Structural insulated panels

Sparky78

Hi was having a look at SIP's and was impressed with the system.
I know of 2 companys that supply them in Ireland Kingspan TEK and SipFrame. Any others?

http://www.sipframe.com/
http://www.tek.kingspan.com/

Anyone ever used them or have an opinions on them or SIP's in general.

Thanks

sas

Sparky78 wrote:

Hi was having a look at SIP's and was impressed with the system.
I know of 2 companys that supply them in Ireland Kingspan TEK and SipFrame. Any others?

http://www.sipframe.com/
http://www.tek.kingspan.com/

Anyone ever used them or have an opinions on them or SIP's in general.

Thanks

I had a look at the system and even visited a fellow boards member (AJL) who is nearly finished building with the TEK system.

I was interested until I got a quote for it which I felt to be too expensive. The compay I spoke to is a registered TEK supplier but they also do regular timber frame so for comparison purposes I got a quote for both. 161K for tek, 61K for regular timberframe. It would cost roughly the same amount to finish both so its a big decision.

The biggest selling point it has is airtightness. If you plan on having chimneys for stoves or open fires you're going to have to stick holes in the walls which will obviously affect this.

AJL

Hi Sparky,

the company SAS is talking about is the timber frame comapny in Wexford. www.ttfc.ie.
I started my SIP build last year. Got a quote for 100000 euro for 3400 sq ft house. Will move in in 2 months.
You can also check Comanies in England. they will supply anf fit in ireland and they are very experienced in putting up SIP houses. Alot of council houses are now being built this way as they are so energy efficient. If you have any more questions give me a shout.

ardara1

House builder site (Green building Blog) have a number of concerns about SIPS - Start here

http://www.housebuildersupdate.co.uk/2005/10/spluttering-sips.html

Also came across a Kemsec SIPS systme in England that was keen tshow just how fast the system was to construct - started in March last year - still not finished.

System build were tried in the 60's - most of them have been pulled down - tred carefully.

Do-more

ardara1 wrote:

House builder site (Green building Blog) have a number of concerns about SIPS - Start here

http://www.housebuildersupdate.co.uk/2005/10/spluttering-sips.html

:eek: That blog certainly makes interesting reading. I had a SIP roof in mind for my next build (whenever that may be) but that blog would certainly put you off Kingspan Tek if not SIP in general.

OP one other possibility would be to consider sourcing your SIP's direct from the USA, lots of competing manufacturers over there and a weak dollar must surely make it a go'er. Kingspan's SIP's are made in Germany afterall so they all have to be transported in by sea and road.

Sparky78

Hi AJL,

Did you experience any problems with your SIP build?
Wrong sized panels etc?
How long did it take the weather proof shell to be completed from the time they arrived on site?

Thanks

AJL

Yes I did experience some problems but nothing that could not be fixed.
The only problem I had was with the roof. It was structurally sound but becaus it had such a wide span at 22 mm it was difficult to crane in position and get it perfectly plumb. This was remedied by plumbing the battens on the roof.
I did not experience any other problems other than minor ones that could be fixed easily.
My house was up in 10 days with roof on. I had no problems like mentioned in the blog. Companies that put up these houses are in it to make money and are not going to mess about.
I am very happy with the house. I was in it today. it is sealed up but has no heating. It was warm due to the solar gain from the previous days sun. Any of the trades coming to the house are very impressed with how sturdy the structure is compared to a timber frame and how air tight it is.
The reason I went with this way was airtightness, speed, well insulated (takes about 1/3 amount of heating compared a normal block house) and structurally alot stronger that a timber frame. It is expensive but i am thinking long term. I put in an air to air heat pump and I am confident that I can maintain the temp in the house with the airtightness and thermostatically controlled air heating system.

The comment about ripping the houses down in the 60's If that is the case we will be ripping down all the timber frames built as well!! This product is agrement certified. It is of high quality and if I was building again I'd go down the same route. I will be in it in two months. tha will be the litmus test!!
If you have any more queries dont hesitate to contact me.

ardara1

AJL wrote:

The comment about ripping the houses down in the 60's If that is the case we will be ripping down all the timber frames built as well!!

Do a search for CASPAR Leeds - the Guardian ran a story last Monday on exactly that point.

AJL

ardara1 wrote:

Do a search for CASPAR Leeds - the Guardian ran a story last Monday on exactly that point.

Hi Ardara/

interesting article. It looks like a flying saucer built to blow down or take off!!

I know i maybe sounding defensive but my house has got a block leaf on the outside. The chances of it blowing down are miniscule. this is an extreme example but you are right to mention it to make people cautious when making decisions around house construction.

ardara1

It's not so much the systems AJ - it's the lack of skill/training on the ground when they're being erected, whether solid block built, timber frame or SIPs - if there was more emphasis on best practice on site - most construction types vary very little in performance.

vicar1

Hi !
I'm thinking about a SIPS house and any 'real life' experience / advice would be much appreciated. My engineer is keen so if anyone has a SIPS house and could give any info I would really appreciate it. Any comments re the structure / heating / any problems ? Thanks!

hexosan

This has to be close to the grave digging record.

BryanF

hexosan wrote: »

This has to be close to the grave digging record.

agreed. thread closed