Increasingly stringent Building Regulations requiring higher levels of insulation and air tightness and a demand for more environmentally friendly construction methods have resulted in an increased demand for Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). The system was first seen in the UK in the 1970s but has been used in North America and Northern Europe for almost 50 years.
Modern SIPs panels comprise two outer boards of composite wood (OSB), from sustainable forest sources, with a CFC free Polyurethane foam filling. The resultant ‘sandwich’ forms a light and strong structure offering excellent structural load bearing capabilities and superior insulation.
Able to be used for walls and roofs, SIPs enables the maximum amount of space to be utilised, a huge advantage when plot space is at a minimum. They are the next generation of construction. Their unparalleled energy efficiency, high build speed and low site wastage make them the obvious choice for the construction of residential, commercial and public sector projects.
The Kingspan TEK Building System, available from Norman Piette comprises 142 mm or 172 mm thick SIPs connected with a unique jointing system for walls and roofs, and intermediate floors using I–beams or metal web joists.
Key Features
- Superior insulation (40% better than current building regulation requirements)
- Greater energy efficiency
- Saves construction time and cost
- Off site production
- Increased air tightness
- Less on site labour
- High speed build
- Flexible design
- Low environmental impact
