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What are SIPS?
Structural Insulated Panels (known as SIPs) constitute a revolutionary modern “green” building system that is making waves in residential construction due to their energy efficiency. The amazing light-weight but extremely strong and durable SIP panels lend themselves to all sorts of building projects but are proving particularly popular and successful in the construction of home extensions, conservatories and orangeries in the UK.
SIPs were first developed in America but did not come to the UK until the late 1980s. Only comparatively recently have they become renowned for residential builds, proving their worth in cutting down construction time and providing excellent insulation. Over the years the modular SIPs building system has been tried and tested by relevant statutory bodies such as the BRE (Building Research Establishment).
We at Smart Rooms have been researching SIPs for our residential construction projects for some years not just because of their proven track record of performance, but also because they offer our clients a bespoke quick, simple, cost effective solution for extending their living space which is extremely thermally efficient.
SIPs are an evolution of timber-frame construction. The SIPs we use are fabricated here in the UK and consist of a polyurethane insulation layer sandwiched between an outer covering of OSB (orientated strand board). OSB is an engineered form of lumber sheets made from sustainable harvested spruce.
Different thicknesses of panels are available for different purposes. This makes the panels not only structurally strong but also air tight and extremely energy efficient so that they exceed most current building regulations with U-values as low as 0.13, depending on the thickness used. The thicker the panel insulation the more thermally efficient it is.
SIPs are suitable for flooring and roofing as well as walls in the construction of conservatories and extensions. Whatever the design of your project we will order the appropriate pre-fabricated SIP panels required to form the construction. Once the groundworks are complete these arrive ready for assembly on site. In no time your smart room is ready for the finishing touches – cladding in your choice of materials.
The SIPs panels can be finished using any kind of external cladding to match in with the rest of the building: brick, timber or silicon render, for example. You can choose any style of windows or doors you wish to be added to create an ultra-modern or traditional look to your new smart room. The roof can be similarly covered in a choice of materials to complement its surroundings.
We’re happy to advise you on the design of your SIPs smart room and assist you with obtaining planning permission (although for conservatories this is usually not necessary).
Assembling a building using SIPs is a specialised task, which we have mastered through training and experience. The SIPs are joined together creating an air tight envelope with a continuous polyurethane core through the walls and roof of the building.
Unlike conventional building techniques, your SIPs smart room will be in place in record time, leaving very little mess, disturbance and waste materials. All that remains is to sit back and enjoy it, staying warm in winter and cool in summer.
Please have a look at our recent projects:
