In the growing need for sustainable building practices, the construction industry is increasingly turning to eco-friendly construction materials. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are gaining much earned traction in this field as they provide incredible benefits or the environment while also creating high-performance buildings.
As Australia struggles through a time of housing demand with the ever present challenges of climate change, SIPs are a greener and more efficient way forward in the construction industry.
What are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?
You might be all for a greener construction alternative, but do you know what SIPs are? Let us first explain before we delved into why they are an eco-friendly construction material.
Our SIPs panels are expertly crafted under meticulously regulated factory conditions by sandwiching a durable Neopor core insulation between two robust structural facings. The structural facings vary depending on the skin material chosen for your specific needs.
SIPs are precision cut to your specifications and allow for tailor made designs, and can be used for walls, floors and roofs. For best results in insulation, we recommend using it for all three.
Environmental benefits of SIPs
The environmental benefits of SIPs are numerous but we’ve condensed them into four main areas that we believe are most significant:
Energy efficiency: SIPs are inherently superior in their thermal performance providing a home with significantly reduced energy demands for heating and cooling. The heavily reduced thermal bridging that is seen in SIPs vs timber frames results in a better insulated home with less air leakage.
Reduced onsite waste: Traditionally framing methods such as timber frames come with an increased waste load as they are cut onsite. SIPs are precision cut and arrive ready to install for your custom build. Using SIPs also cuts out the need for separate insulation, further reducing waste.
Sustainable materials: Smart SIPs panels use a sheathing material that is essentially carbon neutral, recyclable and disposable as a soil nutrient making it a highly sustainable building material.
Improved air quality: SIPs also provide a better environment within your home due to the improved air quality as less outside air can infiltrate the home. This results in a home that has less dust, allergens, mould and pollutants.
Why SIPs are particularly suited to Australia
Our unique and vastly ranging climate, from the tropical far north to more temperate in the south, requires a strong and versatile building material. In our opinion, the strength and customisability of SIPs makes it the most suitable eco-friendly construction material available on the Australian market. Here are further reasons why:
Bushfire resistance: For those in bushfire prone regions, SIPs can provide some peace of mind with their unique suitability to resist fire. You can learn more about their strength on our SIPs testing page. Due to their airtightness, SIPs can also help keep out stray embers which can also reduce to rapid spread of fire in buildings.
Climate adaptability: SIPs can be customised to suit your climate. They also keep houses temperature controlled, creating a more comfortable internal environment in both hotter and cooler zones. For humid and tropical areas, your home will be more mould and damp resistant too.
Streamlined construction: Here in Australia, it’s common to experience labour shortages and construction delays for various reasons. SIPs are precision cut and arrive onsite ready to assemble. Complete framing and insulation in one quick step, streamlining your whole construction process.
Economic benefits
While the initial costs of SIPs vs traditional framing can be 5% more, constructing with SIPs is a more economical decision long term. Here is why:
Long-term savings: SIPs significantly reduces your ongoing energy bills. You’ll also see a reduction in your new build’s labour costs and ongoing maintenance.
Potential government incentives: depending on your build and location, you may be eligible for certain government incentives.
Will you choose SIPs as your eco-friendly construction material?
Incorporating SIPs into your new build is not only good for the environment. You’ll also benefit from the cost savings and streamlined construction outlined above.
If you’d like to know more about SIPs and why you should work with us, Smart SIPs, we invite you to explore our website or contact us. Our friendly team are only a phone call away and more than happy to help or provide an obligation-free ballpark quote.