Can This Solve the UK Housing Crisis?

[@AlexSavage]

This system is becoming popular in Romania, they call it CLT panels. Keep in mind that there is quite a seismic risk there. I would build a house with this system, really good for a skilled DIY person...

[@Maya67]

Have designed a bungalow and a house using sips recently. We achieved a U-value of 0.07 w/m2k through the walls with clever use of thermal breather membranes and thermal vapour layers. The detailing at windows and doors is crucial. Most builders won’t understand how crucial that is. We are still finding that the saying “but that the way we always do it” or the builder change the insulation without approval causing real issues with building control.

[@williamhesbach4072]

I used SIPs as a contractor with semi-skilled labor in the US. Spraying the foam looked easy on the video, but the gun requires some skill to get an even joint. In the general living area, I ran a chase around the bottom of the outside walls to accommodate any mechanicals, which are a little tricky to install while maintaining the integrity of the outside envelope. You would want to avoid digging out foam or cutting the inside sheathing, which is structural. Anything on the outside walls needs consideration. For the kitchen area, I built a stick-frame wall against all the outside walls for gas lines and electrical and to hang cabinets. So, the kitchen area was all double-walled. I heated and cooled the envelope with geothermal wells and a heat pump.

[@mkchap1525]

We commissioned a Potton (Kingspan) SIP house. We broke ground in October 2022 and moved in to a completed home on 1st August 2023. Other comments about detailing are absolutely correct. I personally - as the homeowner, not builder - attended to the door-window to panel joins, sealing the VCL with expensive tapes. Typical trades do not appreciate the importance of air tightness so the plumbers were forbidden from drilling any holes in the external walls and every hole the electricians drilled eg. from loft into the utility space in the panels, was filled from both sides. We also went ASHP - UFH - Solar PV - Battery - MVHR, all with no gas. The net result was an EPC of 104 (A+). Our heating & cooling bill for March through October was £171.

[@skiiddy]

We built a garden office in 2020 using a SIPS kit 4m x 3.5m and used ground screws. Fabulous! Toasty warm, very easy (if you have a son who’s a chippy - he wasn’t convinced but soon changed his mind). If I had the opportunity to build a new house I certainly would consider SIPS.

[@alanmuncaster7357]

Built 2 garden rooms using SIPS. No previous experience using SIPS but the projects were very easy to construct and cheaper than conventional framing + insulation. Externally wrapped with breathable fabric and timber cladding

[@Czechbound]

What's the going rate for a garden room with SIPS approx out of idle interest ?

[@alanmuncaster7357]

@@Czechbound You will find two types of panels, either with polystyrene or celotex style. Price will depend on thickness and insulation. We used polystyrene. I did not deal with pricing as daughters project.

[@Czechbound]

@@alanmuncaster7357 Thank you !

[@sco2teastube]

Not all timber is the same. Today I organised the removal of timber decking which I built 20 years, I have had to remove it because it was becoming unsafe. The decking had been exposed all the weather for all these years and it had failed in a few places due to rot. I can tell you that the cause of the rot without any doubt was that the timber was in Permanently moisture. This occurred where the decking was covered with plant pots or where it never received any sunshine and the fall of the decking was such that puddles of water collected. What followed was even more interesting. I had used treated 4x2 supports in places and then railway sleepers to support the decking. What I discovered was the 4x2 had completely disintegrated but the railway sleepers were solid. But there was an unexpected problem when we tried to lift the sleepers. I had my lad try to lift one these sleepers and he looked as though he was trying to pull a locomotive uphill so I told him I would do it and gave it a go and it was truly heavy. So out came the chain saw and we cut 3 foot off the sleeper and I immediately noticed the offcut was so heavy and that it was soaked with water. The sleeper timber was however sound as the day it was felled. Interestingly there was a strong smell of creosote although the timber was a clear colour in the centre. The most interesting thing was the rings of the timber were so tight, no more than 2 mm or so and I assume the tree that this sleeper came from was a slow growing pine probably from Russia Arboreal Forest 50 years ago. The point I am trying to make is that some timber is easily digested by little critters.

[@trek520rider2]

Be careful. Creosote is carcinogenic. There's a small town near Seattle actually called Creosote on a beautiful waterfront location where they treated sleepers for generations. It would be worth a fortune today if anybody could build there but they can't because the place is so toxic. (Believe it or not there's a town in Canada called Asbestos)

[@Czechbound]

And this related to this video how ?

[@sco2teastube]

​@@Czechbound In the comments many references are made that include the word "Timber" I wanted to point out that the comparison between for example a timber framed house built in the 1900's with a timber framed structure built in 2024 is not a sound argument because a 100 years ago timber was souced from ancient forests where trees grow very slowly and as a result the timber is far less prone to attack from bugs etc than the fast grown timber we use today.

[@Czechbound]

@@sco2teastube Now I get you ! I had wooden garage gates made 10 years ago. Painted every couple of years. Someone tried to break into the house, were disturbed, and fled over the gate. The top course of wood disintegrated under them as it had completely rotten through ! In just 10 years ! What a waste of time ! All the best !

[@derin111]

@@Czechbound‘Painting’ the wood on such gates is almost the worst thing you could have done….as I also found out, to my similar cost on some large wooden gates. I think inevitably you get some water ingress at some points and then the paint just seals that moisture in, preventing the wood from ever drying out again and it just rots away under the paint. Having now replaced gates I treat them with something that allows them to ‘breathe’ and dry out. 👍🏽

[@Wyrm1701]

To be honest this is the right direction to be going, just not far enough. We need to be using Scandinavian-style prefab houses using fairly large concrete insulated units, a small number of which fit together to make a house. The key here is to make certain that the foundations are absolutely spot on, then design the sub-units in such a way that they hold together without further support. You do of course further bolt the entire system together to make sure, but it needs to fit and hold together by its self. When these start getting used (and they will, this is the only way to reduce build costs significantly) you need a skilled set of assemblers and finishers employed and supplied by the building outfit themselves, rather than contractors with their own gear and working practices working for the main builder. That way you maintain the quality and materials in use rather than whatever Bob and Phil the dodgy builders can get cheap off the back of a lorry. The interiors, wiring and so on need to be at least partially built into the houses in the actual prefab factory its self; this again reduces the on-site skilled labour needed.

[@gurglejug627]

Yeah, until you get an education in reality/construction and realise that the build cost in the UK is not that high - it's the land, permits and services that cost so much.

[@AndyAndy-w5v]

I converted an aging conservatory into a warm roof garden room using SIPs panels ( 24' by 10' lean to roof). From rip down to waterproof took 36 hours !

[@smartbuildengineering]

SIPs are great BUT detailing and installing the vapor barrier and weather barrier correctly is crucial. The panels are very unforgiving to moisture intrusion, i.e. roof leak - depending on the detailing there can be no path for mositure to escape or dry to. Due to the impermeable nature of the rigid insulation moisture/vapour intrusion can go hidden for a long time, and by the time it is noticed significant damage has already occured - i.e. major OSB rot. As the panel is structural, this can equate to major structural damage that can be hard to rectify. Canada had a 'ridge rot' epidemic due to vapor barrier failings in their early days of adopting SIPS. I think the lack of vapor/weather barrier experience and skill in the UK workforce will be main cause of SIPS issues in the UK. Traditional UK build materials are much more forgiving of poor weather detailing so these skills haven't developed. Relying on Building Control to make sure things are done right is a non-starter, especially for an uncommon construction method.

[@Czechbound]

I wonder what insurers think of them ....

[@maryhaddock9145]

Hi Roger, I'm currently self building my three storey house. I built a traditional post and beam timber frame to support the main section and for internal aesthetics. The sip panels are pretty heavy and sometimes tolerance levels aren't great and they can be a bugger to get together. Had a crane for 4 days. 2 days of raising the timber frame and two days getting the roof panels on. Happy to give more info.

[@somedude-lc5dy]

I think anything build out of "was-wood" (OSB) should have longer overhang to reduce the issues with water getting behind the cladding some day due to lack of maintenance.

[@georgeanastasi7729]

Massive fan of SIPS and will use them if and when i extend. Issues re damp and wind driven rain seem like obvious things to consider but can be managed if done properly.

[@simonhughes9472]

We have just had a SIPs single storey extension built. Incredible simplicity and speed, it was up and roof on within a few days. It look longer to get the concrete pad formed than the extension. I wouldn’t say it was much cheaper but is certainly fast. The solidity seems fine - we went for wooden cladding which looks good.

[@timblackburn2017]

My son had an extension to his brick built house using SIP's. We did the footings, base and floor(super insulated). The walls (2 of them) and roof went up in less than a day, another day for windows, doors and a slated roof and that was it. UFH followed and external cedar board cladding. Certainly more cost effective than traditional construction mainly due to the savings on labour cost.

[@andreashessler838]

My extension construction is very similar to SIPS. Galvanized steel frame with insulation and ply, then plastered throughout. Roof is timber frame with a skylight. You don't have to dig extensive footings with them because they weigh a fraction of a brick/block building. Its essentially secured on 12 concrete pads that are 1m deep. Insulation factor pisses on bricks and mortar. Building control pass them without issue. It's been built 5 years and so far, so good. Took them about 8 weeks to manufacture it all and 10 days to build.

[@QuinchGaming]

How did you deal with wiring and embedded plumbing (radiator pipework for example)?

[@andreashessler838]

@@QuinchGaming Wiring is all internal and they drill holes in the galvanised steel panel sections to allow for ring and lighting circuits. I didn't have radiators fitted, but I would imagine that you would either leave the pipes exposed or box them in afterwards.

[@andreashessler838]

Just to add, they are not that much cheaper than standard construction. You are paying for the convenience of a 10 day build to a degree. I work overseas a lot, so this really suited me as I couldn't commit to being around for 8 weeks plus

[@timblackburn2017]

@@QuinchGaming As the extension was to be a utility room most of the pipework and wiring could be tucked away behind the units. Installation of pipework and wiring can be an issue and not many tradesmen have currently got experience of working with SIP's. Heating was underfloor so no issue with radiators and pipework.

[@tonyemson7907]

Hey Roger, HAPPY BIRTHDAY for this Saturday, have a great day.

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks, I was almost run over on a zebra crossing today in London. I think the driver was texting. It was close, bloody Range Rover blacked out windows. Nearly made my widow rich

[@nickhickson8738]

Indeed, he looks good for a centenarian. Happy birthday Roger.

[@Czechbound]

@@SkillBuilder Happy the Birthday. Good to hear that idiot driver missed you.

[@tommysmith5479]

What about all the holes that will inevitibly be drilled for kitchen units, bathroom units, hanging pictures, etc?

[@barryfoster453]

I used SIPs a few weeks ago to build a small porch. To be honest, I didn't fid it to be any quicker, but it was good for getting it all straight with no flexing. What hurt though, was the deliver charges - literally hundreds of pounds for just 5 panels. I would never have done it out of SIPs, but the tool I was working with wanted to use them as he has used them on a garden room and a school classroom. I think they would be quicker than timber frame for a house, but I would like to hear from builders who have used both.

[@JW-yt7lr]

These properties seem great in concept , and are lovely when finished and new . Very warm too . BUT , they are not suited to the British cold ,wet and damp climate . Any water ingress and rot spreads very quickly . Any plants growing close or soil banking also causes problems . Worst of all is internal plumbing leaks . I have seen this in America and half an external wall had to be removed , at great expense . This type of construction is fine , I'm sure , for warmer , drier climates , but not grey and wet Britian . Also , these structures have a very short life expectancy , even in appropriate climatic conditions . Roofs will need to be replaced appropriately every thirty years .

[@WillPower311]

Roger I really value the sharing of your knowledge and the way you present it! I would love to see what you think of The Shelter Institute up in maine. They do timber frame building with structurally insulated panels and teach people how to do it, both in person and online.

[@SkillBuilder]

I will check it out, maybe go and have a look. I ike it in Maine, one of the more civilised states.

[@maryhaddock9145]

@@WillPower311 my current build is virtually the same as the shelter institute's. Been watching the vids for a bit of guidance.

[@barryshitpeas5837]

Imagine this then as a scenario… built using this system along with the usual on new site boxed in toilet cistern and shower system. Chucked together because that’s what site work demands, it then leaks as we know happens and doesn’t manifest itself until it’s damaged the bathroom. At this point then all the corner of the house round where the bathroom is now piss wet through. I cannot really see how that then fixable on these as once the fabric of the building is wet then it’s no good? Not like brick/block where it can be dried out…

[@mitchellscott4996]

This is probably the most valid point I’ve seen. I’ve built SIPs for a private company and now doing site work and I hate how rushed and hash bash everything is on site. SIPs I don’t think wouldn’t work in today’s current sites.

[@NodrogMacphee]

How do they deal with condensation ?how long do they last ? those are the questions I would ask.

[@richardparsons7012]

They do go up quick. We often have fitment trouble from one major SIP suppliers though. Section sizes off by a few mm, or issues with mismatched dimensions on partitions. We had one that was speced to fit a pair of load barers under girder trusses, which left the hallway underneath below regs width. Couldn't do much to move it, because the girders were leading into hips. That added some labour to what was supposedly a quick stand up and get out job. The supplied trusses for those jobs are also the bare minimum material, and factored around a mortgage span. I don't see them being here in 100 years, which is doing bugger all to improve the future housing stock.

[@SJWardBuilders]

I absolutely love this system of construction!!! If (when) I get the opportunity to build my own house I will be looking to this method and like they say on Grand designs: we will be in by Christmas!!????

[@theodoreroosevelt7224]

How fireproof is this?

[@randyvalantino6850]

Looks very flammable.

[@evildiesel7850]

I did a 4 penthouse scheme in London in 2020 and looked at sips - it was triple the price of traditional timber frame which is, in essence, the same thing these days. TTF gives a little more flexibility too - we had a minor levels snafu in a small part of it which was easily overcome which would have been a pain in the ass in a sip build. Anyway, back to brick and block (ok thermalite crumbly blocks) now and will stay that way until I hang up my boots!

[@hoomee119]

May be expensive in 2020 but if you buy and build it bulk it will become cheaper

[@frankmckie2992]

I definitely think there's a place for this system...... and the but, we need to see how they stand up around our shores.

[@robsterenborg]

innovative ideas are always good but what is the lifespan of these houses and what to do with the waste. What we do need is a total concept of affordable building methods and proper recycling solutions

[@davidmcturk9005]

Recently completed a Sips build. Great concept, and think it can be really useful. BUT, it still needs skilled labour to install. I had a team of “timber frame erectors”, and they were rough! Levels and plumb aren’t at the forefront of their work, and that just causes issues for every trade that follows. They’re on a price and want to get out ASAP!

[@davideyres955]

Seems that most of the trades seem to thing plumb something to eat and 90s was a decade not an angle.

[@Czechbound]

@@davideyres955 Haha, GOLD !

[@greggster100]

I lived in a SIP house for a few years, really nice. Only difference was creaking from thermal contraction in the evenings, prob bad workmanship?

[@jamesmartin2325]

We use timber frames for a lot of our school extensions, quicker, often means the works can be started before the holidays as the ‘extension’ can be built prior to any knocking through and service connections etc. don’t know why we don’t use modular building more for housing, I’ve always thought 3 decent size modular units would make a cheap, maintainable bungalow, stack on another 3 and you’ve got a 2 storey house. As long as they’re well made and designed you shouldn’t have many issues, ideal council houses which could be up and finished in a week.

[@andyc972]

Thanks Roger, this is interesting, we see these all the time on Grand Designs etc, as it's a great solution for self builders however the industry is slow to adapt at scale. I love a timber structure but would still be slightly put off a developer "timber frame" from all the horror stories from 20 odd years ago where there was a lot of bad practice ! Things have clearly moved on, so it's probably time to re-evaluate, I particularly like the developments in engineered joists and wrap products along with a better understanding of ventilation, heating and insulation solutions !

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

I have to ask, are all the parts manufacturered in UK?

[@FredsRandomFinds]

What's the lifespan on these wooden framed things? Are they gonna turn out to be like Barrett houses from the (80's?) where after around ten years the frame started to collapse and the upstairs became the downstairs?

[@faro-uk4188]

From all points of view, notably sustainability of the built environment, SIPS-constructed houses would lead to a less compromised future, etc. I am a retired architect, fed up with this overbuilt environment that cannot continue the same way. Thank you anyway for this slight glimmer of hope.

[@scottsparky1]

where do the cables go on the drops to sockets and switches

[@ahmedthecamel5706]

I am going to start a SIPS build shortly. We are adding an extra storey to a bungalow adding 100 sq meters using sips

[@SkillBuilder]

Where is this job?

[@ahmedthecamel5706]

@SkillBuilder it's in Eastbourne on the Sussex coast

[@ChunkyMonkey78]

How does it measure up with regards to longevity and extreme weather events and such?

[@abelfaber4457]

looks nice, and fast, but how does it behave when you want to put on an addition in the future?

[@ScoreGuru123]

Off topic, ive installed safeguard dry rods in my kitchen wall. I cant wait months for the walls to fully dry before new kitchen fitted. What is the best option to stop any damp coming through new plaster? Is foil backed plasterboard the way to go? Thank you..P.S. 4 weeks to kitchen fitting

[@russ1669]

I certainly wouldn't advise using SIPS in a flood area. Very quick build and airttight structure are the main advantages

[@gelleby3]

US style timber framing is cheaper than SIPs (for now), this had us not go for SIPs for our outhouse.

[@davidwynn6832]

How do you make this construction fire proof? Foam and wooden boards need some protection. A kitchen fire or electric fault could a problem otherwise. How is this approve by building control.

[@TomClark1995]

Can we get a video on insulated concrete forms - ICF? Seems like a much more durable and permanent structure to me. Not to say SIPS can't last 100 years. But I feel that ICF will last longer with fewer maintenance and repairs required.

[@richardhudson9465]

Hi Roger.we are about to build a sips house in west Sussex on the coast, having lived in Spain for the past 23 years as a plumber we are returning to the UK(don't ask) I will be using many of the techniques we use in Spain mainly on the plumbing heat pump buffer tank,solar hot water and p.v.in roof combined with metal roof system.uderfloor manifold domestic system,water harvesting etc.if you want to join our journey get in touch.great Channel by the way.kind regards Richard.

[@SkillBuilder]

I am hoping your South Coast is not Dorset but if I can get there I would love to come and follow your build. www.skill-builder.uk/send

[@martinjohncassidyCASSIDY]

Onwards and upwards Roger. But you can't beat the old tusk tennons.

[@kathrynwhitby9799]

Ex BT engineer here. IMO, "factory built" homes are likely to be the way forward in speed and efficiency of construction. 2 questions, 1 - will the quality depend on the care of the contractors building them. 2 - what will be the impact on damp proofing when services like broadband are installed at a later date (post construction)?

[@KRAMPUS1933]

Roger... Just a personal view... Great video as always and as usual, you have hit the nail on the head insofar as the superficial stand alone issue of lack of accommodation is concerned. I think, as do many here - if they were pushed - that we do not actually have a housing crisis at all. What we have is a corruption crisis and from an individual perspective I believe we would collectively agree that no amount of building however good it is, is ever going to fix that. The real problems need fixing first mate.

[@walsakaluk1584]

It looks great! When finished it will look even better with all the services surface mounted to the walls.😵‍💫 I love surface mount in factories. Easy to maintain. I've got some surface mount in my concrete home, the majority is embedded. Seriously, Roger. A follow up on how services are introduced to and reticulated through the building would be dandy. Penetration and service concealment is a really big question mark for this system.

[@Clark-Mills]

Apparently SIPs offers little low-frequency acoustic dampening, though a brick veneer should help there. Obviously cable runs are "interesting" as you can't just fur a channel for the wiring face as you can with ICF; SIPs faces are structural (the "S" in SIP). The polystyrene faces in ICF isn't structural and can be foamed over if you're chasing maximum insulation; the concrete core is the structural component.

[@mitchellscott4996]

I worked for a company who specialises in SIPs. Having done traditional timber and SIPs if I came to building my own house I would choose SIPs. It’s just a better product and more economical for the owner once living in it.

[@Czechbound]

But the risks that come with leaks appear to be substantial. Note : I know nothing

[@mitchellscott4996]

@ no more than traditional timber frame, and not more likely to happen if done correctly.

[@davidbrewer7937]

It is very good but there are usually some hurdles with building code, permits & inspections.

[@SkillBuilder]

It is all approved.

[@KendalSmithy]

Maybe if they're built on concrete stilts on the flood plains they'll be OK. But what if you want to extend or alter a building, is it easy to change in the future?

[@andrewhead6267]

It’s the way forward. Thd next stage will be the creation of a machine that assembles the panels on site - would be able to work 24/7.

[@davidsoulsby1102]

These remind me of the Pre-Fabs build after the war but with less longevity. If the price reflects the life-scale issues, byers understand the potential issues, I don't see a problem.

[@mjg6966]

Lots of pre-fabs are still standing and some are listed.

[@TheJackb45]

If you leave buyer without a house long enough they will buy anything that resembles a house

[@phillipdonnelly6430]

Do they float, I can't afford the land but I could build one. Seriously though, what about services, how are they fitted? After boarding up inside?

[@MattsMkia]

I'm hoping there will be a housing crisis so I can buy cheaply when I sell a few houses in 2025. As a backup plan, I've been thinking about purchasing stocks. What advice do you have for choosing the best buying time? On the one hand, I continue to read and see trading earnings of over $500k each week. On the other side, I keep hearing that the market is out of control and experiencing a dead cat bounce. Why does this happen?

[@JacobsErick-u8r]

Investing in real estate and stocks might be a wise choice, particularly if you have a sound trading plan that can get you through profitable days.

[@tatianastarcic]

You're not doing anything wrong; you simply lack the expertise necessary to make money in a bad market. In these difficult circumstances, only really skilled experts who were forced to witness the 2008 financial crisis could expect to generate a large wage.

[@winifred-k9e]

Recently, I've been considering the possibility of speaking with consultants. I need guidance because I'm an adult, but I'm not sure if their services would be all that help

[@tatianastarcic]

My CFA “Melissa Terri Swayne” , a renowned figure in her line of work. I recommend researching her credentials further. She has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market.

[@LUCIASMITH-d1z]

My CFA “Melissa Terri Swayne” , a renowned figure in her line of work. I recommend researching her credentials further. She has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market.

[@WyndStryke]

I have doubts about the lifespan of these buildings in our climate, and when subsequent modifications are made to the structure. Of the various new building techniques I think ICF would be better.

[@AndyAndy-w5v]

Ps I did employ a roofer to ensure covering watertight, but think that goes with all constructions

[@tomplumb7754]

I did our extension with Sips, what a great way to build Giant lego i am the team, we are Heat engineers really enjoyed putting this together.

[@benjaminwilley3578]

In the UK we need to look at cheaper housing and a major overhaul of the planning laws. I'm not a pro builder but done one major renovation and a self build from scratch.

[@utubeape]

Seems good, but what about thinner OSB on the inside and something like cement board for the outside, because otherwise the external OSB could be damaged by rain before the wrap goes on

[@martinjohncassidyCASSIDY]

And don't forget the the real old bricklayers still using the tumbling in method on brickwork chimneys. Keeping looking and you might still see one .

[@ridethelakes]

Great idea, the problem is its non standard construction which means it's difficult to get a mortgage.

[@marcinha1973]

Pre-manufactured houses are a convenience and, over time, a cost saver for the manufacturer, the end buyer gets to pay the usual. As I understand, the housing crisis in the UK or most other countries is derived from deep economic disparities not housing technologies. Cheers from Poland.

[@joeappleton9213]

I think the timber OSB board will prove problematic if there is any damp ingress , steel sips look more promising I’ve used kingspan fridge freezer Pannels on a commercial fridge an they are bombproof Would be a great solution for damp and vey strong , Just lots more expensive but similar build techniques used looked at American builds where SIP wooden panels are used more frequently but Vapor control and good siding products wood or cement fibre board (Hardie) are used

[@sharonmc5192]

Would these be the modern day equivalent of prefabs built after the war? Just wonder what the longevity of a SIPS building would be? Would they be as long lasting as brick built homes?

[@Droningonuk]

Once clad in brick how to you replace the wood when it rots?

[@JambonRodriguezParty]

Would this be a cost effective way to build a single story garage, on a site with good access, with a view to potentially Turning it into a granny flat in the future?

[@donkirkham1894]

That happens in Canada now, in fact the cities of Vancouver and Toronto have changed their zoning to expediate the process.

[@barryfoster453]

Yes, but make sure of the delivery charge - which can be huge! Compare the total cost with just a timber frame and Celotex. You can make SIPs yourself cheaper than you can buy them - they are just two sheets of OSB with PIR in between, but you should be careful with Building Control (let them know you're doing that) because diy ones will only be bonded together, not fused.

[@QuinchGaming]

Nothing fundamentally wrong with the system, until you start introducing internal services like electrical wiring, water and gas pipes etc. These are all required to be sunken into the walls, now, of course, with this its easy..just cut slots in the panels where needed but then you introduce a breach into the sealed panel. Knowing how many vertical runs of pipework and wires a house these days needs walls could end up being more cut out slots than solid panel ... lol. I exaggerate a bit but you get the point. I'm wholly in favour of prefabricated building methods to speed up house building, but I look at a lot of these systems and wonder...where's the pipework going to go? Also, knowing groundworkers like I do...not sure I'd trust them to get the footings in as accurately as needed for this!

[@barrymasterton2845]

Or fix battens to the internal wall and form a service cavity.

[@justinstephenson9360]

The problem with sips, like all building projects, is that it depends on the quality of both the manufacturer of the sips and the quality of the builder fitting it together. No different to any other building system in that regard. Done well these homes will last as long as any other modern house, done badly and they will be riddled with rot within 10 years. I probably wouldn't use sips in an exposed coastal location, but otherwise it is good

[@vbsbkjer2]

Great way of building, but not in the Florida area, USA, as it gets a bit windy.

[@1x3dil]

Hi Roger. The only caveat I can see is over time will water penetration be a problem , at least with a brick construction if water makes its way in the building it can be treated with no major structural damage. But with timber board construction , the fabric of the building itself could be compromised . Especially if a problem goes undetected for a long period of time , if we consider that even traditional building methods are not always correctly undertaken , would this type of building be even more prone to poor workmanship . Kind regards

[@Elfin4]

There seems to be a historic issue with system-built housing that comes back to bite down the road. If the roof panel fixings fail or corrode that sheet is only going to slide off or wind blows off the roof. Personally just don't like it and see the external wall panels rotting over time, especially at the bottoms. What type of long fixings are used, are they stainless steel so won't corrode. If not stainless fixings and they corrode in the future does that compromise the structural integrity of the whole system?

[@sunnybeachwalks4k2022]

It’s not about how the house is built, it’s about the cost of the land, in some parts of america where they build wooden houses the land can be bought for literally peanuts compared to the uk. This would also be classed as a “non traditional” build in the U.K. which can make them hard or impossible to get mortgages on and hard to sell

[@manymoms920]

Having spent time in Scandinavia which has warmer houses and build far quicker I’ve never understood why we can’t have them here. Surely it’s perception and marketing. I remember builders build a house in a fraction of the time when I first visited 30 years ago

[@grantmidd]

Cement block with dot and dab insulation backed plaster board is much safer fast and will last a life time with minimal renovations for the next generation.

[@PQing-w9o]

Spot on

[@chrishicks8347]

I wouldn't build the Kingston anywhere you have high winds or flooding? The house would probably float?

[@naiboz]

Average cost per square foot/metre?

[@user-uq7io2os3r]

I wonder if that pressed waste wood chippings and foam will last all the water ingress for 40 years from driving holeles for utilities like new net cables etc and dmg this shiny water tight membrane..probably not..😕

[@14caz68]

I’ve asked my builder son to whack me up a SIPs extension ! It’ll only take him a couple of days!! …. I’m still waiting 😂🧐

[@melinda5777]

Is this product available in the US?

[@adamuk73]

SIPS are available in the USA

[@Kmobful]

You should find the oldest examples of these buildings and do a follow up video

[@man-xy]

from 2013 haha

[@theolddog5129]

As someone who lives in a 550-year old Oak framed house, I admire the longevity and beauty of Oak but not the insulation properties (not!) of traditional infill. If I ever did a self-built it would be a relatively simple Oak Frame encapsulated in SIPS with timber cladding as the exterior layer. Border Oak do such builds and have a lot of info in their brochures on the system. I would worry about engineered roof structures and leaks so would probably prefer normal softwood trusses.

[@lovenottheworld5723]

Air tight houses are like living on Mars when you're still on planet Earth.

[@knapper147]

Probably not, since it doesn't address land prices, not planning regulation

[@plumpii7177]

You said it yourself, trickling the supply of new homes will make more money than flooding the market.. the car manufacturers are making less cars for more money, its the new way.. If the people could buy land and build easier, we would build our own homes and sort ourselves out.. we, however, get tied up in knots and screwed over by the rules. They have the ability to do it, but they simply aren't and won't..

[@stephenwhite5057]

Is it fireproof?

[@eurovisie2010]

No, if the carpet burns and the furniture inside,..

[@borisbolshoi7317]

SIPS might be cheaper however might not get approval from mortgage lenders now or later. When they start to get issues with them being non standard construction people might find themselves very out of pocket! However if it’s incredibly cheap to build with people might not care? It might be fine if people don’t want super expensive interiors like bathroom/kitchens which is another issue entirely.

[@SuperVitz]

Have a look at Collida by Willmott Dixon, it's a light gauge steel frame house building system.

[@nathanlegge7090]

Steel tends to rust in humid conditions like the UK, it also has high conductivity for heat so if not insulated on the exterior thermal bridges and condensation will result in degradation of the structure and low thermal comfort with hi energy bills. Being light gauge it will lose integrity quite quickly. The issue with these systems is the lack of thermal mass and man made materials sensitivety to water damage WHEN the protection fails. Like all the mcm factory built housing developers that have all gone bust, when the accounts get involved the main advantages are lost in cost cutting measures and quality is not good enough. Older methods are fault tolerant and survive leaks, modern methods are better until something fails, then they need to be knocked down. This isn't economic or good for the environment. Houses are not fridges or cars and need to last many many decades and be able to be adapted over time, which sips or light gauge steel cannot achieve easily.

[@davidsoulsby1102]

I would prefer a solid frame (steel?) with pre build panels. Integration is good for speed of erection but very bad for maintenance and repair.

[@lewisbrand]

ICF all the way

[@TheCornish123456]

Been plenty of houses on Grand designs made with SIPs. Not sure on it myself. Must be warm though.

[@eddjordan2399]

one problem i have with pir foam is and speak up any other builders that have found this. is beetles, bugs, ants and other small insects literally eat the stuff i have found many jobs now where large sections of the foam has been eaten away especially in warm roofs and external wall make ups.

[@DTech101]

One of the big issues that I can see with this if it develops rot in the mid section of the building, is that not a structural part? How can it get replaced/repaired if it’s a slot in Design, issue is the design life cycle the house will be gone before your mortgage is up, face it it’s the UK and houses are never going to be cheap, think using this is basically like hiding a structural crack then down the line someone else finds the issue, I can see the same thing here it will just take years before we findout. For me this is a temporary building dressed up to be a permanent building by the Time the morgage is up 30 years face it 30 plus years now, you’ll be rebuilding it

[@way661]

I deliver to a SIPS factory, the biggest problem is waste! There is huge amounts of waste when these panels are made as they are all a standard panel then cut to size, we all know this expanding foam isn’t nice and can’t be recycled

[@carlday8295]

Hey Roger, my Building company started installing SIPs buildings in 2021 all over Surrey, Middlesex and South London from single story extensions and garden rooms all the way up to 130 m² builds. we actually had a really good conversation with Robin Clevett at one of the tool shows recently and bought Allstop Saw Whilst chatting with him about our Sips builders. Would be more than happy to get in touch as it is swiftly becoming a strong contender for brick and block construction.

[@carlday8295]

We have lots of high-quality drone footage and project pictures as well of each project that I’d be happy to share

[@bet_big9917]

We are going back in time to building log cabins basically rather than forward in time building with bricks bricks.