What is wrong with a house made of sip panels. Sip panels - what is it, reviews of houses from sip panels, pros and cons

SIP panels are a convenient material with excellent operational qualities and high durability, allowing you to build really quickly. However, Canadian house building technology has its downsides.

Technology modern construction of sandwich panels is not as new as some used to believe. At home in North America its foundations have been unchanged for more than half a century, and the nuances of such construction have been worked out to the smallest detail. Climatic conditions of this region are quite similar to ours, especially when it comes to the European part of Russia. The technology is being actively introduced in domestic practice, many owners of such houses have already appreciated all the advantages, leaning in their favor.

SIP panels are not quite a standard material, in order to make sure of its strength and select the appropriate structural properties, various studies were carried out by expert groups at one time. The construction technology contains many patents and unique algorithms that make working with such material convenient and fast. For people in the subject, this option is not just a tribute to fashion, but a completely rational solution.

Russian specialists are not yet so strong in SIP technology, so its features are overgrown with myths, among which some rather absurd ones appear. In fact, according to the classification, this is a panel construction, which has features that are quite typical for this variety.

• As in combination with wooden frame, and by themselves, these elements are very durable, with incredible lightness they are resistant to wind, snow and other negative weather phenomena
• In the United States, such houses safely survive hurricanes and earthquakes. They are quick to assemble, economical and very warm.

Nevertheless, such buildings have significant disadvantages, which are worth mentioning.

Cons of houses using Canadian technology

Technology is never perfect, but any problems can be circumvented by owning valuable and detailed information. In order for the house to be durable, it is necessary to work out all the real risks in advance, a comprehensive assessment of the situation and a system of thoughtful preventive measures allows you to forget about possible problems.

Many shortcomings in Canadian houses are clearly manifested when technology is violated: after all, not every team knows how to handle such material.

Each joint requires a precise fit: the building is erected like a constructor, requiring the accuracy and appropriateness of the location of each detail.

combustibility

As a rule, one of the main disadvantages of a house made of sandwich panels is that they are not quite well protected from fire. Of course, compared to wood, this appears much less, but brick or concrete houses have certain advantages here. However, practice shows that compliance fire safety an order of magnitude more significant than the material of the walls. High quality electrical wiring correct installation outlets, no network congestion, flame retardant treatment - all this plays a decisive role.

In the absence of finishing, the SIP panel is a K3 fire retardant material, just like ordinary tree. Accordingly, it can be used for the construction of single-family residential buildings, but not suitable for large buildings, where the spread of flames can be really fatal for a huge number of people at once.

Styrofoam does burn, but not at all like wood. The fact is that the hazard class does not fully reflect the real picture. Firstly, the material of a sandwich panel is many times inferior in density to both a bar and a board; two times higher.

When burning, the panel does not emit serious concentrations of highly toxic substances.

• Styrene is the main toxic substance, and it is released in very low concentrations. In addition, it has a pungent smell, it is very easy to recognize its appearance.
• Things are a little worse with carbon monoxide, it has no smell, however, with incomplete combustion of wood, its release is also inevitable.

Stories about well-burning sandwich panels usually refer to fakes, which, by the way, are quite numerous on the domestic market. Normal certified material cannot be set on fire with either matches or a cigarette butt, even a directional burner does not cope with it too well. Therefore, there is an important task here: to find trusted suppliers who do not accept counterfeit products.

Skeptics sometimes mention this minus of Canadian houses. It does not carry any substantive basis, since rodents can damage the insulation, but they are absolutely not interested in sandwich panels.

SIP is absolutely not the kind of material that mice or rats could arrange: it is uncomfortable and inedible, the same story goes for ants and termites. Rodent nests also cannot be created on the basis of polystyrene foam: soft warm materials, including even glass wool, are much more relevant for them.

Environmental friendliness

Obviously, for many builders in Russia, SIP remains a not too trivial technology. Understanding what it uses is far from natural material, is controversial. Many try to play it safe and react to the proposed materials with apprehension to the extent of a certain xenophobia.

In the US, the SIP standard has been developed so thoroughly that security is beyond doubt, it is built not only private sector but social welfare buildings and administrative buildings.

The far-fetched problem of low environmental friendliness is again a consequence of non-compliance with technology: right stuff for a Canadian house, it has less formaldehyde emission than chipboard.

About 80% of European houses today are insulated with polystyrene, all modern studies indicate its chemical neutrality and minimal indicators of chemical effects on the respiratory system and human skin.

SIP panels good quality are not cheaper than glued beams. Each element of the future home requires manufacturing to a certain size and gluing.

It is more economical to make the panels yourself, however, this will require serious experience and a willingness to spend considerable time. A fairly powerful press is also needed, with any deviations from the technology, the structures of expanded polystyrene lose strength. The handicraft panel is uneven and unevenly glued. The cost of such production is low, but the thermal insulation qualities of the building are no longer the same.

• Certification of compliance with GOST and TU standards - a guarantee of durability of the building
• According to the American idea, the consumer qualities of houses made of SIP panels are significantly higher than those of similar buildings made of timber, so investments here are quite appropriate and pay off.
• It is better to think over and agree on the use of each grade of polystyrene in each specific place of the structure already at the design stage.

This is one of the downsides. frame house, and maybe a plus, because. You can choose a heater to taste and color. More about cons frame houses You can read .

Capitalism and durability

Some today see real estate as a way to invest. This approach is quite rational, useful and increasingly relevant for Russian compatriots.

Ceteris paribus, when choosing the type of construction, it is more efficient to give preference to a brick building than a house made of sandwich panels. And here it's not even about stereotypes and the classic idea of ​​housing in the minds of the townsfolk. A brick or stone house built with a decent investment is a universal solution, even when even more interesting technologies, no doubt, the demand for it will be.

A high resale price is a significant feature of such a house for posterity. And SIP technology, unfortunately, may very soon be replaced by more relevant cost-effective options, such a risk remains here.

• In terms of service life, buildings based on sandwich panels are credited with a life of 50 to 150 years.
• In fact, such estimates are quite approximate, much will depend on the place of construction, aggressive external factors, taking into account the nuances during construction, observing the subtleties of technology and selecting a variety of material
• Buildings of a similar plan are known, which, with proper care, have been standing for several centuries.

The stability of these houses is influenced by their good thermal insulation and ability to withstand high humidity. All this helps to regularly reduce heating costs in winter, which often affects owners of houses of similar size made of timber or brick.

Video about the shortcomings of Canadian houses from SIP panels

A real battle has been going on between supporters and opponents of SIP technology for several years. Some furiously argue that such houses are cheap and quickly built, strong and durable. Others call building houses or buying apartments in built townhouses a waste of money.

Who to believe? It can be firmly said that you need to form your opinion on the basis of real reviews owners living in houses made of sandwich panels, honest builders and personal impressions after studying the properties of building materials used in practice. In the company where you decide to apply, no one will be scattered about the shortcomings, their main task is to sell the goods. The same applies to advisers on specialized forums, one way or another interested in selling their services to you.

What is a SIP panel?

Structurally, the SIP panel (read the disadvantages) consists of two elements: a pair of fiberboard or OSB boards and a layer of insulation pressed between them - polystyrene foam. Connect panels together wooden beam or a board, having previously applied mounting foam to the docking surfaces. Additionally, the beam is attached to the plates with self-tapping screws. Panels are delivered to the construction site in ready-made and collect from them a house as a constructor. It takes up to 7 days to build one floor.

Advantages and disadvantages of SIP-panel houses

SIP-panel houses have a number of positive properties:

1. The speed of construction with the condition that the work is carried out by specialists who know all the intricacies of building houses of this type. It is necessary to take into account many nuances in the construction process, up to the type of self-tapping screws, the right amount mounting foam, etc. The speed of construction is affected by the fact that the finished structural elements weigh little, it does not require pouring a heavy foundation and the use of construction equipment in most cases.
2. Affordable cost finished object for many families. The average market price is 10,000 rubles per m2.
3. Savings on heating. A wall made of SIP panels retains heat better than brick, gas silicate or wood, provided that the installation is carried out correctly, which does not imply the presence of gaps and other flaws.
4. Construction on any soil.

Negative qualities of SIP-panel houses:

1. Weak soundproofing. If you rent an apartment in a house made of sandwich panels, you will know everything that is going on with your neighbors behind the walls or on another floor.
2. The presence of weak vibrations when opening and closing windows and doors.
3. The combustibility of polystyrene foam and the love of rodents for it.
4. Availability in OSB boards formaldehyde resins, which can affect the health of residents (it is better to take fibrolite). According to some reports, the amount of harmful components emitted is so small that it does not affect human body. This topic requires further study.
5. open way installation of communications.

All technologies for building houses have their drawbacks, and SIP is no exception. If everything is done with high quality, in compliance with the requirements and standards, then living in such a house is comfortable. Therefore, you need to choose a team of workers with extensive experience. Unscrupulous craftsmen will bring nothing but harm to you and your home. You will spend money, nerves and time being completely disillusioned with technology..

How to find an honest contractor for building a house from SIP panels?

Here are some tips to help you:

1. Give preference to developer companies that have been on the market for several years and have many completed projects. Check out the company's portfolio (completed orders). Visit the facilities under construction and see how things are going, pay attention to the absence or presence of a banner near the construction site with information about the building under construction and the company.
2. A positive quality is the developer's experience of participating in exhibitions. Diplomas and diplomas for certain merits in the office of the company are a plus.
3. Ask to see documents on admission to work on the construction of houses.
4. Pay attention to the company's website, to the degree of its informativeness, look on the Internet for reviews about the work of the company.
5. Check the presence of information about construction company in the media. If there are publications - good.
6. Choose contractors who offer a wide range of services - they can build, design, finish, offer design solutions. Chat with the brigade. Learn from them their experience of working in the company, ask about the "pitfalls", about the attitude of the management towards them, etc.
7. Warranty terms. The term of 2 years is the minimum for any contractor. The period of 5 years is the maximum and during this time you have the right to make claims about the quality of the work performed. All deficiencies must be corrected.
8. Read the contract carefully before signing. You can even get a lawyer to protect yourself. Do not accept work without a contract.

Even before the implementation of all plans for the construction of a dwelling, look among your acquaintances for those who own a house from SIP panels. Go visit them, appreciate the comfort of living and appearance, find out the year of construction, the address of the contractor and other data. Based on your own impression, determine for yourself whether it is worth building such a house or not.

Projects of houses from sip panels

Number of projects 307

One of the wishes for the future home is that the house be built inexpensively and with high quality. However, in last years to these requirements is added another important requirement - that the house be built quickly. And it is dictated not only by the ever-increasing pace of life, but also by today: people cannot spend a year or two on building and decorating a house. Often after the sale of an apartment, you need to quickly build a house and move into it. And the stretching of construction in time is associated, as a rule, with additional costs, in particular for renting housing. The technology of building houses from SIP panels helps to avoid all these problems.

Walls, floors, and roof are assembled from panels, like a designer

Advantages and disadvantages of houses from SIP panels

To prepare this material, we turned not only to market experts, but also talked with the owners of houses built from SIP panels, as well as with visitors who are just considering this technology. Polls at the exhibition show that approximately one in ten people come to the exhibition "Low-Rise Country" precisely for a house built from SIP panels.

This approach will allow us to identify the benefits and debunk the myths that have already formed around SIP panels.

Advantages of SIP technology

When we are talking about the choice of construction technology, first of all, the advantages of a particular construction method are evaluated in order to understand how much they can outweigh the disadvantages.

1. Affordable price / construction speed

According to various estimates, the price of a house made of SIP panels is three times lower than that of a brick house. And 10-15% more expensive than a similar frame house, provided that the house is assembled at the construction site.

When ordering a house from SIP panels, it is easier to control the consumption of material and the work of builders. It is more difficult for unscrupulous builders to wind up prices.

Cottage built from SIP panels at the exhibition "Low-Rise Country"

As one owner of a house made of SIP panels said: “The speed of building a house allowed me to change an apartment for a house without attracting additional funds, according to the principle “I sold one thing and bought another”.

2. Low thermal conductivity

And indeed it is. Heat loss calculation one-story house 10 × 10 m with a wall (insulation) thickness of 150 mm, at an indoor temperature of plus 18 degrees, and outside - minus 25 shows that for the SIP foam polystyrene filler this value is 3.91 kW / h, mineral wool- 4.3 kW / h, softwood - 9.21 kW / h, log cabin - 12.27 kW / h, foam concrete - 16.74 kW / h, brick - 27.45 kW / h.

3. Correct wall geometry

And this means that the finishing work of such walls will be as simple as possible, since the walls in the house from SIP panels are even.

4. Finishing work can begin immediately after the construction of the house

SIP panels have no shrinkage. This allows you to start finishing the house immediately after its construction. And move into the house as soon as possible - one to three months after construction.

5. Lifetime savings on heating

As those who live in such houses say: “Having a house made of SIP panels, we are thinking, is it worth it to carry out gas?”

Thermal imaging inspections of well-built SIP houses show that the main heat loss in the house can only be through windows or the front door

Special attention should be paid to the quality of development and installation of ventilation. If these works are done poorly, then ventilation will become the main source of heat loss, plus, the installation will not be able to provide the desired microclimate inside the house.

6. All-season construction of the house

A house from SIP panels can be built at any time of the year. However, it is desirable that during the construction of the house there was no precipitation - both rain and snow. From precipitation, both already erected walls and panels that have not yet been used should be covered.

7. Lightness of SIP panels / ease of installation / risks of errors during construction are minimal

Lightness affects the ease of installation: there is no need to order an additional crane for loading / unloading, installing / laying SIP panels. Plates are installed manually. A standard plate measuring 2500 × 1250 × 174 mm weighs about 50 kg.

It should be noted that a set of SIP panels for a house of 170 sq. m will weigh about 15 tons, and a brick for the same house - 60 tons. And this means that you can save on the transportation of material and on the foundation - it may not be so solid. A shallow strip foundation is quite suitable.

Toronto house project: built using SIP technology by a company

Ease of installation lies in the fact that SIP panels are easy to cut into the desired pieces and give the desired shape.

A house built from SIP panels has a minimum number of connections, so the risks of errors during the construction process are minimal.

8. Fire safety

To reduce the fire hazard of expanded polystyrene, flame retardants are added during its manufacture. The resulting material is called self-extinguishing polystyrene foam and is designated by a number of Russian manufacturers with an additional letter "C" at the end. In SIP panels, GOST is allowed to use only PSB-S (self-extinguishing).

9. The house does not need to be additionally insulated from the outside

On top of OSB (Oriented Strand Board) you can put a windproof film and siding, which can be mounted directly on the OSB without additional lathing. Or you can just paint the OSB with good paint, before that, nailing the rails to the joints of the panels for additional protection.

In our catalog, you can find the most popular construction companies specializing in construction of houses from SIP panels, among the houses presented at the exhibition Low-rise Country.

Disadvantages of SIP technology - real and mythical

Now let's move on to the myths that, despite the youth of the technology, have already formed around houses from SIP panels.

except real shortcomings houses from sip panels, which are present in any technology, SIP houses are also credited with some myths

This topic is the most sensitive, especially for those who are currently in the process of choosing technology for their future home.

Video description

In this issue, we will take a closer look at common mistakes when building a house from sip panels. A sip house is the same frame house, but inside with a wooden skeleton, inside of which panels are laid. What should the frame of the house be made of? How to know the moisture content of a material? About all this: in the next video?

1. SIP panels are eaten by rodents

It is not known exactly where this statement came from, but there is absolutely no doubt that a mouse that is in its right mind will not eat polystyrene foam.

Another question is that mice can make moves in a heater and arrange nests for themselves there - theoretically this is really possible. But at the same time, it must be borne in mind that if the house is built correctly, then in order to get to the insulation, you must first gnaw through 5-10 cm of boards or timber, and if there is a crate on them (as it should be according to technology, if mouse protection is mounted), then rather all the mice will go to arrange their own housing elsewhere.

As a result, it must be clearly understood here that the mice do not have to run in flocks to the SIP house, if one appears in the area. These animals have lived for hundreds of years in both wooden and stone houses- they appear where they can find something to eat, and nothing more.

2. You need a lot of money to build a house at once

Usually construction country house lasts one or two seasons. House 150 sq. m of SIP panels can be assembled in two weeks. In this case, all the money for the construction will need to be paid immediately.

Minus high-speed construction - all payments will have to be made within 2-4 weeks

Some owners of the house jokingly say that they "did not have time to enjoy the construction process."

On our website you can see the most popular projects houses from SIP panels from construction companies represented at the exhibition of houses Low-Rise Country.

3. A house made of SIP panels burns very quickly / releases harmful substances when burning / a poorly known level of environmental friendliness

Another of the most common myths, which is considered to be among the main disadvantages of houses from SIP panels, is its flammability and flammability.

We note right away that SIP panels made in accordance with certified technology do not pose a threat to buildings in terms of fire hazard.

Harmful impurities usually release panels that are made with violations. To avoid this, you should buy high-quality panels, necessarily certified, as well as with the green or eco prefix in the title.

Firefighters say that houses built from SIP panels burn about the same as other houses, including brick ones. The main reason is that the floor, furniture and textiles are the first to ignite in a fire. And if a laminate, linoleum is laid on the floor in the house, and the furniture is made of chipboard, then when burned, they emit harmful substances. And in this case, unfortunately, the material from which the house is made is of less importance. It may not even reach the burning of the walls.

SIP panels burn poorly - independent burning is no more than 4 seconds. They self-extinguish.

Video description

What are manufacturers of sip panels hiding? Ecology in the vulture house. What is she really like? Do manufacturers of SIP houses deceive us? See this video for answers to all your questions:

"If the SIP is not burned, it does not burn." This is confirmed by the owners who wanted to get rid of the debris after the construction of the house, trying to burn them.

For additional fire protection inside the house, the walls can be sheathed with fire-resistant drywall, and outside with fiber cement panels that do not burn, as they do not contain combustible elements.

4. OSB Boards Contain Harmful Phenols in Binder Resins

It should be noted that there are different categories of OSB boards and the phenol content in them is strictly regulated. So, it should be remembered that OSB-3 is best used for outdoor work, and for interior decoration, a plate of the OSB-2 brand is recommended.

5. Styrofoam is harmful

Expanded polystyrene is closed by OSB panels and does not openly come into contact with interior spaces Houses.

6. The house does not breathe, does not let air and moisture through

It is known that up to 40% of heat loss in a house is due to the fact that the walls breathe. Thus, the fact that the walls do not allow air and moisture to pass through is both a plus (the house does not let the cold in from the street and does not release heat from the house), and a minus of the house (dampness and fungus can form).

And this problem is easily solved. In a house made of SIP panels, in order to breathe well and so that the house does not lose heat, you should install supply and exhaust ventilation with recuperator.

Ventilation in a house made of SIP panels is an obligatory component of SIP house technology

The advantage of ventilation with a heat exchanger is that such a system not only renews the air, but also returns to the house up to 90% of the heat that could have escaped through the exhaust pipe.

7. A house made of SIP panels is very fragile and fragile

Very often you can hear that “my house is my fortress”, and a house made of SIP panels cannot satisfy this condition.

However, these are only speculative conclusions. Tests of SIP panels have shown that they can withstand a longitudinal load (horizontal) of up to 10 tons per meter and about 2 tons with a transverse load (vertical). And it says that it is possible to build two-storey house from SIP panels, and the house easily resists snow loads on the roof and floors, and no strong winds are terrible for such a house.

An example of what it looks like Vacation home from sip panels 10 years later

8. The house is shrinking

So say those who, after some time, observe in their houses built from SIP panels, the warp of the house. However, experts say that this is possible only if for uprights semi-wet wood was used at home. Well-dried wood should be used, otherwise the restoration of deficiencies will be very laborious and costly in terms of the budget.

9. Open method of mounting communications

Wiring inside SIP panels cannot be laid, since this violates the integrity of the SIP panel, which means that this is a violation of the technology of building a house. Violating the integrity of the SIP panel, the owner loses the guarantee for the house. You should be aware that, in particular, electrical wiring must be carried out only outside in special boxes or sewn into walls under drywall.

Wiring and others engineering Communication, in a panel SIP house, are laid only in an open way

10. Poor soundproofing

Sound insulation in a house made of SIP panels is the same as in a traditional frame, due to approximately the same density of expanded polystyrene and mineral wool. And people living in frame house are very satisfied with the soundproofing in their homes.

11. Hanging something on the wall is a problem.

This is not true. On the walls of SIP panels are easily hung even kitchen cabinets. Two 3.5 x 40 mm screws driven into a 12 mm OSB panel can withstand a force of 230 kg.

Video description

What is included in the turnkey price? How much does it cost separately warm outline? How much does engineering cost in a sip house? Watch this video for answers to all your questions:

Should I buy a SIP house or not?

Each construction technology and any building material has its own advantages and disadvantages. As a result, the final decision must be made on the basis of specific situation- the budget allocated for the construction, personal preferences, the climate in the region and other factors. One thing is known for sure - if a certain technology is chosen for building a house, then it must be observed in order to guarantee a high-quality result.

August 6, 2017
Specialization: master in construction drywall constructions, finishing works and styling floor coverings. Installation of door and window blocks, facade finishing, installation of electrics, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

Do not know what material to build a residential or country house? Today I will talk about one very popular option - houses from SIP panels. This solution has long been used in Europe and America, and in our country it appeared about 10 years ago and is rapidly gaining popularity. Let's learn about the pros and cons of this technology so that you can make the right decision.

What is a SIP house

We will analyze the main advantages that SIP houses have, and then we will touch on the disadvantages. I will make a reservation right away - the analysis is based on quality options structures, we do not take into account cheap fakes for SIP, since they do not meet even the minimum requirements for safety and durability.

Advantages

The advantages of the type of buildings we are considering are many:

Illustration	Description
	High Reliability. The photo shows the structure of the SIP panel, it consists of two OSB boards outside and inside and a polystyrene foam filler. It provides excellent thermal insulation performance and fills the internal cavity completely. As a result, very strong and at the same time quite light elements are obtained, from which it is possible to build both country houses and houses for permanent residence.
	High thermal insulation characteristics . In order not to give you a lot of boring numbers, the photo shows a comparison of the thickness different materials with the same thermal conductivity. As you can see, only 160 mm SIP panels are comparable to more than half a meter of wood. Such houses are one and a half times warmer than frame structures insulated with mineral wool, this should also be taken into account.
	High construction speed. The house kit is manufactured at the factory and brought to the site marked. You just have to collect all the elements according to the principle of the constructor. As practice shows, the construction of a structure takes from one to four weeks. This is much faster than any classic technology, be it timber, blocks or bricks. Most often it is done like this: while the house kit is being made, you make the foundation and bring communications to save time in the future.
	Ability to implement a project of any complexity. This is a very important advantage, because you can realize almost any idea. The manufacturer will provide you finished projects, and if you do not find anything suitable, then they will develop it especially for you individual solution, taking into account all your wishes and preferences.
	Ease of construction. Construction can be done with your own hands. The panels weigh a little, and with 1-2 assistants it will not be difficult to assemble a one-story house. This factor allows you to save a lot of money on construction equipment. And the foundation for such a house is much easier to make, because it will have a small load in comparison with other options.
	Ease of finishing. If we consider the structure from the inside, then on a perfectly flat surface you can immediately fix drywall or glue ceramic tiles. None preliminary preparation not required, the maximum that will have to be done is to apply primer. Exterior decoration of houses from SIP panels can be done in different ways: from plastering and puttying to sheathing with siding or any other material.
	Reasonable cost. The price of a house kit with an area of ​​​​approximately 100 square meters ranges from 700 thousand to one and a half million, depending on the complexity of the design and the thickness of the panels. Concerning country houses, then they will cost even cheaper, the option for 30 squares costs 300-400 thousand rubles. The cost of the house kit includes a box with a roof. Additionally, you will have to install door windows and finish.

Disadvantages of SIP houses

This option also has disadvantages, they also need to be disassembled:

• combustibility. Although OSB board and Styrofoam are not flammable materials, they can ignite at high temperatures. But this minus is inherent in all options made of wood, whether it is SIP, skeleton, log or timber. Subject to elementary rules fire safety you can not worry;
• Requirement for assembly. If during installation the elements were connected poorly, then cold will penetrate into the house through the cracks, and over time, due to moisture in the joints, a fungus may begin to form. That is why it is recommended to buy ready-made slabs, and not cut them on the spot, and immediately fill all the gaps with mounting foam, if any. Good exterior finish will create an additional barrier to moisture and cold, so it must also be reliable;

• Low sound insulation performance. With all their advantages, SIP panels conduct sound well, so if you are building a house near noise sources, it is better to further soundproof it. If the house is two-story, then the overlap of the second floor is also better to isolate additionally;
• The need for a ventilation system. In such buildings, ventilation is required, since the walls do not allow air to pass through. Provide for all communications in advance, so that later you do not have to spoil the finished floors.

Technology is rarely perfect. Unnecessary problems can be avoided only by owning information. When building a dwelling, it is necessary to work out in advance all the realities of risks and threats, the shortcomings of SIP panels, a comprehensive assessment of the situation, as well as a system of deliberate preventive measures, will provide an opportunity for potential problems.

SIP panels are a building material endowed with excellent performance, have a long service life, and allow you to build houses quickly. But, unfortunately, the Canadian construction technology has a number of disadvantages.

This abbreviation translates as isolated structural panel.

Russian version (KTP) - structural and heat-insulating wall panel.

It is used in the construction of country houses, cottages and other small buildings for both commercial and private use.

Its design is quite simple. Consists of foam polymer material with heat-insulating properties, which, under a certain pressure, is glued between the facing elements.

The production technology has improved every year. Today, OSB-3 is considered the most perfect and high-quality. Expanded polystyrene is used as a heat-insulating material.

There are no cardinal changes in the panels. But thanks to the use of modernized and new high-precision equipment in production, it made it possible to make them of better quality panel.

The result of this approach on the part of the manufacturer is the creation of buildings of any complexity and shapes in short terms with increased strength and aesthetic appearance.

This construction technique has been used with great success in Western states such as: USA, Canada, Sweden, Germany and others. On the territory of our country, "Canadian technology" is widely used.

The main disadvantages of Canadian technology

Most defects appear when the construction process is violated. Not every professional team of builders knows it perfectly, moreover, how to handle SIP panels in principle, not to mention those people who are trying to build a structure with their own hands.

Each joint of the structure needs to be precisely adjusted: the structure is built according to the assembly principle of the designer, therefore, it requires accuracy, relevance and correct location of each individual plate. Only then will the disadvantages of the panel structure appear much less frequently and to a lesser extent.

combustibility

Flammability is one of the main disadvantages of the material. If we compare it with an array of, then it has a higher flammability coefficient, not to mention stronger: concrete or brick building materials.

But as practice shows, the correct wiring and the observance of elementary safety rules significantly reduce the risk of such a fire.

The disadvantages of a house made of SIP panels in terms of flammability are not terrible if the electrical wiring is correctly installed in it, the required number of switches and sockets are installed, there is no overload in the network, the wall surfaces are treated with antipyrine.

Expanded polystyrene tends to ignite, but not at all like wood. The hazard class of the material cannot reflect the picture in reality:

• Sandwich plates are many times lighter wooden board or logs
• Synthetic of this type is 75% air
• The most powerful argument: a typical PSB-25 expanded polystyrene is capable of igniting when the temperature rises by more than 2 times

When burning SIP-panels do not emit toxic substances:

• Styrene is the main toxic component; when ignited, it is emitted in small quantities and low concentrations. It has a strong odor so you can smell it right away.
• The situation is slightly worse with chad gas. It is not endowed with a smell, even if the tree does not burn out completely, its leakage is inevitable.
• Stories that SIP panels ignite easily and quickly are nothing more than an exaggeration. If this happens, then the panels are fake.

The material, which is produced at leading enterprises, has a certificate of quality, it cannot be set on fire with a match, a cigarette butt. Moreover, if you direct a burning burner at him, then it does not set fire to him very well.

From this it follows that you need to buy quality products from trusted suppliers.

rodents

The reviews of some owners about such a phenomenon as pests and rodents have replenished a number of shortcomings of houses from SIP panels. They have no substantive basis. Rodents can only damage what is located inside.

The panel itself simply does not interest them. It is not comfortable for them, because it is not a food base. The same applies to ants, termites and other pests. You can’t build nests in the panel; soft and warm surfaces are more convenient for them.

Environmental friendliness

In all likelihood, many construction companies on the territory of our country, SIP panels remain not a very original technology. The realization that they are not made up of natural materials raises controversy. For the purpose of reinsurance, they react to SIP material with concern.

What can not be said about other countries. For example, in the US, the SIP standard is considered quite safe.

From it are built not only private small houses, they are widely used in administrative buildings or welfare buildings.

The fictitious interpretation of low environmental friendliness is all that non-compliance with technology in production.

Quality material for a Canadian house has a special distinguishing feature- its formaldehyde emission is less than that of chipboard.

Approximately 80% of the total number of European houses are insulated with polystyrene. As shown by most contemporary research: the material is chemically neutral, does not affect or harm the respiratory system and skin person.

Durability

Most of our fellow citizens today consider real estate as a way of investing. Therefore, they prefer the construction of traditional rather than sandwich slabs. In their opinion, there are too many disadvantages of SIP-panel houses and the reviews of residents living in them also do not give reason to consider them strong, reliable and durable.

If we consider real estate from the side of investments, then undoubtedly brick buildings are more expensive, especially when selling. As far as durability is concerned:

• The operational life of a SIP building is about 50÷150 years
• In reality, these estimates are approximate, because much depends on the area of ​​development, the influence of external factors, temperature conditions, aggressive environment, compliance with technology
• Episodes are known when houses of a similar plan, with appropriate care, serve for several centuries.

Is it worth building a SIP house?

The biggest trouble that a consumer who has chosen this material to build his house can expect is poor quality. Most people are primarily concerned about the strength of the structure and its durability, but the quality, for some reason, fades into the background, if not the last plan.

Homemade panels are usually poorly glued or made using fragile polystyrene foam. Accordingly, such a house will stand an order of magnitude less than from industrial production.

In construction, such panels are extremely dangerous to use. Even though a lot of warnings have been written about it. But the flow of low-quality products to the building materials markets does not dry out, but even vice versa.

And most consumers are captivated by the cheapness of this handicraft. Here, by the way, the generally accepted requirements of any buyer to show the accompanying documentation can help: a quality certificate or, if the purchase is made from a manufacturer, a production certificate. Any failure speaks for itself. More proven and right way not yet.

Even attempts to tear off the skin will not be able to show how high-quality the product is offered to you. Breaks in polystyrene foam also occur in a hand-glued plate if it is of poor quality.

In addition, such a check will only be selective. But after all, a single low-quality SIP slab can lead to the destruction of the structure. Therefore, there are bad reviews from residents of houses made of SIP panels, the disadvantages of low-quality products, felt from personal experience.

If the goods are of high quality, manufactured in advanced production, then the seller or manufacturer himself will show you a quality certificate and another certificate of product conformity.

The authenticity of a document can be easily verified. But the absence of them should alert and before buying it is good to think about whether you have made the right choice.

Technology errors

Most often, two types of foundation are used for structures made of SIP plates - this is a tape shallow or pile. In principle, both of them completely solve the problem of the reliability of the support using Canadian construction technology.

During construction light construction concrete pile foundation (slightly below the level of freezing depth), then it should be erected in accordance with TISE requirements (with a certain expansion of piles in the lower part), a large grillage (the distance between the grillage itself and the ground surface). These technological requirements must be met.

But on the territory of our country they are neglected and they use the foundation of bored piles, and there is no talk of expansion at all, and sometimes the grillage is practically absent, the house practically lies on the ground. Why might this cause problems?

A powerful grillage is made of reinforced concrete, its role is to prevent uneven pile settlement under the load of the whole house. He must also control, and, if necessary, compensate for the uneven pushing of the piles out of the ground by the heaving forces of the soil.

What are these foundations for? It's just that some people like to do things that are harmful to do.

An example of this is the following: a beautifully cut polyurethane foam that has leaked from the joints looks harmonious and neat.

But many do not even know that it is simply impossible to do this until the outer cladding designs.

Polyurethane foam tends to break down under the influence of UV, and early trimming brings this process closer. Here are the main disadvantages of SIP houses through the fault of the owners or builders themselves.

The best foundation for such structures is screw. The blades of the piles are immersed to the same depth at which the extension of the columnar should be located.

The pile works on the principle of an anchor, ensuring the immobility of the support if it is screwed into the ground below the freezing depth level.

About lumber

Apply beam on construction sites from connected boards for SIP panels is impossible. Otherwise, the risk of crack formation will only increase from this.

The outer walls are assembled from this material. They are straight, even and surprisingly warm. The walls from the inside are also built from them, and partitions can be built from anything, however, in most cases, the same SIP plates are used for them.

Using SIP as the main material attic floors and zero (floors) is justified by their excellent thermal insulation. Zero does not require further roughing, any floor covering (carpet, parquet, laminate, and so on) is laid directly on the slabs.