Panel construction, using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly method of residential building. While initial costs may be high and adoption slow, SIPs offer versatility, faster construction times, and energy cost savings. Panels are available for walls, roofs, and custom building applications.
According to many, the future of residential construction is panel construction. Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs, are a fully integrated and energy efficient method of residential building that combines framing, siding and sheathing, as well as drywall and insulation procedures in a more compact operation. The relative benefits of panel construction are, unfortunately, mitigated somewhat by the occasionally high initial construction costs, as well as the unfamiliarity of many contractors, architects and builders with the particulars of this recently introduced construction method. Additionally, there appears to be a lag in the adoption of this building process by various council building codes.
The panels used in panel construction can be factory produced to specification and simply fitted on site, or they can be reconfigured on site or manufactured directly, using the appropriate materials and procedures, on site, allowing for some versatility in panel erection. structure. Their manufacture is relatively simple, essentially consisting of a layer of insulating material, usually urethane foam or expanded polystyrene, placed between a “skin” of rigid material, commonly wood or oriented strand board (OSB) for the external side, and a – rock or paneling for the internal side. Thus, installing the frame, insulation, and drywall is done, essentially, in one step.
Panel construction is most often done in sections, where large pre-cut sections of structurally insulated panels are fitted together and secured with nails and adhesive, eliminating the need for framing studs. The strength of the wall panels is sufficient to support the roof panels without the need for space-consuming ceiling joists and stringers. Additionally, structural insulation board construction provides better insulating properties, along with faster construction times. The materials used in the production of SIP are, for the most part, environmentally friendly and the panels themselves are quite recyclable.
SIPs are particularly useful for roofing, where large pre-formed, insulated panels can simply be laid into position over wall sills and secured in moments. Roof panels may be weathered prior to placement and seams between panels sealed or, more commonly, roof panels may be shingled, tiled, or landscaped after installation. Roof panel construction is significantly more energy efficient than fiberglass or blown insulation material.
The energy cost savings when using SIPs more than offset the initial building material costs. Additionally, the lower labor costs further contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness of panel construction. Panels are available for walls, roofs, roof insulation, sub-floors and custom building applications. Some other benefits of panel construction include fire retardant properties, frame strength, and controlled ventilation. Ultimately, a building constructed with SIP will engage against outside noise as effectively as it seals the ingress of air and moisture.
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