Structural Insulated Panel Wall System
Structural insulated panels or SIPs are used in building commercial and residential construction. SIPs consist of panels that encase insulating foam, pretty much like a sandwich. SIPs have become extremely popular in last few years because they can be made to fit into any building design. SIPs are definitely for people who are environment friendly.
Some people argue that SIPs are costly but in reality, they cost the same as classic building materials. On the other hand, SIPs are efficient because they leave practically zero jobsite waste and result in a reduced construction time. Further, SIPs give you savings in the long run because of the insulation between the panels which allows you to save money in electricity bills.
Whether you are constructing a new house or renovating an existing one, structural insulated panels can be of use. The panel in a SIP can be a metal sheet, plywood, cement, and MgO (Magnesium Oxide Board) where as the core can be EPS (expanded Polystyrene foam), XPS (extruded Polystyrene foam), and HSC (Composite Honeycomb). SIPs can be used to make exterior walls, foundations, roofs and floors.
Architects predict that SIPs are going to become more visible over the next few years, because of user friendliness. SIP’s are sold as individual panels. They are also sold in kit forms and can be assembled to set up a functional house. They may have window and door frames along with plasterboard lining and electronic circuitry – that depends on your design.
One the skeletal structure is ready, you can dress it with cement or stone or any material of your choice. It may seem like a version of LEGO or IKEA for adults but fear not as SIPs are deemed 5 times stronger than traditional timber framework. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of SIP is that no alterations can be made once it’s brought onsite.
It is also important that all measurements of foundation are taken carefully otherwise the SIP won’t fit or will be an ill fit. Structural insulated panels are superior to conventional stick framing in a lot of ways specifically when it comes to issues like insect infestation and airtight insulation. Wood wears down and restoring costs can run in thousands of dollars.
Structural insulated panels also can be highly inflammable and can absorb moisture, if not shielded properly. Anytime a SIP is forced to fit in a frame that doesn’t belong to it, its efficiency and effectiveness gets compromised. If you are looking at SIP for your office or home, it is highly recommended that you take into account all necessary details before making that decision.
SIP panels are of huge benefit for people living in seismic zones due to their high performance and ease of assembly. It is not advisable to have tall structures drawn out of SIP panels, as alone they cannot withstand pressure that a regular building goes through. However traditional building materials like cement or stone can support SIP’s to create an impressive eco friendly building.
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