The rapid development of building technologies leads to the regular appearance of new materials. Sandwich panels can be ranked among them: not so long ago, having appeared on the construction market, they quickly gained great popularity.
Sandwich panels have a complex structure that includes several layers. Inside there is an insulating base, for the manufacture of which foamed or extrusion polymer or mineral wool is used. The extrusion filling is very durable and has higher thermal insulation properties. The heat-insulating core is closed on both sides with protective PVC sheets. On the front side, a higher-quality glossy or matte plastic is used, on the inside - a durable rough sheet, on which an adhesive is spread. In addition to PVC, an OSB plate or steel sheet can be used to make the outer walls of the sandwich.
Sandwich panel device
A simpler version of the sandwich consists of two layers (no back protection). The outer walls and inner thermal insulation are securely connected with a special hot melt adhesive: Hot-Melt technology is used for its production. As part of a two- or three-layer structure, there are no toxins harmful to the body: this opens up wide opportunities for the use of sandwich panels in the social and housing sectors.
Appearance of sandwich panels
Multilayer panels can be safely attributed to universal materials that are used both for decoration and construction of buildings.
Sandwich panels are perfect as a building material from which various low-rise buildings are constructed:
- Industrial. The material is used for the construction of warehouses, hangars, production areas.
- Public and household. We are talking about office space, retail outlets, change houses.
- Refueling, repair, washing stations for vehicles.
- Sports. Training halls, indoor skating rinks, etc.
- Agricultural. Farms for breeding poultry, animals, various greenhouses.
- Refrigerating and freezing warehouses.
- Medical and other sanitary facilities.
Sandwich panels are used in various types of structures
In addition, panels of this type are often used when reconstruction or thermal insulation of dilapidated houses with insufficiently strong ceilings is carried out.
The main classification of sandwich panels is by the type of internal filler:
In addition, there is a classification of sandwich panels according to the material of the outer sheets: they can be metal (galvanized), PVC or from oriented strand boards (the so-called "SIP-panels").
The undoubted advantages of sandwich panels include the following characteristics:
The material also has weak points:
Thanks to sandwich panels, the emergence of a very popular technology for the rapid construction of buildings has become possible. Thus, it is possible to equip the object in a short time, regardless of the weather. Prefabricated buildings are usually constructed within 2-3 weeks (including the time for drawing up a project). The complexity of the structure being erected in some way affects the duration of the construction implementation.
Installation of sandwich panels
However, in any case, this happens much faster than when using bricks, foam blocks and other traditional materials. Such a quick construction time is due to the small total mass of the object. In this case, there is no need for a monolithic powerful foundation, the laying of which usually takes a lot of time and resources: and it is the foundation device that “eats up” a significant part of time and money. The construction of prefabricated buildings is carried out by a small group of assemblers (3-4 people) without the involvement of specialized equipment. In this case, it is quite possible to get by with manual devices.
The order of construction work:
- Design. To save time, they often go through the use of a suitable standard project, which can be individually modified.
- For large enough structures, it is recommended to use reinforced concrete panels as a foundation. However, if the building is small and light enough, let's say a brick or concrete foundation with an additional layer of waterproofing.
- For the installation of individual elements, a reliable frame will be required, for the construction of which lumber or a metal profile can be used. The installation procedure is carried out with a screwdriver and a special lock. With the proper qualifications of the performers, the build-up of the structure occurs very quickly.
Sandwich and SIP panels are also used in the construction of the so-called. "Inertialess" (frame) buildings. This technology is characterized by the use of materials with good insulating properties with a low heat capacity. Such objects are distinguished by a very rapid increase in the air temperature in the premises, during which the mills remain cool. They try to make them as tight as possible, which makes it possible to spend minimal money on heating.
Frame building made of sandwich panels
Inertialess structures made of SIP panels operate on the principle of a thermos: their walls cool down quickly, and the air remains warm for a long time even after the heating is turned off. This technology is widely used in the construction of modern summer cottages and country cottages with temporary residence. Taking into account the requirements for tightness, in such houses a rather complex ventilation system will be required, the air ducts of which are constructed from ceramic pipes or brick boxes.
From the point of view of efficiency, frame structures are the cheapest (especially if SIP panels are used). Even taking into account the obligatory use of expensive forced-air ventilation, the costs of building a frame house are inferior to brick counterparts by about 1/3. It should be borne in mind that any prefabricated building in terms of durability is an order of magnitude inferior to brick or foam block structures. Strictly speaking, such a structure is intended for one generation.
In order to keep the overall style prefabricated buildings from sandwich panels, began to produce special products for roofing. In such cases, mineral wool acts as an internal layer, and the panels themselves have higher bearing characteristics. Using such products, designers get ample opportunities for natural additional general structures, when not only the appearance, but also the way of building the object is maintained. For the manufacture of roofing sandwich panels, exclusively fire-resistant materials are used: basalt insulation, profiled steel cladding, non-hot glue.
Roof and wall sandwich panels
Considering sandwich panels as a material for the construction of a building, first of all, it is necessary to determine the purpose of the object. As the main material, this material is most often used in the construction of industrial or social facilities. We are talking about various pavilions, hangars, gas stations, warehouses, etc. At the same time, the so-called. "Industrial" style.
These materials are also used in the residential sector (frame construction), which can significantly reduce the construction time. However, buildings of this type are not very durable, therefore, if you want to acquire a cottage for centuries, it is better to use traditional bricks or blocks. It is more expedient to use sandwich panels in private construction for the construction of non-main buildings (except for a bath, due to the low heat capacity of the walls).
Sauna from sandwich panels
Sandwich panels cost
Sandwich panels are relatively inexpensive materials.
The final price depends on the following factors:
- Manufacturer. Domestic samples are much cheaper than Western ones.
- Insulation type. The most expensive are products based on basalt wool.
- Cladding.(Type of material, number of layers).
The widespread construction of houses from sandwich panels began to spread in our country relatively recently. Western countries have been using this technology for many decades for the construction of not only private low-rise buildings, but also for the construction of high-rise buildings.
In this article we will consider what kind of material it is and what are the pros and cons of houses built using this technology?
What is a sandwich panel and what does it consist of?
The main idea of the developers of this material is to get a building element with which you can build a house quickly and inexpensively. The technology of building houses from sandwich panels allows you to get full-fledged housing of any complexity, in a short period of time, using a minimum of material and physical costs.
The term "sandwich" itself has nothing to do with fast food. Since this building material consists of several layers of sub-materials bonded together, this name arose more as an association with burgers.
Sandwich panel Is a three-layer building material made of plastic, metal and insulation (wood, mineral wool, expanded polystyrene). Usually, there is a special filler inside, which is covered with a lining on both sides. The result is a convenient element that can be used to build walls, ceilings and floors. Also, this unique building material is used not only for finishing walls and roofs, but also for high-quality insulation and sound insulation of facades of finished buildings and structures, as well as for protecting them from fire.
Various materials can be used as filler. Among the most popular options are the following:
- Polyurethane foam Is the most common sandwich panel filler. The material does not burn or rot. Moreover, it is an excellent insulation;
- Expanded polystyrene- This is a less common filler option. Such panels are slightly cheaper than the previous ones;
- Fiberglass... Such a filler is used in those structures that will be installed in fire-hazardous buildings;
- Mineral wool... These sandwich panels are considered the cheapest. But even they are distinguished by their lightness, ease of installation and good thermal insulation qualities.
The outer layers can also be made of various materials. The most popular are OSB plates and metal. In principle, both options are quite strong and durable. However, OSB slabs are slightly cheaper than the metal version. But the second option has a longer service life.
How are houses and cottages built from sandwich panels?
A responsible process before starting the construction of houses, according to the technology, is the creation of a solid foundation and a frame for covering it with sandwich elements.
The whole process of erecting a residential building can be divided into stages:
- Walling... The beginning of the process will mark the laying of the guide board, its dimensions correspond to those of the sandwiches. For the exact horizontal position of the board, builders use the building level;
- Installation of corner sandwich panels... The process should start from the corner. Installation of the first element is an important task, further work on the installation of subsequent sheets depends on it. The guide board is equipped with special grooves to securely fix each sheet of the sandwich panel. Corner sheets are fixed with self-tapping screws. The distance between the fasteners must be at least 15 cm;
- Installation of sandwich panels... After finishing the corners, proceed to the processing of the walls. The panels are fastened to each other with self-tapping screws, observing the distance between the fasteners in height at least 50 cm and carefully making sure that there are no gaps between the sheets. Using this technology, all subsequent sheets of finishing material are installed.
In the process of installing houses from sandwich panels, there should be no rush, all work is done gradually. It is important that, before fastening, each subsequent element is compared in size with the previous one, in order to immediately identify inconsistencies and correct them.
Construction foam is sometimes used to fill the space between the guide board and the panel. After finishing the finishing of the base of the house with sandwich panels, the construction of other elements of the house is started.
Advantages of building with sandwich panels
(1) First of all, it is savings on the foundation... It is known that about half of the costs of building a box at home are for foundation work. When building a house from sandwich panels, you can use a columnar foundation, a shallow strip foundation, or a light slab foundation.
(2) Construction speed... Such a house can be assembled according to ready-made drawings in a few days. Usually, manufacturers of such structures bring the walls ready-made and fasten them together at the site.
The box itself can be put up at home in just one to two weeks. Of course, a lot will depend on the size of the building. But in any case, the construction will take much less time than if you used ordinary building materials.
(3) The third advantage is savings on heating in future. Sandwich panels are warm enough to build houses in the coldest regions of the country.
(4) Sandwich panel structures are durable enough... Despite the fact that it is generally accepted that such houses are not the most durable in comparison with stone ones, practice shows that, with the correct construction technology, they can be operated for decades. Manufacturers of such houses dry the timber in a special way to such an extent that the timber practically does not lend itself to aging.
(5) I have an opportunity to increase the usable area of living quarters, since the thickness of the walls of cottages made of sandwich panels is much less than in houses built of stone or blocks.
(6) Sixth advantage - Sandwich panel cottages can be built in almost any weather conditions... The construction of a house can be carried out in winter, regardless of the ambient temperature;
(7) Seventh plus - unlike wooden houses, frame structures do not settle... This means that finishing work can be started immediately after the construction of the box;
In addition, if necessary, it is possible to disassemble the house and assemble it in a new place. Plus, don't forget about the cost. All materials and work will not “hit” your wallet too much. Houses made of sandwich panels are much cheaper than analogues... This feature is very popular with domestic developers.
Disadvantages of this material
First of all, it is worth mentioning environmental friendliness. Some unscrupulous wood-based panel manufacturers use formaldehyde resins to bond the fibers. This substance, being very toxic, can greatly affect the health of people living in such a house when evaporated. Make sure your sandwich house manufacturer has a contract with a bona fide wood-based panel supplier.
Houses made of sandwich panels are significantly inferior in durability to wooden and brick buildings. Such buildings need major repairs after a couple of decades of operation. But, even while constantly maintaining all the structures in the desired condition, one should not expect from such a house that it will stand for a hundred years.
Another disadvantage, which also affects the long-term operation, is the possibility of mold. Sandwich panels are sealed enough, so air ventilation is poor. From here there are places where moisture stagnates. This results in the appearance of mold. Therefore, such houses must be carefully protected from moisture and artificial ventilation systems must be created.
Well, do not forget about fire safety. The materials used often burn well. A completely wooden house, when a small hearth occurs, will burn to the ground in a matter of hours.
Often the manufacturer claims that the wood is treated with a special solution that makes it non-combustible. But be aware that such solutions do not exist in nature, and all such measures are carried out only in order to reduce the burning rate. It is also worth remembering about the foam, which does not burn, but evaporates. Styrofoam vapors can also cause irreparable harm to health.
Therefore, it is necessary to carefully choose the heating system of the house and it is highly desirable to install a modern fire-extinguishing system with an alarm button.
Conclusion
It is possible to build a summer cottage or a house from sandwich panels, and often this is the only reasonable option for a particular area, taking into account the available budget. However, you should carefully consider fire safety and make sure of the quality and environmental friendliness of the panel material. You also need to carefully approach the selection of a construction contractor, make sure that you have a license, relevant experience and positive feedback.
Building a house from unified elements of a large area, but low weight, is very attractive in many cases.
For example, for the construction of industrial, commercial or auxiliary buildings, this option is optimal.
A striking example of such building materials are sandwich panels, which make it possible to build quickly, relatively cheaply and quite efficiently.
The works are carried out with minimal requirements for equipment, require little time, do not require the participation of highly qualified workers, which makes the construction very economical.
Sandwich panels are two layers of sheet materials (profiled metal, PVC, OSB or magnesite plates), between which a layer of insulating material is installed (mineral wool, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, etc.).
The dimensions of the slabs are different, with a width of 1-1.2 m, the length of the panel can be from 50 cm to 13.5 m. The thickness of the panels depends on the size of the insulation and ranges from 5 to 25 cm... Such dimensions with low weight (a square meter of the thickest panel weighs only 42 kg) allow building buildings in a matter of days or hours.
The most common are panels with outer layers of profiled metal with a thickness of 0.5-0.7 mm. The surface has a protective and decorative polymer coating, resistant to external influences, protecting the metal from corrosion.
Two types of panels are made:
- Wall. They have a low profile wave height and can withstand high compression or shear loads. The lock connection is folded.
- Roofing. They are made with an increased profile height (usually trapezoidal). The lock connection provides overlapping of the face layer by one wave.
The panels are connected using locking profiles applied to the side edges. The end sides are usually open, during installation, the joints are filled with sealant and special cover strips are installed on top. Installation of panels is carried out on a supporting structure - a frame, the bearing capacity of which ensures the strength and stability of the walls and roof to all loads.
NOTE!
There are types of sandwich panels that are self-supporting and do not need a frame.
Photo of sandwich panels:
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of sandwich panels include:
- Possibility of installation at any time of the year.
- High speed of installation.
- Lack of finishing work.
- The low weight of the building allows you to save on the foundation.
- The high heat-saving qualities of the panels contribute to the savings on heating the building.
There are also disadvantages, which should be attributed:
- Impossibility of multi-storey construction.
- Weak load-bearing capacity of the walls, the inability to use them to install attachments, furniture or other items.
- Possibility of damage to the protective coating during installation or transportation.
- The need for thorough sealing of panel joints, the possibility of condensation.
Some drawbacks are inevitable, others can be easily eliminated - for example, damage to the coating can be painted over, in the most difficult cases the entire panel can be replaced.
What is the advantage of sandwich panel houses
SIP panels are most often used for the construction of residential buildings. This is a type of sandwich panels, the outer layers of which are made of OSB, or oriented strand board.
Houses built from SIP panels have a lot of advantages.:
- Walls made of such material have high heat-saving properties, they are lightweight, do not load the foundation.
- Since the construction of SIP panels cannot be higher than 2 floors, which is prescribed by the regulations, the use of construction equipment is not necessary. Usually the simplest lifting devices are dispensed with.
- Any materials are suitable for external decoration, and, as a rule, there is no need for external insulation.
- The construction cost is significantly lower than using traditional materials.
- The panels are not conducive to the growth of mold, mildew or insects.
- Conducting communications is not difficult.
In addition, the high speed and small number of workers required to complete the installation contribute to the growing popularity of sandwich panel construction.
Prefabricated buildings
Buildings constructed from sandwich panels are classified as prefabricated buildings.
The main type of such buildings is non-residential industrial or administrative buildings.:
- Warehouses.
- Public spaces.
- Sports or fitness centers.
- Car dealerships.
- Commercial or entertainment centers.
- Industrial refrigerating chambers.
- Hangars for large aircraft or automobile equipment.
The construction of housing with sandwich panels is becoming more and more popular. Low cost, speed of construction and undemandingness to the presence of a powerful foundation are more and more attractive to users.
The construction of prefabricated buildings is carried out according to the standard scheme:
- Erection of a metal frame from unified elements, allowing a wide combination of assembly options - as if from a children's designer.
- Installation of sandwich panels. Installation of panels takes a few minutes, most of the time is spent on sealing joints and installing additional elements.
- Installation of roofing panels, design of overhangs and other elements with extras.
- Decoration of window and door openings.
All work is carried out at a very high pace. The main labor costs and financial investments fall on the construction of the foundation, the cost and type of which is determined by local geological conditions.
Modular buildings
Modular buildings are one of the fastest and most efficient options for the construction of prefabricated buildings. The building is being erected from ready-made modules - block containers, ready-made parts of a residential building with finished factory exterior and interior decoration.
Such projects are effective and very convenient for shift camps, construction sites of large facilities, geological prospecting points, meteorological or other scientific stations, etc. Modular buildings have gained particular popularity in the Far North, in the development of oil or gas fields.
Buildings can be dismantled, transported and reassembled elsewhere without any damage... The configuration and dimensions of the house can be changed. You can add some part of the house, or, conversely, reduce its size. This mobility, combined with the ability to transform, is appreciated by builders and workers.
Trade pavilions
The ability to have your own outlet and not pay huge rent is a significant bonus for any merchant, even a beginner, even an experienced and successful one. T the org pavilion is convenient for business because it has a precise specifics and random people do not enter it.
In addition, the pavilion is in plain sight, and not among hundreds of similar ones in a large center, so the likelihood of successful trading in it is much better.
For the construction of a shopping pavilion, sandwich panels are the best option. The main advantage is the speed of construction - all the time is spent only on the construction of the zero level, and in some cases this is not done either.
For example, when using a pile or pile-screw foundation, the construction speed is measured in a matter of days, which is an invaluable advantage for trading activities. For small pavilions, a shallow strip foundation is usually made, which does not require a significant investment of time or money.
Given the small size of the pavilion, its cost will be comparable to the price of a used car, and the functionality of the building will be completely analogous to an expensive capital construction.
NOTE!
There is a large number of organizations that install sandwich panel pavilions at low prices in the shortest possible time. If there is no time or opportunities for self-construction, this option will be an excellent way out.
Should you make a summer cottage or a private house out of sandwich panels?
The use of sandwich panels for the construction of housing or country houses is not yet very popular in our country. This is due to the traditional nature of thinking and distrust of innovations that exist among the population..
At the same time, most private houses of a budget price category abroad are built using this or a similar technology, which indicates the great potential and high performance of sandwich panels.
Moreover, almost all buildings in northern Europe - in Finland, Norway - are built of sandwich panels. Finally, in Antarctica, all scientific stations are built in this way, and there are no complaints about their quality.
At the same time, there are a lot of advantages, from the speed of construction to the cost-effectiveness of construction. The specificity of the panels is such that they are most suitable for low-rise housing. If we also take into account the possibility of self-erection, without the use of construction equipment or a large team of workers, then the benefits of this method become obvious.
The network very often raises the question of the harmful effects of sandwich panels (in particular, SIP panels) on human health or well-being. Some argue that the inhabitants of such houses live in a cloud of formaldehyde, others frighten the people with phosgene released from the insulation.
At the same time, where this information came from - no one knows, all of this was read somewhere on the Internet. Nobody tried to acquire precise knowledge about the amount and composition of the substances secreted. At the same time, many people live in houses insulated with mineral wool or foam, everyone is safe and sound and have no problems.
The practice of foreign construction in conditions of very strict sanitary or technical requirements completely refutes these statements. The technique would not have found such wide distribution if any negative impacts or manifestations were observed.
No company that makes the material wants to drown in health claims, so you can be quite confident in the quality of the material.
Useful video
In this video you will find out what sandwich panel houses are like:
Conclusion
Sandwich panels are an affordable and very convenient building material that allows you to build houses of any configuration in a matter of days at no extra cost. Ease of installation work is enhanced by the possibility of restoration or replacement of panels, savings on construction are greatly enhanced by a decrease in heating costs.
Construction from sandwich panels has great potential; they have not yet fully revealed their capabilities to Russian consumers. The popularity and demand are constantly increasing, making panels an increasingly successful building material.
In contact with
Today, building a house from any material is not a particular problem. But the most amazing thing is that you can build a house in a minimum amount of time. This technology for the construction of houses is called Canadian.
SIP technology (structural insulating panels, they are also called sandwich panels) appeared in Canada forty years ago and only recently reached the Russian consumer. However, this technology has already gained its popularity, mainly due to its cheapness and speed of construction.
The use of sandwich panels provides a unique opportunity to build a house in a matter of weeks and move in immediately after construction. This is a big plus for those who want to move into a new home faster. Residential buildings made of SIP panels are built at any time of the year, retain heat well in winter and cool in summer, and have excellent sound insulation.
What are SIP panels
When building a house using Canadian technology, SIP panels are used, which are a three-layer structure. Insulating outer layers are made of different materials - metal, plastic or fiberboard. The inner one is a heat-insulating layer, which, depending on the required tasks, can be made of fiberglass, mineral wool, polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam.
All three layers are bonded by hot or cold pressing.
The most durable are sandwich panels with a metal coating. Metal is more resistant to external influences, has excellent sound insulation and is resistant to fire.
The choice of sandwich panels depends on your wishes in terms of sound and thermal insulation at home. The thicker the inner insulating layer, the more expensive the panel price will be. More detailed information, as well as the sale of sandwich panels is available at the link.
Advantages of building houses from SIP panels
Now let's figure out how high-quality and justified characteristics the houses built according to the Canadian construction technology have:
- the most important advantage is the speed of construction. A house box using this technology is erected within one to two weeks;
- good thermal insulation performance. In winter, it will not be cold in such a house, the walls warm up perfectly and keep the heat in the house. In summer, on the contrary, the walls keep the interior coolness of the premises;
- the next plus follows from the previous paragraph - you can save on heating the house;
- houses from sandwich panels can be erected at any time of the year;
- walls are thinner than brick or other materials. And this adds extra space inside the house;
- you can start finishing the interior and exterior surfaces immediately after the construction of the frame, and after registration, you can call in and live;
- the walls are very flat and perfectly vertical;
- walls have good strength;
- no need for a specially prepared foundation;
- very easy installation of the structure;
- lightness of the material, and as a result, low transportation costs;
- the most important plus is the low and affordable price for everyone.
As you can see from this list, there are many advantages when building a house using SIP technology. However, there are some limitations.
Cons of using sandwich panels for construction
Like any other material, SIP panels have their drawbacks:
- necessary restrictions on the panel, since the structure is load-bearing;
- carefully checked build quality. The gaps between the panels will cause a loss of heat and sound insulation;
- ventilation is needed that can renew the air in the premises. Sandwich-panel houses are absolutely airtight;
- fragility in comparison with other materials. Still, in our harsh climatic conditions, the service life of a house made of sandwich panels will be less than a house made of brick or concrete.
Any material for building a house will have pros and cons, the choice of “what to build from” is up to you, depending on your financial capabilities and the desired result.
What houses are built using sandwich panels
The active popularization of SIP technology is capturing more and more people's attention, and today many are thinking about building houses using this technology.
Using Canadian technology, you can build completely different structures - from garages to sports complexes and agricultural facilities.
But the most popular type of construction is the construction of a residential building. These can be small one-story houses or spacious cottages. After all, the cost of a house using Canadian technology allows for the least costly construction.
Summer cottages are a popular type of sandwich panel buildings. It is much more pleasant to have a warm, cozy and roomy house on your site, which can be built in one season, and enjoy your vacation in it for many years. At the same time, a country house will have all the characteristics of a full-fledged real estate.
In the modern raging world, where time has acquired an unprecedented value due to the fact that it is constantly not enough, and you want to get the result immediately and immediately, even in construction technologies and materials, speed of execution, low cost and minimal operating costs have come to be appreciated. That is why those seeking to quickly move to their separate housing increasingly prefer to build houses from sandwich panels. Such houses are erected literally in a matter of days at any time of the year, they quickly warm up and keep heat well, which reduces heating costs, have good sound insulation, and most importantly, their construction is very cheap. Let's figure out what sandwich panels are, whether it is worth building such a house and how to do it yourself. Babushkinsky district of Moscow is a great place to stay.
Construction of houses from sandwich panels: advantages and disadvantages
Recently, ads for houses made of sandwich panels have not been silent for a minute. From each iron we are assured that these are the strongest houses in the world, everything is crumbling around, and the panel buildings remain intact, that they are the warmest and most economical, do not deform or sag, and in general - nothing better to be found is simply impossible. But the most absurd thing is something else: you can often find announcements of such content “We build houses from sandwich panels. ECO housing for ridiculous money ", etc. So - a house made of SIP panels is by no means environmentally friendly and harmless to health. The only reason why such a house can be called ECO is that, living in it, you can save on heating, which means you can save natural resources. Those. ECO from the word "economy". Let's see what are the advantages of the technology of building houses from sandwich panels and what are the disadvantages.
Advantages of sandwich panel houses:
- Erected very quickly... The box at home can be easily assembled within a week or two.
- Can be built at any time of the year... There is no construction temperature limit.
- Thin walls, due to which the usable area inside the building increases.
- Excellent thermal insulation... They warm up quickly and perfectly retain heat, since the lion's share of the thickness of the walls is insulation.
- Does not shrink or deform... You can start interior and exterior decoration immediately after the construction of the building, and then immediately call in and live.
- The material of the sandwich panels has excellent sound insulation.
- The walls are strictly vertical and even... It is very easy to install the panels vertically.
- You can save on heating.
- No reinforced foundation needed.
- Durable... Withstand hurricanes.
- Sandwich panels are easy to transport and assemble as a constructor.
- Cheap... The price for a house made of sandwich panels is the lowest - and this is the most significant plus of this technology.
As you can see, the list is rather big, but there are limitations:
- Fragility... The service life of sandwich panels is not as durable as wood, brick or concrete. The maximum is 25-30 years. Although the stated period is 50 years, let's face it and consider our climatic conditions.
- The strength of such a house is very relative.... Maybe he can withstand hurricanes, but cutting a hole in the wall with an ax will not be difficult and will not take much time.
- Absolutely environmentally friendly... Sheathing of sandwich panels made of OSB (oriented strand board), in which a resin binder and other additives are used. And the inner filling is insulation, for example, expanded polystyrene is an absolutely synthetic product. Whatever one may say, but all this in the process of operation gives off not the most "pleasant" substances. On the other hand, there are, after all, people who build houses from fixed formwork from the same expanded polystyrene or simply insulate their houses with polystyrene, so this is everyone's choice. I like living in a thermos, no one can forbid it.
- Absolute tightness... To create normal living conditions, the arrangement of forced supply and exhaust ventilation is required. Otherwise, air movement and renewal simply will not occur. And these are additional costs that offset the low cost of construction.
- The sandwich panels are burning... All statements that the material has a flammability class G1, we will leave on the conscience of manufacturers. Not only do they burn, but in addition, polystyrene foam during combustion turns into a liquid state and simply drips or pours from above with "rain from fiery lava." We will not say anything about the fact that in the process of burning OSB and expanded polystyrene plates, we will not say anything.
- They require a special type of heating system - air... You can, of course, install the familiar to us - radiators under the window, but it will be impractical due to the complete tightness of the structure.
- Due to improper operation and lack of proper ventilation in the panels mold and mildew may form.
- When selling such a house, the cost will be much lower than brick.
Now the choice is up to everyone, to build or not to build. Of course, the low cost of a house made of sandwich panels is a significant argument, therefore, such houses are often built in summer cottages for temporary residence. If you decide that you need just such a house, let's understand further.
Meet SIP panels (sandwich panels)
SIP(Structural insulated panel) or sandwich panels are a material consisting of three layers.
As outer layers durable sheet material is used: OSB (oriented strand board), magnesite boards, fiberboard (fiberboard), wooden boards. The thickness of the slabs is 9 mm or 12 mm. Most often, OSB-3 (OSB-3) plates with a thickness of 12 mm are used in SIP panels for the construction of houses, intended for use in load-bearing structures at high humidity.
Core sandwich panel is insulation: expanded polystyrene, polyurethane foam or mineral wool. The thickness of the material varies according to the needs of the customer and can be from 50 mm to 250 mm. Most often, PSB-25 or PSB-S-25 expanded polystyrene with a density of 25 kg / m³ is used.
The outer layers are glued to the core under high pressure. The result is a new, durable composite material.
On the territory of the CIS, SIP panels of various sizes are used:
12 + 100 + 12 = 124 mm;
12 + 150 + 12 = 174 mm;
12 + 200 + 12 = 224 mm.
OSB (OSB)
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or OSB is made from wood chips with a diameter of no more than 0.6 mm and a length of no more than 140 mm. The chips are laid in three layers perpendicular to each other, a waterproof adhesive resin is added and the material is pressed under high pressure and temperature. The result is a material with increased bending strength and increased elasticity. The surface of OSB boards is waterproof, and the boards themselves are easily sawn with any tool on wood. A distinctive feature of OSB boards from other similar materials is that the ability to hold fasteners is provided not by resin, but by the way the chips are laid.
Expanded polystyrene
Expanded polystyrene is 98% carbon dioxide, thanks to which it has its own thermal insulation qualities. It burns, melts from open fire and releases compounds in the process. Mice like to settle in expanded polystyrene, gnawing nests in it. In SIP panels, expanded polystyrene is closed on both sides with OSB plates, which provides (albeit partial) fire safety of the structure. It is used in SIP panels due to its low cost and lightness.
Mineral wool
Mineral wool with a density of 100 - 120 kg / m³ can also be used in SIP panels. It does not support combustion, does not burn itself and does not spread fire. In the process of heating, it can emit unpleasant odors of the binder, but, nevertheless, it is much more environmentally friendly than expanded polystyrene. It is rarely used in SIP panels due to its high weight (the panel will weigh 2 times more than with PSB) and high cost. The use of mineral wool as a core increases the cost of a house made of sandwich panels by 1.5 - 2 times.
Sandwich panel house projects
Having made the decision to build a house from sandwich panels, the first step is to create a house project. Panel construction technology provides a large field for the selection of a finished project and allows you to adapt other projects.
SIP panels are produced in typical sizes of 2500x1250 mm and 2800x1250 mm. This determines the typical height of the first and second floor of the house. Although it is possible to erect walls of any height, but then you have to finish off the panels, which is not very nice and reliable.
The thickness of the panels 124 mm, 174 mm, 224 mm defines the area of the internal space. For internal partitions, panels with a thickness of 124 mm are used.
You still cannot do without the help of a construction organization in this matter. Making sandwich panels on your own negates all the savings and low cost of such a house, since this is not an easy and time-consuming business.
By contacting a design office or construction company, you need to develop a project for your home. Then, on the basis of this project, SIP panels of the required size and parameters are manufactured. It is also possible to buy strictly standard panels and then customize them to the project, but it is laborious and time consuming. When the order for the production of panels is completed, they are delivered to the construction site by truck and the assembly of the house begins.
Foundation for a house made of SIP panels
The sandwich panel prefab house is a lightweight structure that does not require a heavy buried foundation. Most often, shallow tape foundations or slab, pile-grillage, tape-columnar foundations are used.
Consider the option of a shallow strip foundation:
- We mark the site and excavate the soil to a depth of 50 - 60 cm and a width of 40 cm.
- We compact the soil, fill up a 10 cm layer of sand and tamp it carefully, then a 10 cm layer of crushed stone and also tamp it.
- Then we install the wooden formwork for the foundation to a height of 50 cm above the ground. We make holes for the air in it in advance.
- We tie the reinforcement cage and lower it into the trench.
- We prepare a concrete solution or order a mixer and fill the foundation. We remove air bubbles with a vibrator.
Let the foundation dry completely for 28 days, then remove the formwork. We waterproof the surface of the foundation by laying roofing material in 2 - 3 layers or hydroglass insulation, coat it with bitumen mastic on top. It is better to do this shortly before the start of the construction of the walls, so that the waterproofing layer is not under the open sky for a long time.
Laying the strapping (crown) timber
We take a bar with a section of 250x150 mm and lay it in the middle of the foundation. We carefully measure out the horizontal position of its location.
We connect the timber in the corners using a cut "in half a tree" or "in the paw". Then we fix the connection with a wooden dowel. To do this, we drill a hole with a diameter of 20 mm and a length of 100 - 150 mm in the beams. We drive in a dowel with a length slightly less than the hole. We finish it off with a mallet.
We fix the timber to the foundation using anchors. In the corners there are two anchors and at a distance of 1.5 - 2 m from each other. Anchor length should be 350 mm, diameter 10 - 12 mm. We recessed the heads of the anchor bolts into the strapping beam.
Arrangement of floors and ceilings in the house from SIP panels
A feature of construction using Canadian technology is that you can build a house from sandwich panels completely, including the floor, and floor overlap, and attic floor, and even a roof.
But our domestic construction companies still recommend equipping such houses with an ordinary wooden floor on the logs, laying insulation between the logs. This will make it safer and more durable, such a floor is easier to repair and disassemble in case of unforeseen situations or breakdowns.
Consider the option of arranging a floor from SIP panels:
- We prepare beams that will act as floor logs and spike beams, which must be inserted between the panels. The length of the beam must be such that it fits easily onto the foundation and into the groove in the strapping bar. The section of such beams depends on the thickness of the sandwich panels: 150x50 mm, if the panel is 174 mm thick, 200x50 mm, if the panel is 224 mm.
- We lay out the panels for the floor of the house. We cut them to the required size with a conventional saw. If you need to remove the insulation, then we use a homemade thermal cutter (some companies offer it along with the panels).
Important! The gap between the edge of the OSB board and the surface of the insulation inside the panel should be 20 - 25 mm. This is enough to tightly connect the panels with a 50 mm beam.
- We start the assembly from the corner panel, splicing them along the length in a row. Foam the groove of the panels with polyurethane foam and insert the beam inside. Press firmly and hold for a few seconds. We fix it with galvanized self-tapping screws with a pitch of 150 mm or wood screws 3.5x40 mm.
- Then, from the side of the beam, we attach the second panel. For this, the groove in it is also foamed. We put the panel on the beam and press it down.
- Repeating all these steps, we assemble the entire floor.
- Then it is necessary to fill all the grooves remaining along the perimeter with boards 25 mm thick. The procedure is not too different: the groove must be filled with foam, then the board must be inserted, pressed and fixed with self-tapping screws.
- The resulting structure must be placed in the floor space using a linkage mechanism or heavy machinery. The protruding parts of the beams / logs must be fixed to the foundation with anchors using steel angles. Insert the logs themselves into the cuttings in the strapping bar.
Important! Sometimes they do it differently. The connecting beams do not have protruding parts, they are the same dimensions as the dimensions of the future floor. After the construction of sandwich panels is assembled, into the grooves of which the beams are inserted, the panels are also connected along the perimeter with a solid strapping board 40x200 mm. Then this structure is installed on the lower strapping bar and fixed with anchors.
Erection of walls from SIP panels
The next stage in the construction of a house made of sandwich panels is the laying of a guide board, it is also called "bedding". The dimensions of this board depend entirely on the thickness of the sandwich panel. Let's assume for simplicity that our sandwich panel is 224 mm thick. Then we need a board 50x200 mm.
- We lay the board on top of the strapping beam or the floor (depending on the method of floor installation), we adjust the strict horizontal and fix it with 5x70 mm self-tapping screws with a pitch of 350 - 400 mm. In this case, it is necessary to retreat from the outer edge 10 - 12 mm.
- Having carefully studied the layout of the wall panels, we begin the installation from the corner.
Important! When erecting walls with sandwich panels, it is extremely important to align the first corner panels exactly. All other panels will only repeat the spatial arrangement of these two, and it will be impossible to make a mistake and place them non-vertically.
- We put two panels vertically in a corner. First, we foame the bottom groove of the panel and put it on the bed. Align strictly horizontally and vertically. We fasten the panels to the bed with self-tapping screws 3.2x35 mm in increments of 150 mm.
- We connect the panels together. To do this, you can insert a square board between them, or you can fasten it immediately to each other, foam the grooves, press them tightly and fasten them with self-tapping screws 12x220 mm in increments of 500 mm.
- All other panels are mounted in the same way. The groove of the installed panel is filled with polyurethane foam, the bottom of the installed panel too, the latter is put on the bed. A bar / board with a section of 50x200 mm is inserted between the installed and installed panels. The connection is tightly pressed and fixed: from below to the bed with 3.2x35 mm self-tapping screws, from the side between each other with 12x220 mm self-tapping screws.
- After the walls are completely assembled, the upper groove of the panels is also filled with foam, then the upper strapping board / timber 150x200 mm is inserted into it. The timber is fixed to the panels with self-tapping screws 4.2x75 mm, both panels are fixed to the timber on both sides with self-tapping screws 3.5x40 mm.
Openings for windows and doors can be cut in already installed walls or in advance, which is somewhat more difficult to accurately calculate, except when the sandwich panels are ordered strictly according to the project at the manufacturer's plant.
Floor beams are attached to the upper strapping beam in a standard way. There are several such fasteners: a cut, using corners or brackets. You can choose any.
Important! As already mentioned above, the floors of the second or attic floor can also be completely performed using sandwich panels in the same way as the floor. But this method is not strong enough and more laborious.
Arrangement of a roof in a house from SIP panels
A roof for a house made of sandwich panels can be made with a regular rafter, where the rafters rest on the Mauerlat or on the grooves cut in the spike beams of the attic floor. Then the sheathing is stuffed onto the rafters and the roofing material is laid. If the attic is cold, it makes no sense to insulate it. If an attic is planned, then a heater is laid between the rafters and closed from the inside with a vapor barrier film. From the side of the roof, a waterproofing superdiffusion membrane is stuffed onto the insulation.
But there are other ways as well. In the photo showing the houses made of sandwich panels, it can be seen that the roof is completely made of sandwich panels. In this case, the installation of the roof is carried out, starting from one edge, gradually building up along the ridge. First, the first rafters are installed, which are fixed with self-tapping screws to the Mauerlat. Then sandwich panels are attached to them, just like in the walls.
Then the next rafter is installed, which is inserted into the groove of the previous panels, etc. This method is more laborious than installing a conventional roof with insulation.
In general, assembling a sandwich panel house is not a very difficult task. Two or three people will cope with it in two weeks if the weather is favorable. It is better not to work with the panels in rainy weather, as the edges of fresh cuts are exposed and exposed to moisture. It is most convenient to install windows in standard sizes, so that later you do not have to order individually.
Sandwich panel houses: video - lesson