Benefits of SIP walls and roofs
Introduction
As a builder, being well informed about any new materials and building methods on the market is important to make guided decisions for your client’s projects, and to coordinate better with designers. While the unfamiliarity of working with a new material or system can seem daunting without having first-hand experience, years of material testing can often attest to ensuring the durability and reliability of a product.
As Western Canada’s premier distributor of SIPs, we work with builders and designers on a regular basis who are constantly surprised at the ease of assembly and results that structurally insulated panels can provide. There are a variety of applications for SIPs, whether they’re being used as the primary system or for a part of the assembly. They work great in conjunction with other systems, and there are many benefits in choosing to use SIPs for your walls or roof.
Time saving benefits for roofs
One of the most notable benefits of SIPs is that they’re able to be quickly deployed for many applications. For roof applications, this becomes especially important for finalizing the next stage of the build for interior framing and finishes. Fall is an especially busy season for builders, and although projects are ongoing year-round, getting roofs up quickly becomes more pressing as the heavier rain and snowfall months are just around the corner.
The time saving benefits of a SIP roof provide more opportunities during the construction phase for builders to spend time with finishing details, and less time rushing to get the frame up. Framing out a typical roof normally requires extensive hand frame building, insulating in difficult to access areas, and finally wrapping the roof. By building with SIPs, you eliminate the need for extensive framing, as SIP roofs can be self-supporting. This opens up the possibility of utilizing wide open vaulted ceilings or creating mezzanine or loft spaces.
Reducing heat losses
A building’s roof assembly is also pivotal for the overall insulation and airtightness of a building. Since heat rises, most heat loss from the building will come from the roof, or at the joint connections between the walls and the roof. The consistent, even, application of SIPs reduces the need for unique joint details that are customized and difficult to access. The pre-assembled nature of the panels also reduces the need for excess time insulating the roof.
SIP for walls
SIPs work great in conjunction with other systems and can easily be connected to concrete or strip foundation applications. They can also be used as additions to existing framed walls, or as a topper for lofts or suites above garages. The most appealing benefit to SIP walls is that they open up a variety of design and space saving options when it comes to reallocating structural walls. In grander open spaces such as great rooms or master suites, a vaulted ceiling with no imposing structure can really make or break a space. Unlike traditional framing, SIPs also use continuous insulation which eliminates common exterior wall cavity issues, such as problems with condensation or pest issues.
More rigid than standard framed walls
Structural insulated walls are less prone to warping from the irregularity of SPF framed 2×4 and 2×6 walls. Their straighter and more rigid frame allows for an overall more sturdy assembly, which reduces the need for higher construction tolerances by improving assembly precision. Having the core structure in the exterior walls also reduces the need for additional structural elements, so the space saving opportunities become endless.
Conclusions
The applications for SIPs vary immensely. Roof and wall applications seem to be especially onerous around this time of year when the cooler weather and snow hits, which is why choosing an effective building system can make a world of difference for saving on construction time and labour. Reach out to one of our SIP consultants today to see how you can integrate structural insulated panels into your next build!