| Are SIPS eco panels new?
Structually insulated panel systems [SIPS] have been used since the ‘50s in the USA and are also used extensively in Canada and Japan. In the USA over 50,000 new homes are constructed using SIPS each year. Our own system, SIPS eco panels, has been tried and tested and is fully approved for the UK market.
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How strong are SIPS eco panels built properties?
SIPS eco panels panels are extremely strong, far stronger than a traditionally built timber frame panel, yet they are considerably lighter.
SIPS eco panels has been rigorously tested over a number of years before being released.
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Is demand for SIPS eco panels growing in the UK?
The demand for SIPS eco panels are growing daily due to:
- Greater awareness of the product
- Appreciation of the benefits
- Concerns over environmental issues
- More energy efficient than conventional buildings
- Quicker construction times
- Cost savings in construction
- Better acoustic sound reduction from room to room
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Will using SIPS eco panels save me money?
Building a home using SIPS eco panels should save you money and construction time.
Developers, having switched from the old fashioned brick and block system with all its inherent problems, to the more energy efficient timber frame construction method, are now turning to SIPS. With SIPS they are enjoying even more advantages, quicker build and erection times, more energy efficiency, greater accustic and air-tightness levels and increased profits.
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Are SIPS eco panels environmentally friendly?
SIPS eco panels use EPS as a centre core sandwiched between two layers of OSB (Oriented Strand Board) from accredited Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) woodlands.
Of course, the real saving to the environment is longer term with drastically reduced running costs of the property.
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I understand I can’t alter windows and door openings once the SIPS eco panels have been designed, is this true?
SIPS eco panels have been specifically designed with the self builder in mind. They are therefore extremely versatile and cost effective for one-off designs, whereas most other SIPS suppliers restrict alterations after design.
Due to our special manufacturing method our panels do not require supporting uprights like most other SIPS companies. This makes the panels lighter and easier to manhandle, but more importantly you can easily alter openings on site.
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How much do SIPS eco panels cost?
The cost of a SIPS eco panels frame package is similar to a standard timber frame package from any manufacturer.
However, you will immediately notice a major saving of a few thousand pounds in insulation as SIPS eco panels panels are pre-insulated in the factory, only requiring a small amount of site fitted insulation at most.
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Will I have problems with planning
using SIPS eco panels?
SIPS eco panels is an accepted building system and will create no planning issues. In fact, with SIPS eco panels there are more advantages especially where deliveries and storage could be a problem on site.
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Will there be any difficulties with
building regulations using SIPS eco panels?
Building Control have been set stringent criteria by the Government in an endeavour to improve housing stock. SIPS eco panels meet all these criteria easily, and for many years to come, by ensuring properties are more energy efficient and achieve better air tightness than today’s requirements.
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Do warranty providers accept SIPS eco panels?
SIPS eco panels like SIPS is a well recognized and accepted form of construction by all warranty providers.
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I have been told a SIPS eco panel, or similar, property could enhance the resale of my home, why is that?
It is generally recognized that as home owners have a greater awareness of running costs, they will opt for a new property with lower running costs. We may all ultimately be prepared to pay a premium for new low maintenance home.
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Can I have rooms in the roof using SIPS eco panels?
Where possible we will always try to supply SIPS eco panels to ensure a warm roof construction. This would generally give you a clear span roof making almost the whole area usable, subject to head height.
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Is there a reduction in heat loss using SIPS eco panels?
Heat loss can be reduced up to 85% using the SIPS eco panels.
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How do I heat a SIPS eco panel home?
Building regulations have put a greater emphasis on air tightness in all new properties. We therefore recommend the installation of a mechanical ventilation system. By using SIPS eco panels you can achieve air tightness levels of 0.91 air changes per hour at 50 Pa.
With such air tightness you could eliminate a conventional hot water radiator system, if you combine your mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). We can put you in touch with heating specialists who will ensure you do not over oversize your heating system, if one is required at all.
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What “U” values can I achieve and how thick are the walls using SIPS eco panels?
As you are probably aware, the lower the “U”values the more energy efficient a property. With SIPS eco panels you can achieve “U”values of 0.14 W/m2.K through the walls. Current legisation requires 0.35 W/m2.K in England and 0.30 W/m2.K in Scotland throughout the whole building. Our roof panels can achieve 0.14W/m2.K.
To achieve the same “U”values in walls constructed in masonry and timber frame will not only cost you a considerable amount more but the external walls would have to be 430mm deep with masonry construction, 390mm deep with traditional timber frame construction and only 223mm deep using SIPS eco panels construction method.
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Are there any special foundation requirements using SIPS eco panels?
Due to the larger spans and stronger panel systems achieved using SIPS eco panels there can often be a saving with foundation costs as there will be reduced load bearing walls.
Any recognized form of foundation can be used but the oversite must be level within a tolerance of + / - 5mm to ensure the most efficient erection of our SIPS eco panels.
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Do you help with plans and planning?
We have designed thousands of properties from houses to flats and commercial to light industrial. We can help with the following:
- Offer a full planning support service within our SIPS eco panels package price
- Arrange a complete Design & Build service
- Offer the most popular method of construction using an independent project manager to complete the construction making greater savings in your time and money all round.
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I have my own plans; will you supply
me with SIPS eco panels?
Clients send us their own designs every day for costings and order SIPS eco panels regularly.
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