Structural Insulated Panels: Several Applications For Construction

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are a composite building material consisting of

an insulting layer of rigid polymer foam between two layers of structural board. The structural boards can be made from different materials such as sheet metal, plywood, cement or oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs combine many different components of conventional building and can be used for several different applications such as roofs, floors, exterior walls and foundation systems.

The idea of using stress skinned panels for construction came about in the 1930s and in 1936 a small stress skinned house was constructed in Wisconsin. The structure was in use right up to 1998 when it was taken down to make way for a new building. In 1947 structural insulated panel development began when corrugated paperboard cores were tested with various types of skin material. Panels consisting of polystyrene core and paper overlaid with plywood skins were first used in the construction of a building in 1967. This building is still in existence today.

In modern day construction, SIPs are most commonly made of OSB panels around a foam core made of expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene or rigid polystyrene foam however other materials can be used such as plywood, steel, aluminum or cement board. There are many different designs available to suit individual requirements and tastes and depending on the size of the structure you require, windows, doors, patio doors etc can be incorporated to suit all requirements. SIP structures can be used for any purpose whether it is a small extension or an entire two storey home. SIP structures are ideal as granny annexes or garden studios which can be constructed close to your family home, yet provide independence, space and freedom away from the home. SIP structures have also been used for garages, commercial structures and schools.

The costs of a structure made from SIPs is relatively the same as a traditionally built structure however the long term costs of running a SIP structure are significantly cheaper. A well built SIPs structure will have a tighter building envelope resulting in higher insulating properties. Also due to the fact that a SIP structure is pre-cut to suit each specific job offsite, a faster process is guaranteed and there are fewer tradesmen involved. Overall a SIP structure, whether it be an extension, garden lodge, annex or loft conversion will prove to be a very cost effective investment and indeed will add value to any home.

by: James P Martin

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