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FEATURED ARTICLE:
Garden Rooms – Get The Best Construction
There are many garden room companies using SIPS – structurally insulated panels – to construct their garden studios and garden offices. There are differences, though, and in order to get the more thermally efficient and safer product, we talked to experienced manufacturers and collated the following findings.
There are indeed many advantages in using sips panels over conventional timber stud panels, but only if the sips are manufactured to meet industry standards. For the benefit of the discerning shopper, the heat retention, fire safety and energy efficiency of the garden room depends on the quality of the panel. The two main types of structurally insulated panel are:
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS)
• Polyurethane (PU)
(EPS) Expanded Polystyrene SIPS
The most important point to ascertain here is whether or not the manufacturer has BBA approval. The BBA "British Board of Agrément" certificates are recognised throughout the construction industry in the UK and beyond. The reputation of the BBA is also underlined by its UKAS accreditations. If your manufacturer doesn't have BBA approval the finished product may be prone to de-lamination which can lead to structural failure. It's an attractive option for unaccredited manufacturers as the set up costs and skills levels required are minimal.
It's worth noting that even with BBA approval, EPS panels are approximately 40% less energy efficient than Polyurethane Panels.
(PU) Polyurethane SIPS
Providing the manufacturer has BBA approval the end product is superior in terms of energy efficiency, fire rating and because the process is auto-bonded, it's more environmentally friendly too.
The most relevant questions I can think of, for customers to ask their garden room suppliers are,
• "What kind of panel do you produce?"
• "Do you have BBA approval?"
Having the garden building's specification in writing is the most conclusive way to insure that you are getting the better product because it is difficult to deduce from a finished building. Clearly, customers want a safe building with a long life which is able to maintain an ambient temperature. So when considering a garden room made from SIPS, PU panels with BBA approval are the best choice. The BBA's role is to protect the consumer by providing reassurance to users, designers, insurers and regulators. They do this by issuing Agrément Certificates to manufacturers of construction products and systems.
About the Author
http://www.studioni.co.uk">Jewel is passionate about
environmental issues and the benefits of home-working, including the
health and environmental advantages of flexible working practices -
among others. She currently works from home as a company Director and
tends to her growing family. Jewel has formed a show-case website of
top quality designs and best value for money working solutions so call
today on UK 02890 425538; RoI 0044 2890 425538. www.studioni.co.uk
For free information and advice on all aspects of sustainable timber
structures and home working visit our feel-good website:
www.studioni.co.uk