SIPs

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Structural Insulated Panels represent the latest generation of stressed skin construction and offer significant advances on joist based systems.

Applications include Wall, Floor and Roof infil units with high thermal insulation values and the ability to complement or form the building structure.

Structural

The panels are designed to support load in flat (floor), pitched (roof) and wall configurations where their structure is particularly efficient. The strong upper and lower skins provide compressive and tensile strength exactly where it is most effective. Instead of relatively highly stressed ribs (joists) at spaced centres, the void is filled with structural insulation. This shares the forces over ten times the breadth of material resulting in low stresses and high stiffness.

Insulated

The structural insulation is Platinum EPS 100; Expanded Polystyrene with a Graphite additive. It's thermal conductivity value is .030 W/m·K which achieves typical 'U' values for complete panels as follows:-

Depth	'U' Value

95	.39
120	.30
145	.24
170	.20
195	.17
220	.15
270	.12
320	.10

These values would be enhanced by inner and outer claddings.

Panels

The panelised form of construction considerably simplifies installation. The self weight is low (typically 18 Kg/m²). Structure, load bearing deck, insulation and soffit lining are combined in one unit enabling positioning in a single straightforward operation. This can increase speed of enclosure and reduce labour costs. A special jointing tape completes the seal until supplemented by the permanent external finishes.

Dimensions

The standard panel is 2440 x 1220 x 170mm having a 140mm 'Platinum' EPS 100 core and 15mm sanded Coniferous Plywood faces.

The thickness is primarily determined by required 'U' value, but may well be adjusted to express or conceal any associated main framing.

Qualities

The panels are very stiff and relatively light weight. The facings are a robust thickness to facilitate fixings of battens, cladding, adjoining panels, services and the like. This simplifies manufacturing and installation detailing.

Fixing

Panels have a 50mm recess to the perimeter to locate on head and sole plates. An insulated spline connects panel to panel.

Specials

Configurations can be readily adjusted to individual requirements. Variations can include:-

Insulation thickness and type to reflect spacial and thermal concerns.
Plywood species to provide pre-finished surfaces.
Decorative / flamespread coatings to suit.
Board thickness for weight / fire / cost challenges.
Single or double curved shapes for barrel vaults, domes etc.
Light & stiff louvre blades, doors and so on.