SIP Technology

SIP Panels, SIP Shields, SIP Panels, Sandwich - all terms refer to the same principle. Since 1965, SIPS has established itself across the planet as a highly durable and thermally resistant wall, floor and roof construction system. The first buildings of this type were built as early as 1930 in North America.

SIPS panels are manufactured using structural panels and neoprene or polystyrene infill. The unique feature compared to other construction methods is that SIPS construction is virtually moisture-proof, mould-proof, and does not contain biodegradable materials, which results in no rotting processes.

The neoprene or polystyrene used simply cannot physically absorb more than 5% of the moisture in the technology, even though it is exposed to a constant flow of water. Thus, under the circumstances, the prefabricated house may not be heated and occupied until it is fully completed.

SIPS panel houses are assembled quickly and efficiently on site, using specially manufactured panels. The panels are assembled using either wooden joists or double-track wooden beams.
The panels are glued together with the frame structures using special glue and secured with timbers. The structure of the house becomes homogeneous, resistant to moisture and does not deform independently of the effects of the weather (rain, cold, snow, heat).

Systems

Building system structures

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Installation Guide

Cognitive workflow process on the construction site

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Guide to exterior wall cladding

Dominant solutions for panel systems in buildings

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Guide to interior wall finishes

Dominant solutions for panel systems in buildings

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Fire resistance.

Like other timber-framed buildings, SIPs have fire resistance requirements. All structural elements of the building shall comply with the fire resistance requirements laid down in the national building regulations.

There is no problem if the panel-based structures meet the required levels, taking into account correct design, manufacturing standards and workmanship.
In the interior of residential structures, the requirement is usually to use a thermal barrier to delay the spread of fire by 15 minutes. This shall be achieved by the installation of 12 mm thick plasterboard or materials of equivalent thermal resistance.
Fire retardants are chemical agents called flame retardants. A flame retardant is a special substance and its method of use for the purpose of inhibiting, significantly reducing or delaying combustion.
Flame retardants are produced on the basis of various salt solutions.
The panels are coated with a flame retardant liquid which protects the wood from fire. This solution increases the fire resistance of the panels by a factor of 7 compared to untreated wood.

Flammability and compression test for SIP panels PDF available for download

Resistance to compression.

Complex and individual tests with structural panels have been carried out in many countries. These include panel testing for uniform load distribution to measure strength and deflection between two supports, axial loads centrally and eccentrically, and impact and bending loads on panel joints.
The connection nodes between the individual panels are secured with timber dowels so that the panels can be used over the openings and secured with panels on both sides. It is easy to integrate an additional timber point to maintain localised load concentration. This is usually done at the panel junctions.

The tests were carried out to assess the axial load capacity of 100 mm thick, 2.4 m high and 2.4 m wide slabs subjected to a load of 440 kN/m. Using a factor of safety of 2.0, it can be seen that the panel will resist a vertical load of 90 kN/m. These loads are well in excess of the average foundation load of a typical two-storey house of conventional construction.

Moisture resistance.

A tight building envelope is the basis for a successful mould control strategy. The extremely low air infiltration rate of the panel system in prefabricated buildings allows the air handling equipment to supply controlled incoming air. Proper dry air intake will create an environment where mould is physically unable to grow.

In addition to creating a tight structure, the panels are robust and free of any wall cavities where moisture can condense and cause invisible mould growth.

Rodent and insect resistance.

Although insects do not feed on the cores of foam panels, there have been cases where they have disrupted the cores of the panels and used them as a nest. To avoid this, many manufacturers offer panels with boric acid-treated foam and/or OSB. Termites can also be deterred by the use of specially designed steel mesh. Both of these methods are very effective, but they are no substitute for careful prevention and maintenance of termites, insects or rodents, as with any other timber structure.

Acoustic properties.

The sound insulation of a panel wall depends on the thickness of the internal cladding, such as plasterboard, the external cladding and the thickness of the insulation foam core used. Panels are particularly effective at blocking high-frequency noise, and most homeowners notice the quiet comfort of a paneled home. However, the low-frequency sounds are not as effectively stopped by the building envelope of the panels.

Ventilation.

Modern buildings are designed to maximise heat retention. This means that they are not only warm, but also airtight, with much less air circulation, which changes the indoor microclimate. Mechanically circulated air is a guarantee of a healthy microclimate, no mould formation and efficient ventilation without cooling.
The space within the building envelope of the panels is considered as ventilated space and will be ventilated by the building's climate control system. There is no need to install a ventilated attic under the roof of the panels, as this would be detrimental to the space of the building.
Some building science experts recommend the installation of a ventilated roof by providing an air gap between the SIP roof panels and the roofing material (known as a "cold roof"). This practice is not necessary for SIP buildings, but is an additional measure to improve the durability and resilience of the building.

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