Structural
Insulated Panels (SIPs) are not a new method of construction, having
been used extensively for decades across North America and Canada.Despite
this proven history, SIPs are still considered as an unknown quantity
in most parts of Europe.
The SIP industry in the USA & Canada is mainly focused on
the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core panels. Although EPS
provides good insulation, it can present a problem in that, when
exposed to fire EPS will ignite and burn, and also melts at relatively
low temperatures.
Hemsec Sips have a high pressure injected Polyurethane core,
which not only gives better insulation than EPS, but also inhibits
ignition and does not melt.
Having an injected core means that the facings of the panel are
auto-adhered
during the foaming process, giving a much stronger, continuous
bond compared to the lamination process used with EPS cores.
The composite construction of a SIP gives an excellent
combination of structural strength and thermal insulation due
to the elimination of cold bridging normally associated with timber
frame construction.
