Frame-panel houses from SIP panels (SIP): cons and pros. What SIP panels to choose for construction

Panel and frame construction has recently been widely touted as fast, practical and reliable. Similar SIP construction technology appeared with us recently, and houses built on this principle are most often called Canadian by their standards of origin. But there are standards, and we have not dealt with thorough study of such houses, which is why numerous myths about the disadvantages and advantages of panel-frame houses.

The nuances of domestic construction from SIP panels

Due to the fact that the technology of manufacturing SIP panels, we are often neglected, trying to reduce the cost of the house as much as possible, the result is not quite what we wanted. That is why panel-frame construction has overgrown with numerous myths about its unreliability, combustibility and non-environmental friendliness.

Ideally, panels should be made according to the principle a sandwich and consist of two plates, between which a layer of insulation is laid. Most often in western countries use oriented particle boards and expanded polystyrene grades 25 and higher. In the end, the finished plate is impregnated with special substances that increase resistance to high temperatures, provide durability and a beautiful appearance.

But domestic manufacturers are increasingly replacing dense boards with less reliable ones: plywood, cement-bonded particleboard, glass-magnesium sheet, etc., and insulation - on polystyrene or mineral wool. Unscrupulous manufacturers also save on impregnation, finishing, etc., and the result is a very impractical material that quickly ignites and is not environmentally friendly.

Imaginary "cons" or shortcomings

Flammability

The most important drawback attributed to such structures is flammability. But in most cases, fires occur precisely due to violation of fire safety rules, improper construction, and tragic cases due to lack of emergency exits. In general, it is believed that completely non-combustible walls should only be in apartment buildingswhere the possibility of evacuation is especially important. In private homes, things are completely different.

If we compare the “combustible” frame houses with seemingly ideal wooden houses, we get approximately the same result. Both materials are suitable for the construction of small houses, and during combustion emit hazardous substances. But if wood emits carbon monoxide and another 350 toxins, then SIP panels are blamed for the release of styrene as a result of the burning of expanded polystyrene. And the ignition protection of the panels is even better, because they are sheathed with drywall, and when using wood, most often they just cost by impregnation.

But still the biggest the problem is unscrupulous manufacturers: So, expanded polystyrene should contain only about 2% of flammable substances, and everything else should be air. In case of violation of the technology, the material dries quickly, worsening the thermal insulation of the building and increasing the amount of harmful substances released during combustion.

Toxicity

Another contrived minus, which hovers around panel-frame construction, is that they are dangerous to health, since in formaldehyde is released during operation. Its source is oriented particle boards. If you use substandard material for construction, then this myth becomes quite real.

So, according to standards, all plates are divided into three classes, depending on how much formaldehyde is released per unit of time. So, European standard material E1 ecological compatibility is not inferior to natural wood. Needless to say, what is it worth it decently?

Domestic standards are not as strict as European ones, and there are still no manufacturers who produce high-quality boards. Therefore, you need to do only import, otherwise, if you want to save, you can get not the best quality and healthy material.

Now in Germany panel-frame houses have gained immense popularity, and no one can blame them for their environmental friendliness, since only high-quality materials are used. In addition, the resulting walls are then sheathed with a double layer of drywall from the inside, and a wet facade from the outside, so a house comes out that is not inferior in characteristics to a wooden one. In Russiawhen instead of E1 boards, even by domestic standards, used plates E3which are even more subtle than necessary, the myth of danger turns into a harsh reality.

Advantages (pluses) of panel-frame houses

Key Benefits of Canadian Homes in the speed and simplicity of their construction. Due to the violation of technology, we are also attributed to the advantages of such construction cheapness, but if you buy normal materials and follow all the rules, such a house will not be able to boast a very low price, but it will not be more expensive than everyone else.

House built of SIP panels, has excellent thermal insulation due to the use of expanded polystyrene, and there are no bridges of cold at all, because insulation and double paneling are used. Such a house does not require powerful work to create the foundation - a pile will do, and if all the technologies are followed, there will be no shrinkage, which is another “plus” in the construction of a frame-panel house.

Recall again that if you decide to save, and use mineral wool for warming, then thermal insulation deteriorate 1.5 times, and the wrong foundation can affect the imminent appearance of defects.

Some tips for building a Canadian home

If you decide to build a panel-frame house, then in the process of preparation, pay attention to a number of circumstances:

1. SIP panels must be only from a manufacturer having relevant certificates and documents that confirm the quality of the products.
2. If you are offered to purchase a new type of plate, then it’s better give preference to classics, since the negative aspects of new items have not yet been studied.
3. When hiring builders, you need to be familiar with the objects they built. The ideal option is to visit such houses on your own and chat with residents who will tell you all the nuances of the process.
4. For external and interior finishes also choose only quality materials, since the longevity and quality of the home largely depend on this. Follow all construction technologies.

Always remember that cheap SIP panels cannot be reliable, environmentally friendly and high-quality, so if you need a really good house, which will then be unnecessary to be repaired several times, then immediately get high-quality materials.