Sip Extension Kits – A Modular Approach
Looking to build your own extension and have heard about Sips but don’t know where to start? let us guide you in simple speak, so you get off on the right foot with our SIP extension kits
Sips are Structural Insulated Panels, they come in a variety of types some good, some are just OK. In our opinion, the best are formed panels. That means the outer panels are fully bonded to the insulation during manufacture, not glued to insulation after the insulation has been made but formed during the manufacturing process.
Preferred – Formed Sip panels – Two sheets of structural board (OSB) clamped in a jig under pressure and then injected with a very dense PU foam. This foam expands filling the void between the boards and once cured it is a fully formed SIP panel that can be used in the construction of homes.
Alternative – Glued SIP panels – PU insulation is glued to two sheets of OSB once cured it is then called a SIP panel.
Formed Sip panels – Two sheets of structural board (OSB) clamped in a jig under pressure and then injected with a very dense PU foam.
This foam expands filling the void between the boards and once cured it is a fully formed SIP panel that can be used in the construction of homes. We only supply fully formed SIP panels.
Constructing a sip extension kit, what you will need.
Materials
Apart from the panels, timber, screws or nails and glue. Before you start you will need a structural design to build to for building control regulations. In our experience, traditional structural engineers do not fully understand the true SIP panel approach and tend to over engineer them, which can sort of defeat the object. We strongly suggest using a specialist structural engineer expect to pay £1,200 – £1,500 for a set of construction drawings for you SIP extension kit. We can provide a structural plan if required for your kit.
Certifications
– SAP
You could also need a SAP calculation if you are looking to fit a lot of glazing i.e bi-folding doors or multiple roof lanterns. A SAP calc will cost £225 – £475 depending on who you use and how much is involved in the build. We also offer a SAP calculation in our Panel kit should you decide one shop is better than lots of shops.
– Structural Design
In order to get the project signed off by your building control inspector you will need an approved design checked and agreed by a structural engineer.
– Building Control Completion Certificate
Once the project is completed a sign off is required by a building control inspector. It is vital that the project is registered before any building work commences.
Foundations for single storey sips extension
Your extension needs to sit on a good base, one that is built to the satisfaction of building control. It is key that your base is level and square to the host property, while there is a degree of flexibility when using SIP panels in construction, starting off square and level will make the build so much easier! Generally there is no additional requirements for sips extension foundations over conventional build method foundations.
Timber
You will need some structural timber either C16 or c24 as specified by the structural engineer, for the sole and wall plates plus some c24 timber for closing off the panels at doorways and openings, you can use SIP splines for joining panels on long runs.
Important advantage of SIP panel construction
The thickness of a fully formed SIP panel wall will determine the build UValue of your project. Typically you can save on external wall thickness when using a SIP panels and drastically improve on the UValues required. The lower the UValue the better the build. As an example a typical block and brick wall needs to be approx 380mm thick to achieve 0.18UValue. A SIP panel wall which measures under 300mm will give you a UValue of 0.12
SIP Panel FAQ’s
Can I build an extension with SIPs?
Absolutely! SIP panels are, in our opinion the best option for building House extensions. They can be successfully used in single storey or two storey etensions.
Are SIP extensions worth it?
Yes, they have advantages in both thermal performance and the time taken to construct your extension.
Can you build your own SIP panels?
In theory yes you can but in order to have a SIP panel that is certified at a UValue and structurally tested you are much better off buying quality SIP panels.
Are SIPs cheaper than stick framing?
If you factor in the time taken to build a stick-framed extension, we believe SIP panel construction is quicker, cheaper and an all around better option.
SIP building kits for do-it-yourselfers?
Yes, these kits are primarily aimed at DIY’s but can also be supplied for contactors wanting a simple solution to get into SIP Extension construction.
One stop shop for your SIP Extension Kits including SIP Extension Design
We offer SIP Extension Kits that are designed, specified to satisfy Building Control Regulations, SAP calculated and delivered anywhere in the UK.
We also offer full self-build SIP extension kits that include everything you would need to build your own extension feel free to take a look by following the link.
Visit our Instant Quote page and specify your ideal SIP Extension kit.
We look forward to helping you with your project.
Some words from a customer…
Steve supplied my Sips Panel extension project and was brilliant from start to finish. He was very meticulous with planning and getting everything right for us just the way we wanted it.
It took all the stress out of the planning and design element of the project whilst also making me feel comfortable and secure with my purchase the whole time.
It all arrived exactly when and how he said it would and he even came to site to make sure everything was correct. It was also very useful that fixings and fittings and extras were supplied.
Everything went well with the build, which I completed alongside a carpenter. The Sips panel structure went up in three days which was brilliant and a great way to put up an extension.
Having lived in it for a few months now I can say that the insulative properties of the panels are great, they are very well made and all the windows and doors supplied have been very high quality which we are pleased with.
Overall we are very pleased with how the project went from start to finish, Steve and his company were great and it was a great way to put up a very secure and well insulated extension!”.
– Isaac, Oxfordshire