Hi Everyone,

Well only a week until my SIPs dissertation deadline and I thought I would see if anyone would be willing to add to my research by answering any or all of my 5 main interview questions.  Im from Scotland so asking from a UK perspective in some questions but Im only trying to achieve opinions and thoughts so any answers and comments would help me out alot. Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time, I really appreciate it. 

The questions are:

1.      In your experience and opinion what is the biggest factoring reason for people choosing to build with SIPs over other materials?  Is more "greener" sustainable living a factor in this choice? 

 

2.      Are there any major improvements you think can be made with SIPs?

 

3.      In your opinion what do you think the main reason is for SIPs not taking off as well in the UK Construction Industry?

 

4.      What do you think can be done over here in the UK for SIPs to become a more used product?

 

5.      Do you think government targets for zero carbon housing by 2016 will have an impact on SIPs growth?

Samantha85

1. I think the biggest reason people choose SIP’s over other materials is a combination of a faster build time and the potential savings for heating and cooling expenses. The majority of people choose “green” only if it’s not considerably more expensive.

2. As in any product, there is always room for improvement. In my opinion, as the demand for SIP’s increases, there will be more manufacturing plants being built, thereby reducing the shipping costs and reducing the end price of SIP’s. Some manufacturers are including anti-mold into the OSB to prevent mold, which I think is a good idea. Also, I would like to see panels made with pressure treated OSB to prevent any moisture induced decomposition.

3. A building contractor told me that he had been building with studs for 30 years, it’s tried and true and he saw no reason to change. It’s the same with the people that said if man were meant to fly, he would have been born with wings. It’s very difficult to change a mindset that’s been ingrained for years. It takes proof over many years to change what was thought to be fundamental ideas.

4. As energy costs continue to climb, and the idea of building with SIP’s becomes more accepted, there will be a slow increase in the number of buildings built with SIP’s. Something else that I believe will impact this, will be the local counties or townships enacting building codes requiring the use of more energy efficient materials and buildings to be more energy efficient. Cars are required to be more energy efficient, why not homes?

5. All of the things we’re experiencing today, such as environmental awareness, and the increasing costs of energy, will have a great impact, not just on housing, but on the way we live our lives.

I would be very interested in reading your dissertation, and seeing what your conclusions are. If you can’t post it, please email it to me.

Thanks, Steve

GrandCountySIP’s.com

Steve,

Thanks very much for that, your help id much appreciated. No worries, I will send you a copy of my dissertation as soon as I finish!

 

Many thanks,

Sam