Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Learn More About SIPS Vs Stick Frame

By Sharon Hill


Structural Integrated Panels are also known as SIPS, and generally refers to panels that have layers of foam as insulation that is enclosed by two layers of strand board or plywood sheaths. Since the foam is bonded to the external panel, the design gives a strong product compared to stick frames. Consequently, when referring to the SIPS Vs Stick Frame, SIPS generally have a better performance reputation.

These panels are generally highly resistant to shear loads and racking and have the ability to withstand seismic activities or even high winds. A SIP unlike the sticks, are hence generally praised for their adorable structural integrity, temperature and moisture control as well as higher insulation properties. In addition, using a SIP when building will offer numerous advantages over the sticks and other conventional methods of framing.

These include low costs, lesser possibilities of structural degradation and damages over time as well as a better energy efficiency. Such panels help in saving energy by reducing the loss of heat and reducing air leakage. It is said that they reduce the loss of energy by up to 25% especially when applied on walls and this is even enhanced when they are used in roofing or flooring. Stick frames are however preferred for a low initial installation cost.

In some instances, however, builders have been unfamiliar to the Structural Integrated Panel frames and even decline to use them since they generally require special tools when being installed. In addition, a sufficient lead time remains a requirement in a bid to accommodate aspects such as special engineering, shipping, approval of codes and manufacture. This is however taken care of by some manufacturers through the provision of drawings and engineering services that assist in facilitating the approval and installation processes.

Structurally integrated panes come from the factory as finished and assembled product before its delivery to a construction site. This is nevertheless not the case with stick frames that in many occasions will require assembling at the construction site. This, therefore, gives a builder an easier time in handling the panels. Stick-built structures, on the other hand, need places requirements for continuous foundations thus their installation is very restrictive and also labor-intensive.

On their lifecycle, structurally integrated panels can last 50 or more years. Their air tight property eliminates the likelihood of accumulation of molds. These panels additionally eliminate the need to use studs whenever they are installed on walls. However, any moisture getting into its panels will cause damages.

Nonetheless, the two construction materials share some disadvantage. Construction made of both materials remain vulnerable to destruction by rodents as well as insects. Consequently, it remains necessary to use some insecticides on the materials when doing the installation. A person also needs to ascertain that moisture levels are below 50 percent to do away with insects or rodents.

There may also be need to treat the ground that surrounds your structure with insecticides prior to and after the construction work is completed. This will aid in reducing the risks of a likely invasion. Concerns with fire can as well be reduced by having concrete sidings or gypsum applied externally on any of these materials to lessen the risks of fires.




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