FAQ PAGE

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Although the facing material may vary (typically OSB or CPB) HEMSEC SIPS have the common characteristic of a rigid foam core sandwiched and auto-adhesively welded / fixed between two exterior "skins."

The first known SIP panels were created back in 1952 by Alden Dow, son of the owner of the Dow Chemical company. These buildings have been in continuous occupation ever since and are still structurally sound. Historically, the principle of using two cooperating faces was introduced by Delau about 1820. The first extensive use of sandwich panels was during World War ll. In the " Mosquito" aircraft.

Today with the advent of cellular plastics sandwich construction composites can be found in a diverse range of products, Hemsec Sips directors have worked on numerous projects where HIGH STRENGTH and light weight panels are needed. Indeed Hemsec as a Group have been involved in the manufacture and erection of over 1 million square metres of their various products.

Following the energy crisis in the 1970’s SIPs began to emerge as an alternative construction method, but it has been in the last 20 years that SIPs have really taken off in the USA, Canada and Japan where the markets are said to be growing at 50% per annum.

The core foam used in Hemsec Sips panels is a Modified Poly Foam, designed to display absolutely consistent density properties. The core material is supplied by DOW Chemicals (The original inventors of the product) in the UK.

Modified Polyfoam has some unbeatable qualities:

• No CFCs or HCFCs
• Superior Fire performance
• Will not absorb water
• No Formaldehyde
• Exceptional strength
• Environmentally safe and inert
• Highest U-value per kilo
• Completely recyclable
• Contains no harmful fibers
• MPF represents an efficient use of natural resources, saving energy and conserving resources through its manufacture, use and disposal.

Hemsec Sips panels come in a range of thicknesses, as detailed in the tech - details page. The performance figures are unparalleled, and speak for themselves!

Key features of Hemsec Sips systems are as follows:

Strength
Hemsec Sips panels are undergoing extensive testing at Ceram in Stoke, and consistently outperform other building systems. This test data is being passed to BBA and will form the basis for the ongoing process of achieving BBA approval.

Hemsec Sips Panel is typically 5 times stronger in racking than a Timber Frame Structure, and significantly stiffer.
When subjected to loading, a Structural Insulated Panel acts like a steel I-beam. The Tensile strength of the skins resist the stretching and crushing forces of tension and compression. Hemsec Sips MPF cores and super high-strength adhesion spread forces across the surface area of the panel while resisting shearing and slippage between the skins. Because of the superb structural properties of a Hemsec Sips panel, it becomes possible to create arches, vaulted ceilings and shapes that would be too costly to produce in traditional methods.

Performance

Hemsec Sips modular systems are designed to provide a gap-free blanket of solid insulation. This allows for a tighter than average wind seal, eliminating drafts while retaining insulating ability over the life of the structure.

As an extremely “tight” building, heating systems can be downsized to provide what little “comfort” heating is needed (light bulbs and human natural heat providing the bulk of what is necessary). It is an interesting fact that the boilers available on the market without exception provide too much heat for the Hemsec Sips system.

As “tight” buildings, Hemsec Sips houses have mechanical ventilation installed to ensure optimum comfort for the occupants. This also provides opportunity to screen out allergenic airborne particles and dust mites as part of the process. In an age where asthma is a serious problem (3.4 million sufferers at a cost to the nation of £1 billion per annum), construction methodologies need to be seriously examined to address the problems.

Climate control and heat recovery systems are a small leap to make from the basic mechanical ventilation systems, and are available on an add-in basis.

Ease of use

Perhaps one of the most striking features of the Hemsec Sips system is the simplicity of the erection procedures.
Delivered in an RTA (Ready to Assemble) fashion, the process of assembly is uncomplicated as structures are engineered for assembly as pre-numbered units. Installation time and construction costs are significantly reduced, as is the time the structure is open to changing weather.

Cost Savings

Improving revenue streams through minimising preliminary costs can clearly have a significant effect on the overall profitability of a site.

The skeleton of the house is not subject to dependence on skilled and expensive labour, and a good team leader with 2 unskilled workers can erect the system from foundation to ridge in typically 2/3 days.

Similarly the house can be secured very rapidly to restrict pilfering and to allow 2nd fixing to take place almost immediately, further reducing costs.

These factors alone can have a significantly positive effect on the bottom line, but it doesn’t end here. Because the Hemsec Sips panel system is used to provide the structural roofing elements, the attic space is part of the system and not an added extra.

On a £’s per square foot basis, this means that prospective homebuyers are paying significantly less to realise far more.

From the homebuyers’ perspective, the Hemsec Sips system means:

• Significantly lower fuel bills
• A cleaner, quieter, fresher environment
• More living space to use in total flexibility
• An investment in the future

NOTE: From start to finish, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to delivery.