Sips Eco Panels explains why Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) can allow the UK to build more affordable homes quickly and end fuel poverty
THE UK has a shortage of houses, especially in the affordable housing category. It is an ongoing issue that the UK Government has tried to address over many years. The issue has yet to be comprehensively resolved, however there are new progressive methods of construction that could help. If these modern methods were to be adopted, we would achieve the target number of houses needed in a record timeframe.
The overall issue is that local councils cannot build enough affordable homes quickly enough to meet the growing demand. The problem has existed for years, because traditional building methods such as traditional timber frame and brick and block are extremely slow. We are now in the modern age of building and technology is being used by companies to tackle the housing problem in a quicker and smarter fashion. There are far more eco-friendly, energy efficient, quicker and cost-effective ways to build in 2020.
SIPs is the Solution
Scottish manufacturers like Sips Eco Panels offer a solution that will drastically improve the number of affordable houses built if these methods are adopted by local councils and affordable home developers. The modern method of construction that they offer is pre-insulated structural panels. This is offsite factory-built homes, everything from walls to roofs to joists are made to a specified size, in-house. By making the super structures to size in factory conditions, it means that when this advanced panelised system arrives on site, it is just a matter of getting the structure up quickly. Modern technology has meant that this is a very streamlined process and can drastically decrease the amount of time between construction and the finished product.
Why Choose SIPs (structural insulated panels)
Quick to build
In comparison to a traditional timber frame housing project, SIP houses can be built up to 55% faster. This is tackling the problem of supply and demand. As it stands just now in the UK there is too much demand and just not enough affordable homes. With faster build times, the UK will achieve housing targets very quickly. The inherent strength, quality and energy efficiency of the SIPs system means lower running costs and significantly less maintenance costs for local authorities and housing trusts that are providing much needed homes.
Putting an end to fuel poverty
Due to SIPs panels being pre-insulated they are extremely energy efficient which in turn drastically reduces monthly energy bills. This is another contributing factor to having not only an affordable home but also an affordable life.
Durable, strong and long-lasting
A structural insulated panel construction is 3x stronger than a brick and block build and 7x stronger than traditional timber frame builds. This means the houses built will be built to last and will stand the test of time. This is a smart investment. By investing in SIPs the houses built by local councils would not have to be repaired/rebuilt as often. SIPs Eco Panels are an investment into the future. You would see the benefit both in standards of living and cuts to expenses to build and run the homes.
Future-proof
With a SIPs house, they do not have timber trusses in the attic, the attic space comes already insulated with flooring. This means that young families that will potentially have kids in the coming years will be able to grow into their homes and use the attic as another bedroom or two, reducing the amount of moving and rehousing. Due to the inherent extra space in the roof of a SIPs home, many affordable developments can turn a standard 3-bedroom home into a 5-bedroom home at very little additional cost.
Cost-effective building
Due to the panels being made to specified sizes there isn’t much need for onsite adjustments. When the structure arrives, it can be erected in a matter of days meaning there are huge savings on the amount of labour and supervision needed. Another smart investment.
Naturally greener
Our way of working is naturally greener for many reasons. A big difference that makes our method greener is there is very little onsite waste as everything is precision manufactured offsite. This helps to drastically reduce the builds carbon footprint. Sips Eco structures are also extremely airtight meaning they use less energy to heat and cool. This also gives you more control over the indoor air conditions, resulting in the home being more affordable for the tenant.
An Investment for the Future
Unlike other parts of the world, the UK construction industry has taken many years to wake up to new methods of building and was a reluctant industry when it came to introducing technology, despite Scotland’s proud history of construction innovation. However, the industry is now looking to modern methods of building.
Business development director Matt Banks commented, “Sips Eco Panels are a forward-thinking business that are looking to make modern methods of construction the new normal. The reason we want this change is because our method of building is more environmentally friendly, quicker to build and cost-effective. If local councils were to invest smartly into our methods, it would help meet the target number of houses needed and will set a tone within the construction industry for years to come and finally put an end to the housing crisis.”
