SIP Panels

Revolutionising Construction with Structural Insulated Panels

What is SIP Panel

SIPs, which are also known as Structural Insulated Panels, are a type of composite material with a sandwich structure. They consist of a rigid insulating core layer sandwiched between two layers of structural boards, making them an ideal building material. The boards used for SIPs can be made of a variety of materials, such as sheet metal, plywood, cement, Magnesium Oxide Board (MgO), or Oriented Strand Board (OSB). Meanwhile, the core can be made from Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene Foam (XPS), Polyurethane Foam, or Composite Honeycomb (HSC).

For our modular homes, we have opted to use MgO or OSB with Neopor Polystyrene foam as they provide the necessary strength, insulation, and fire resistance properties required for our specific design and building requirements.

MGO SIP Panels

magnesium-oxide-board
structural insulated panel

Utilising MGO panels can provide you with a construction that boasts exceptional strength and thermal insulation, meeting the stringent requirements for Class A flammability. These panels also offer outstanding sound insulation and water resistance, along with exceptional load-bearing properties. They have robust resistance against compression and bending, and most importantly, provide excellent thermal insulation performance.

MgO SIP panels make year-round construction effortless as they are designed to withstand water and cold weather conditions, making them ideal for use in any weather. The manufacturing process for MgO boards consumes 50% less energy than traditional cement-based boards. The construction industry is increasingly recognising the environmental advantages of using MgO boards. Magnesium, the primary mineral used in MgO boards, is the eighth most abundant element in nature, and its supply is expected to last for centuries, making it an abundant and sustainable resource.

MGO Board Benefits and Features

Neopor Graphite Polystyrene

neopor eps insulation foam
neopr graphite polystyrene

Neopor graphite polystyrene is the core of the SIP panel. Let’s find out a bit more about this material.

NEOPOR EPS is an advanced insulation material made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads that have been infused with graphite particles during production, resulting in its distinctive grey colour and enhanced insulation properties. The addition of graphite particles enables NEOPOR to reflect radiated heat, which boosts its energy efficiency and makes it more effective in conserving heat energy compared to conventional white EPS insulation.

As a result of its unique composition, NEOPOR provides superior thermal insulation while requiring a thinner insulation layer to achieve the same thermal resistance value (R). For instance, NEOPOR EPS 70 (UG) with a thickness of 250mm has an R-value of 7.81 m² K/W, which is equivalent to white EPS 70 (UG) with a thickness of 305mm. However, such thickness is not readily available in white EPS 70, and one would have to purchase either 300mm or 320mm thickness instead.

EPS is an environmentally friendly insulation material made up of 98% air and does not contain any harmful substances during the manufacturing process. Additionally, it is entirely recyclable, making it a sustainable option for insulation needs.

OSB SIP Panels

Another possible component of SIP panels is OSB board. Let’s try to understand what OSB board is, its strengths, and weaknesses.

OSB, or oriented strand board, is a popular engineered wood panel that boasts versatility and durability. It’s composed of rectangular wood strands arranged in cross-oriented layers and held together by waterproof heat-cured adhesives. In terms of strength and performance, OSB is comparable to plywood and can resist deflection, warping, and distortion.

osb boards for sip panels
osb and mgo sip panels

Apart from its functional benefits, OSB is also considered an eco-friendly option for several reasons. Firstly, it’s made using wood strands sourced primarily from fast-growing trees. This approach to sourcing wood reduces the amount of land required to produce the raw materials needed for OSB manufacturing. Secondly, the use of wood strands that would otherwise be considered waste or low-grade material contributes to a more sustainable use of natural resources. Finally, OSB can be recycled and repurposed, further reducing its environmental impact.

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