Saturday, July 15, 2017

What You Need To Know About SIPS Vs Stick Frame

By Amy Fox


Generally, achieving a cost-effective way of constructing buildings both for commercial and residential purposes is a key objective pursued by real-estate investors. Nevertheless, this can only be carried out effectively by comparing the various materials available for use. One perfect example can be the SIPS Vs Stick Frame normally used in constructing residential or light commercial buildings.

SIPS also known as structurally insulated panels refer to high-performance construction systems normally used for residential and even light commercial constructions. These panels are made up of insulating foams centrally sandwiched into its two structural faces called the oriented strand boards or OSB. On the other hand, stick framing or a stick built home refers to wooden houses usually constructed wholly or partly on-site. The building technique generally allows houses to be built on-site with the intention of occupation upon completion.

Generally, conventional structural integrated panels have been there for some time. These materials are generally more expensive but often came with added advantage on efficiency, ease, and speed of installation. Therefore, this reduces the time and money spent in getting the structure completed. The structural integrated panels also help in construction of structures that are more superior in strength, as well as ones that give a sturdy racking resistance.

In addition, the panels also contain polystyrene insulated cores which usually give a high R-value on every inch that are contrasted to fiberglass and cellulose insulations. Essentially, the higher R-value also means that there is reduced infiltration levels. This usually helps in energy efficiency as energy costs are cut down in the entire period of time you live in the home.

On the contrary, SIPs have a few disadvantages including builders finding them as intimidating or unfamiliar in some case. Actually, this construction material will require specialized tools together cranes for installation. In addition, thorough project planning always needs to be done as well as incorporating a significant run-up time in that will accommodate the specified manufacture, transportation, code approvals and engineering techniques.

Stick framings, on the other hand, have existed for about a century and are considered an old method of construction. Consequently, almost all experienced contractors have some idea on using these materials. The materials generally are easily available and fairly priced. In addition, they usually allow for adaptable changes in construction forms once the construction work is started. They also exist in various sizes and accommodate windows and doors placement options on top allowing flexibility during designing.

No ordinary codes approvals or engineering techniques are always required. Nonetheless, reliance on this construction material presents various challenges. For instance, various steps are always need including measuring, cutting, nailing as well as fitting every stick which ideally is time-consuming. This process also is vulnerable to mistakes as well as material wastage which comes at a cost to the homeowner.

The other disadvantage is the difficulties of sealing to achieve effectively insulation. As a result, there are lots of infiltration or air. This often results in moisture problems that leaves the material vulnerable to attacks by insects, as well as rotting. Additionally, spray foam may aid in sealing and boosting of its R-value even though this may never guarantee airtightness and insulation that will also decreases with time.




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