Sandwich Panel Modular Buildings: Advantages and Disadvantages

SIP panels are very often used in private construction. Such popularity is due to the simplicity and speed of the construction of structures of various types. In addition, modular buildings made of sandwich panels can be built in all weather conditions in winter and summer. At the same time, their cost is much lower than houses made of concrete or wood. The article will consider all the pros and cons of SIP elements.

What is built from sandwich panels

Products of this type are suitable for any modern architectural projects. Depending on the purpose of the construction, SIP panels are used during construction:

• technological premises for storage of various products;
• workshops;
• premises for storage and repair of equipment;
• garages and parking lots;
• agricultural complexes;
• cafes, canteens and restaurants;
• trade and exhibition centers;
• sports complexes;
• country houses;
• residential buildings and country cottages;
• auxiliary utility buildings, verandas, sheds and much more.

Sandwich Panel Modular Buildings: Benefits

The technology for building structures from SIP elements has been worked out to the smallest detail, so anyone can build a house on a suburban area independently without using specialized equipment.

The key benefits of these residential buildings are:

• Short installation time. In order to erect a box of a modular building from a sandwich panel, it takes 1-2 weeks.
• The ability to work at low temperatures. Unlike buildings made of sandwich panels, concrete structures are not recommended to be built in the winter.
• Low cost of work. Thanks to the simple construction technology and low cost of materials, such a house will cost much cheaper than a brick or concrete analogue.
• High heat and sound insulation characteristics of the elements. Modular buildings made of sandwich panels warm up very quickly and sustain strong hurricanes steadily.
• Houses are not amenable to deformation and do not sag.

Cons of houses from SIP panels

The life of buildings of this type is more than 30 years. At the same time, the strength indicators of prefabricated modular buildings from sandwich panels are significantly inferior to the similar parameters of houses made of wood or brick. In addition, building elements are made from non-environmentally friendly materials. In the manufacture of panels, synthetic products, resin and other components obtained as a result of chemical treatment are used.

Also, the disadvantages of modular buildings from sandwich panels include:

• Complete tightness of structures. By and large, a thermos building is obtained in which air does not circulate. Because of this, it is necessary to mount forced ventilation systems.
• Sandwich panels belong to the class of flammability G1. However, this does not mean that such buildings burn badly. On the contrary, panel structures light up very quickly and begin to release huge amounts of toxic substances.
• Despite the fact that the walls of such a house will endure any gusts of wind, they can easily be punched with a hammer.

Construction technology

The technology for constructing modular buildings from sandwich panels includes the following steps:

1. Design. In order to create a project for future construction, you can independently make all the necessary calculations or contact the design organization. The latter option is preferable.
2. Foundation construction. Most often, the simplest pile foundations are built for prefabricated houses . However, a shallow strip or monolithic foundation can be built.
3. At this stage, laying and fixing of zero overlap is performed and the timber is strapped. To do this, SIP panels are laid on the tape of the fundamental base, and then are tied with boards around the perimeter.
4. Wall mounting. Walls from panels are very easy to assemble and fasten with ordinary screws.
5. At the next stage, beams for attic floors are laid .
6. Gables, ridge and intermediate runs for the roof of the house are installed.
7. The roof is assembled from panels.
8. Roofing material is laid.
9. Communication is being laid.
10. Door and window structures are installed.
11. Finishing is in progress.

Prefabricated houses have advantages and disadvantages, but it is difficult to deny the fact that such structures are being built very quickly and easily.