56 structural insulated panels value of 0.20 W/m2
K would be almost unthink-
able with block work. The same U-value can be achieved for a brick outer skin build up with an overall thickness less than 300 mm. SIPs are a dimensionally stable product that,
unlike timber frame, move very little once built. This means that the usual snagging issues of a tim- ber frame are removed. The off-site nature of the production allows for accurately constructed, high-quality buildings with known performance. The process is also less prone to weather disruption and ‘Friday afternoon’ quality issues. Knowing the costs before the project begins and having a programme that is unlikely to be affected
“The only thing that is currently holding developers back from using this system is the belief that because we have always done it that way, it must be right”
by the weather means that the budgeting and pro- gramming of sites can start to become more accurate, with costly preliminaries reduced. The use of one contractor pulling together a
number of trades can help the management of the small to medium site, which in turns allows the developer’s management team to spend time on other areas. Major items such as doors and win- dows can all be procured in advance, safe in the knowledge that the off-site construction and accuracy onsite will allow sites to be secured faster, with the major benefit being that the internal works can progress at the same time as the external works. The removal of brickwork from the critical path during the winter period, or summer with the unreliable UK weather, is also a benefit to many. For tight and contentious sites, the use of
a SIP structure can reduce transport movement to the site, therefore the muck and debris that is strewn on the surrounding roads is limited due to a reduced number of deliveries. The system also produces less site waste, ultimately meaning less skips on site, which often proves to be a hidden cost. In summary, the only thing that is currently
holding developers back from using this system is the belief that because we have always done it that way, it must be right. This is the only industry that greets innovation and new products with dis- dain and caution beyond all reason. SIPs have been around for decades now and the
market appears to be waking up to the benefits and speed that the system brings. As with all great solutions, if enough people find out about it and start using it, SIPs will soon become the norm.
Chris Duckworth is managing director at SIP Build UK
respond online at
www.hbdonline.co.uk Enq. 157
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