EPS CORE STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANEL

EPS structural insulated panel called ‘EPS panel house’ is an innovative, incredibly strong method of construction that consists of Expanded Polystyrene insulation bonded both sides to 9mm Oriented Strand Board (OSB3) or 6mm Plywood. In fact, EPS insulant core is the cheapest available version of SIP panel used in exterior walls, roofs or floors. EPS provides excellent adhesion properties that can be used to stick them to the OBS boards. EPS Polystyrene SIPS are available in the following grades EPS70 and EPS100. The continuous bonding of EPS insulation to the OSB or plywood offers incredible strength and resistance to impact. Polystyrene SIPS are great alternatives to tradition build methods such as brick and block. EPS walls resist up to 10417.15kg per m which results in structures that are stronger and straighter. In fact, it has been proved and tested that EPS SIP panels are 2 times stronger than conventional stud walls and are one of the most airtight and well insulated building systems available, making them an inherently green product. Standard wall panels are 1.2m by 2.4m which makes them an ideal solution for home extensions. They’re typically around 25-38kg. SIP EPS panels range from 27mm to 177mm thick. Unlike some other forms of insulation, expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation core does not degrade or deteriorate over time. The big advantages EPS SIP’s have over timber frame is they're easy to make air tight and they arrive on site insulated and ready to install. Moreover, 8x4 SIP’s panels are easy to manoeuvre, two people can easily lift them into position.
 

EPS STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANEL ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

ADVANTAGES

• In a timber frame building vertical timber studs are at 600mm centres, while in a EPS SIP’s wall they are at 1200mm centres.
• Factory made SIP’s panels will be more accurate than on-site cut timber frames.
• Huge savings on labour.
• Panels deliver unrivaled insulation, which reduces energy costs over the building’s lifetime.
• Building with SIPs costs less than building with traditional methods.
• Up to 3x faster than traditional methods.
• Boards can be used in almost all projects.
• A standard home can be installed on-site in just 5-7 days.
• Boards are all-in-one – they act as the structural framing, insulation and air barrier.
• 80% less wastage on site.
• Building with SIP’s can save you 28% of time on the construction plan if not more and up to 3% of construction costs.
• There are no special requirements for footing details. According to Building Regulations and Standards any construction can be used for SIP panels as a foundation. 

DISADVANTAGES

• Being EPS core, moisture absorption can cause loss of R-value.
• Adequate ventilation is needed to avoid condensation building up (mechanical ventilation heat recovery MVHR whole house system). 
• Not recommended for temperatures above 80 degrees.
• Not recommended to use below ground.
• EPS is highly susceptible to petroleum-based products, oils, and solvents, which can cause EPS to melt when brought in contact.

EPS STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANEL COST

The actual EPS SIP cost per square metre (m2) will depend on the thickness of the polystyrene core itself. The thicker the insulation core, the more we would be paying for a board. 
Expect to pay anything from £77.02 to £96.31, depending on specification.

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