Which Are The Better Building Material, Sips Or Icfs?
Are you wondering whether you should use ICFs or SIPs in your next building project
? Here is a comparison of both structural insulated panels and insulating concrete form.
SIPS
The acronym SIPs stands for structural insulated panels, and these are prefabricated panels which are used to construct walls, ceilings, floors, roofs and more. They are made of polystyrene insulation sandwiched tightly between two pieces of sheathing which is usually made from oriented strand board. These solid sheets are manufactured off site and then taken to the building area and assembled there. They are usually used for walls and roofs, but can also be employed within floors and foundations.
ICFs
ICF refers to Insulating Concrete Form, which is a concrete formwork system. It consists of modular units which interlock and stack upon each other somewhat like Lego bricks. They are then filled in with concrete. ICFs can be made with polystyrene foam, cement-bonded wood fibre, and other materials. This type of building material is usually used for reinforced concrete walls, floors and roofs.
Advantages of Structural Insulated Panels
SIPS are cheaper than ICFs, saving you money on your building project.
Structural insulated panels will offer more energy savings over the long term because they have a higher R-Value than ICFs.
An ICF wall will need to be thicker than a SIP wall in order to achieve the same level of insulation; this means that you will need more material which will increase the costs of construction.
SIPs are more versatile and can be used in walls, foundations, floors and roofs, compared to ICFs which can only be used in walls and foundations.
SIPS can be installed much more quickly than ICFs, with no need for specialized installers.
It is easy to hang or mount anything on a SIP wall, but with ICFs you might need to drill through the concrete.
Adding or moving a door or a window is much easier once the building is complete.
Advantages of Insulating Concrete Form
ICFs provide high sound absorption which creates a peaceful and quiet environment.
ICFs tend to work better in warmer climates, while SIPs are more effective in colder climates.
ICFs will generally offer more return in terms of insurance deductions, which could save you money in the long term. You can get anywhere from 8%-25% reduction in your home insurance premiums depending on the carrier. This is because the ICF wall is considered a masonry wall in terms of fire ratings, and is considered less of a risk of fire.
ICF is very well suited to designs with large openings. In traditional construction, large openings will require headers and supporting posts but with ICF construction they can be built with only additional reinforcing steel directly around the window.
These are a few of the advantages of both structural insulated panels and insulating concrete form. Each building material has its strengths and weaknesses, and one will likely be more practical and appropriate for your next building project than the other depending on your particular needs.
by: James P Martin
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