills and a significantly more comfortable and controllable indoor environment.

Is building with SIPs cheaper?

The Cost of Speed of SIP Construction
Building with SIPs can save you up to 26% of time on the construction programme and up to 29% of total construction costs. 

What are SIPs? SIPs are manufactured under factory controlled conditions. This offsite fabrication means that your weatherproof building shell can be complete just a few days after the ground works are ready to receive them.

SIP panels range from 98mm to 272mm thick. The panels are typically 1220mm wide x 2440mm long and can be as long as 6 metres in length to suit each individual project.

SIPs are fabricated using timber from sustainable sources. SIPs use less timber than timber frame and are one of the most economical and eco friendly forms of construction.

The high strength to weight ratio of SIP Panels allows large sections of your building to be fitted at once, speeding up the time required on site for erection. The Offsite fabrication reduces waste and also helps reduce embodied and transport energy.

SIP insulation contributes massively to the current Building Regulation requirements. The EPS insulation has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) rating of zero and has a low Global Warming Potential (GWP).

SIPs, through their strength and ease of connection, offer the designer more versatility than other construction materials, allowing possibilities beyond the conventional, such as sloping roof panels creating an open space that when utilised, properly maximises any building plot.

The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective. Building with SIPs will save you time, money and labour.

Are SIP panels worth it?

SIPs are definitely worth the investment. The improved indoor air quality decreased energy costs, and lower labour needs all add to the long-term value of choosing to build with SIPs. You can reduce construction on labour cost. In the long run, this would be a significant investment.