Ten Minute Guide to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Interested in modern construction methods and thermal efficiency but not sure where to begin? Check out our Ten Minute Guide to Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs.

Our Ten Minute Guide series of e-books cover a wide range of topics which will be of interest to self-builders or potential self-builders, or anyone thinking of building or renovating their own home. This particular guide will tell you all you need to know about structural insulated panels.

SIPs have been used to build new homes in the United States since the 1950s, and are huge in Germany and elsewhere in mainland Europe. Now this modern construction method is starting to find its feet in the UK, and with promises of a 60% reduction in your build programme, it’s not hard to see why.

We look at the basics of structural insulated panels, where the ideas come from and what you should look for. We explain the differences between the different types, and how to decide which might be best for your project. There’s a brief science lesson, as we look at where they gain their strength and compare them to more traditional build methods such as brick-and-block or timber frame.

We also consider the relative costs of using SIPs to build your home, and what long-term gains you might make from energy savngs. Our guide also reflects on the benefits of using a ‘prefabricated’ approach, and what to expect if you have your home craned into place in modules.

If you’re looking to learn the basics of structural insulated panels and want things explained clearly, in plain English and without waffle, this is the guide for you. Give us ten minutes of your time and we’ll give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

Current edition published November 2016. All details correct at time of publication.