Insulation
Trace Heating 
Structural insulated panels (SIPs)
are helping housebuilders meet the latest energy
efficiency requirements, as part of Modern Methods
of Construction and the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Major housebuilder Persimmon was keen to incorporate
this energy efficient method of building into its
‘Living-I’ development at Irlam in the North West.
Persimmon chose structural insulated panels by
Vencel Resil to form the roof of its Techno house,
which was one of five house types that are being
showcased for their sustainability and eco-friendly
build styles. SIPs in the form of Jabroof SlimFix
panels from Vencel Resil were combined with a
modular, light steel frame to create a quicker and
more environmentally friendly method of
construction.
Neil Conway, General Sales Manager for Vencel Resil,
explains: “We were delighted to be involved with
this project as it provides the perfect opportunity
for housebuilders to see how well SIPs work in a
real home environment. As Persimmon will be
monitoring energy levels, we expect that fuel bills
will be significantly less than normal, as well as
the home environment being more comfortable.”
The British Board of Agrement (BBA) approved product
consists of an inner and outer layer of 8mm thick
moisture-resistant chipboard bonded to an insulating
core of low lambda expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Depending on the chosen thickness of insulation,
Jabroof SlimFix can be used to typically improve the
U-value of a pitched roof to 0.37 – 016 W/m²K.
This method of construction is becoming more popular
with housebuilders as it opens up the possibilities
for three storey living, as SIPs create an insulated
warm area under the roof space. This means it makes
very effective use of space in the home, maximising
the living area, but still retaining a smaller
footprint.
“Homebuyers are more aware than ever of the
importance of buying energy efficient homes, which
is being driven by greater environmental awareness
and rising energy bills,” explains David Broadbent,
Regional Chairman of Persimmon.
“We have had a huge number of enquiries from
homebuyers interested in these properties and are
really excited about being able to demonstrate their
energy efficient credentials. The idea behind
developing Living-I was to show how alternative
methods of construction, such as the use of
structural insulated panels really do hold huge
benefits for homeowners in the future.”
A common problem with traditional roof constructions
is cold bridging which causes the temperature to
drop dramatically at every stud. This results in a
very cold loft space which may also result in
condensation forming. However, with a Slimfix roof
construction the temperature remains constant across
the entire surface because there are no studs or
braces to cause breaks in the insulation, which
creates a warmer and more comfortable living
environment.
Jabroof SlimFix is an excellent example of Modern
Methods of Construction; highly insulative, modular
and available in a choice of pre-cut lengths, with
counter battens and gutter laths already fitted to
speed up fitting on site.
Building with SIPs not only gives time and energy
efficiency benefits but also produces minimal waste
because of the off site manufacturing process, a
requirement of MMC.
Email:
sales@vencil.co.uk
|
Editor's Note: Vencel Resil provide:-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vencel Resil - SIP's “real homes” for the future
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd News Categories : Insulation Trace Heating |