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SIP Panel Extensions are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and you may be considering this building system as a way to extend your home. But the question is, are SIP Panel Extensions better than the traditional brick and mortar builds we are all used to? The Habify team has been on a deep dive, and here’s what we found out.
Here are some of the situations where we would recommend a SIP panel extension over brick and mortar:
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When you need minimal disruption
Building an extension is disruptive and traditional building sites can be messy, noisy and dangerous. Many people find they have to completely move out of their property for at least a month or so, particularly if you have young children and/ or pets. SIPs are prefabricated, which means that they can be manufactured off-site and then quickly assembled on-site without the need for deep foundations or extensive groundwork. This can significantly reduce the construction time of an extension. In fact, a SIP panel extension can be constructed at your home in as little as a few weeks, compared to several months for a traditional brick and mortar extension.
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When energy efficiency is important to you
SIPs provide excellent insulation, which can help to reduce energy bills and in turn your carbon emissions. The insulation in SIPs is continuous, with no thermal bridges, which means that there is no loss of heat through the walls. This can make a SIP panel extension up to 50% more energy-efficient than a traditional brick and mortar extension.
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When you need a lightweight construction
SIPs are lightweight, which means that they can be used to build extensions on foundations that are not as strong as those required for traditional brick and mortar extensions. This is great news if you are looking to build on an existing conservatory pad or have limited space for a deep foundation.
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When you want a more sustainable build
SIPs are made from sustainable materials, such as wood and recycled plastic. This makes SIPs a more environmentally friendly building material than brick and mortar.
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If you want something low-maintenance
SIPs are low-maintenance, and they do not require rendering as this forms part of the panel itself. This can save time and money in the long run.
So when is a SIP panel extension not recommended?
SIP Panel extensions are perfect for single-storey, overground extensions. If you wish to go below ground level with your extension or are planning something two-storey (or more!) a brick and mortar build might be a better option.
In conclusion…
SIP panel extensions offer a number of advantages over traditional brick and mortar extensions. They are faster to construct, more energy-efficient, lightweight, versatile, and sustainable. They also cause less disruption to the homeowner and you are far less likely to experience runaway budgets and elongated build times associated with traditional builds due to reduced labour costs and less dependency on favourable weather!
It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced builder to get advice on the best type of extension for your property. If you would like to explore if a SIP Panel Extension could be right for you and your property, get in touch via the quote form or give us a call.
