What are sandwich panels and how to choose them correctly. Wall sandwich panels: types and characteristics, materials used Build a house from sandwich panels

Wall sandwich panels for finishing are a type of facing materials that have a three-layer structure. Due to their design and the materials used, such wall panels have gained popularity in decoration, as they perform several functions: decorative, protective, and heat-insulating. The very name sandwich (from English - sandwich) indicates the peculiarity of the material. Its main elements are stacked on top of each other like a sandwich.

Where are sandwich panels used?

Sandwich panels were created in America in the 30s of the twentieth century. As for the domestic market, products appeared on it relatively recently. Despite this, their popularity is growing rapidly. What is the material used for:

1. Construction of garages.
2. Construction of garden houses.
3. Construction of warehouses and industrial buildings.
4. For decorative wall decoration.

Today, the material can be used to build cabins, kiosks and shops, as well as cinemas. They are used to insulate warehouses and finished structures. In addition, it is an excellent soundproofing material, suitable for creating interior partitions. Supermarkets, shopping centers, cottages and buildings whose height is no more than 2 floors are all created from panels.

Characteristics and features of building materials

Wall panels are made from a variety of insulating materials, which are protected by rigid sheet materials. For this, PVC, polyurethane foam, mineral wool, EPS (expanded polystyrene) are used. Regardless of the type, the products are suitable for cheap and quick construction. The sandwich panel is made of 3 layers. The top and bottom are protective; most often galvanized steel is used for it. It is protected from corrosion, resistant to temperature changes and reliable.

Between the protective sheets there is thermal insulation material. The main requirement for it is a low heat conductivity coefficient, moisture resistance and durability.

Sometimes a 4th layer is added to create a sandwich panel for interior decoration. It is made from plasterboard. Thanks to this, the fire resistance of the structure increases.

In the diagram below you can see a cross-section of a similar sandwich panel.

The main components of which it consists:

1. Facing material (external).
2. The first adhesive layer (two-component).
3. Second adhesive layer (two-component).
4. Trapezoidal mineral wool lamellas.
5. Facing material (internal).
6. Protective film.
7. Roof lock.
8. Mineral wool lamellas (structural).

Due to their composite structure, sandwich boards have many advantages. We will consider them further.

Price, dimensions and weight of sandwich panels

The cost of sandwich boards is determined by several factors:

• the thickness of the sheet protective layer, on which the strength of the products depends;
• color spectrum;
• polymer coating used (pural, plastisol, polyester, PVC);
• sandwich panel thickness, minimum 50, maximum 250 mm;
• quality of insulation material;
• order volume - the more products are ordered, the cheaper the batch will cost.

As for dimensions, manufacturers provide a variety of products. The length of the panels can reach 18 m. The width is not so varied. You can find two options on sale: 1 m and 1.2 m. The thickness of the material depends on the layer of insulation used in production.

The weight is influenced by the type and thickness of the thermal insulator layer. The thinnest and lightest of them is EPS (expanded polystyrene). According to standards, the thickness and weight of sandwich panels are strictly regulated. They are: with a thickness of 150 mm - 25 kg/m, with 80 mm - 20 kg/m.

As you can see, sandwich panels, their sizes and prices are interrelated. You need to calculate everything before you buy a batch.

Types of sandwich plates

There are several signs by which types of decorative finishing are determined. They have different characteristics and features of use.

Purpose of products

There are three groups of materials, which are divided by purpose:

1. For walls.
2. For the roof.
3. Angular.

The first option is products that are mounted vertically on the wall. The outer layer is made of metal with a protective polymer coating. The color range is wide. The sheets are connected using the Z-lock or tongue-and-groove locking system. Thanks to it, the sandwich panel connections are airtight and there are no cold bridges. The insulation inside is reliably protected from moisture.

Z-lock connection

Sandwich panel walls are warm, reliable and beautiful. To provide additional protection, the use of sealant, additional elements, polyurethane foam or construction tape is permitted.

Tongue-groove connection

Characteristics of wall products:

• length from 1.5 to 20 m;
• width from 1 m to 1.2 m;
• thickness from 50 to 300 mm;
• the thickness of the metal sheets is from 0.45 to 0.7 mm.

Roofing panels are practically no different from wall panels; the structure and composition are the same. The main difference is in the locking connection. Moisture will not penetrate under the roof and will not affect its structural elements. The profile of the panels is pronounced.

Since the roof is constantly exposed to UV rays, the sandwich panels are protected from such radiation and other aggressive influences. Anti-corrosion coating on the surface. Additional protection of joints is not required, since the products are finished.

Characteristics of roofing products:

• length from 1.5 to 20 m;
• width 1 m;
• thickness from 50 to 300 mm;
• sheet metal thickness from 0.45 to 0.7 mm.

Corner products have a narrow specialization. They are needed to protect the corners of buildings from moisture and give them a better look. Sandwich panels of this type are fastened to slopes.

Type of cladding used

For cladding sandwich panels the following can be used:

1. Stainless steel or galvanized steel with a protective polymer coating.
2. Combined materials. One of the sheets is replaced with cement-bonded particle boards and plasterboard. Such panels are used in the construction of partitions.
3. Special paper, aluminum foil or polyester is used.

Type of insulation

It is the insulation layer that indicates the main parameters and features of the products. The products are made from mineral wool (MV), expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane foam (PUF), polyisocyanurate foam (PIR).

Features of materials:

1. Sandwich panels with MV (GOST 32603-2012). This heat insulator does not burn and is environmentally friendly. Good thermal conductivity coefficient. Disadvantages: heavy weight and fear of moisture. Panels filled with mineral wool are used to create fire-resistant structures, as they are made from non-flammable basalt fiber.
2. Sandwich panels with PPS (GOST 15588-2014). The material does not harm humans and the environment. Not afraid of moisture and aggressive environments. Operation is simple. Another advantage is low cost. Disadvantage: poor fire resistance. Used for the construction of industrial and commercial buildings.
3. Sandwich panels with polyurethane foam (GOST 23486-79). Fine-cell type heat insulator. It has the lowest thermal conductivity coefficient. True, the material burns. Has a high price.
4. Sandwich panels with PIR (GOST 23486-79). Improved polyurethane foam, which is fire-resistant, is resistant to aggressive environments and sun rays. The thermal conductivity coefficient is low. The scope of use is varied.

Advantages and disadvantages of sandwich panels

To understand whether to buy products for finishing or creating a room, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of sandwich panels. Let's start with the positive aspects:

1. Speed ​​of construction work. The construction project can be completed in the shortest possible time.
2. Affordable price, thanks to which everyone can afford the panels.
3. Providing reliable mechanical protection along with high thermal insulation properties. Thus, the installation of wall sandwich panels will solve two problems.
4. There is no need to additionally insulate the building, spend money, time and effort on work.
5. The plates are small in size and weight. The load on the foundation of the house is not great, so there is no point in strengthening it and spending a lot of money. Buildings made from sandwich panels are quite simple to make.
6. The installation technology does not require the presence of special construction equipment. The work is done manually.
7. These are not only products for creating structures, but also materials for external decorative finishing of the facade, which allows you to save money without performing additional finishing.
8. Products are protected from moisture, sunlight, rodents and other negative influences.

However, the product is not without its drawbacks, like any other materials. They are as follows:

• low mechanical strength of finished structures made from sandwich panels. Although the metal protects the insulation, the building as a whole is poorly protected from mechanical loads;
• if you skimp on the quality of insulation, then its thermal insulation function is reduced to nothing;
• When finishing the interior of a room, you need to take into account the load on the wall panels. If it exceeds the norm, the wall will easily collapse.

Sandwich panel installation work

In order for the work to be done efficiently, you need to approach it responsibly. This requires professional construction knowledge and skills. Ideally, resort to hiring workers who will do everything right. But if you wish, you can do the work yourself.

To work, you need to stock up on the following tools and materials:

• wall sandwich panel 100 mm or other thickness as desired;
• electric drill and screwdriver;
• building level;
• profile or metal corner;
• fine-tooth saw;
• plumb line;
• self-tapping screws for panels;
• grips;
• anchor bolts with gasket;
• self-adhesive tape;
• winch or similar mechanism;
• clamping devices;
• silicone sealant.

There are two types of installation of sandwich panels:

1. Horizontally.
2. Vertically.

As experience shows, it is better to resort to the second method if the house has a height of 3-6 m. The installation process is simple: you need to fasten the sandwich panels with self-tapping screws close to the roof and base. The panels are connected to each other using locks.

The horizontal type of installation is easier in terms of fixing the locks. You need to start the installation process from the base of the building. The products are attached to the frame along the edges.

The whole process can be divided into 3 stages:

1. Installation and fixation of the first panel.
2. Docking of products.
3. Longitudinal lock joint.

Decorative products for brick

Decorative panels imitating brickwork were created especially for exterior decoration. This type of paneling will transform your home. True, the price for such pleasure is high; not everyone can afford such material.

It is a self-supporting structure from which you can create industrial complexes, retail outlets, sports outlets and other buildings. The advantage is excellent appearance, strength, reliability and durability. The panels do not burn and have excellent soundproofing and thermal insulation characteristics. Resistance to wind load and compression is maximum.

Walls made from sandwich panels are light, warm, beautiful and durable. They have a unique design that allows you to decorate and insulate your home. There is insulation between the sheet materials. Thanks to this, the material has many advantages over other analogues. And even though it has not been on our market for so long, many people already know what it is and are actively using it in private construction and for other purposes.

In construction and finishing works, the greatest value is the speed of work, high levels of sound and heat insulation, as well as the low cost of facing materials and a long service life. Probably, it is for this reason that when building cottages and private houses, people increasingly began to give preference to sandwich panels. They are quite easy to install, have high quality characteristics, and will not cause significant harm to your financial budget.

What kind of material is this, is it suitable for building a house and how to build a house from sandwich panels with your own hands?

What kind of material is this?

Recently, in the domestic construction market, in addition to traditional materials for the construction of houses and buildings (for example, brick, wood, etc.), many different innovative ones have appeared: foam and aerated concrete blocks, metal tiles, plasterboard, etc.

One of these innovations is sandwich panels. Having been used for a long time abroad, they are not yet so popular here, but they can be used both in small repair and construction types of work, such as roofing, finishing window and door slopes, and in the construction of entire buildings. Moreover, in the latter case, the overall construction time is significantly reduced.

In general, sandwich panels are a kind of “sandwich” of three layers:

1. Inner layer. Most often it is a metal sheet made of thin steel. Since this sheet does not interact with external natural factors, it usually undergoes only basic preparation, for example, galvanizing.
2. Middle layer, consisting of insulation: mineral wool, polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam. From the point of view of durability and protection against rotting, the use of mineral wool is preferable.
3. Outer layer. As well as the inner layer, it is usually a metal sheet made of thin steel. In addition to the basic preparation, it is additionally coated with a primer and painted, which significantly increases resistance to external influences and gives the structure a beautiful appearance.

Structure

In order for the insulation to be securely “connected” to the outer layers, it is coated on both sides with adhesive and placed under a press.

Pros and cons of using it to build a house

As with all other building cladding materials, sandwich panels have both pros and cons.

Positive properties include:

1. Light weight of panels. This leads to serious savings in money. For example, the time required to complete construction work is significantly reduced, and there is also no need to build complex, powerful foundations.
2. There is no need to perform external finishing work. After installing the sandwich panels, you only need to clean them from construction dust, which will also save your budget.
3. Good indicators of fire and moisture resistance, as well as resistance to rotting processes.
4. High heat and sound insulation properties.
5. Easy to care for.

Disadvantages of sandwich panels:

1. Low strength compared to bricks and concrete blocks. The construction of a high-quality, high-strength frame is required; it is also prohibited to load sandwich panels with additional elements.
2. Freezing of panels in severe frost at their junctions with each other.
3. Not suitable for creating beautiful architectural forms.

Kinds

By type of application of sandwich panels, the most common are:

1. For the construction of walls and roofs. Panels with outer layers of sheet metal with a galvanized layer are used.
2. For finishing slopes. Panels with outer layers of PVC are used.

OSB (OSB)

For the construction of residential buildings, sandwich panels are used, in which the inner and outer layers are made of OSB (OSB) boards. But for them, after completing all construction work, they will definitely have to carry out interior and exterior finishing.

Expanded polystyrene

This is a lightweight and durable material with low thermal conductivity. However, it must be remembered that this is an artificial material, in the manufacture of which a synthetic base with the addition of gas is used. Unlike mineral wool, expanded polystyrene does not allow moisture to pass through easily, which is fraught with the possibility of fungus developing and creating high levels of humidity in the interior of the building. In this case, you will definitely need to additionally install a forced ventilation system for the room.

Polyurethane foam

Panels filled with such modern insulation have maximum thermal insulation properties, but they are the worst at transmitting moisture, which requires particularly high-quality forced ventilation of the interior, otherwise the operational and technical characteristics of the material will deteriorate.

Mineral wool

Made from natural components, they are the most suitable material to ensure the safety of human health and the environment. Mineral wool is non-flammable, durable, lightweight, absorbs external sounds well, protects heat loss from the home, creating comfortable conditions for people to stay indoors. All these characteristics contribute to the fact that panels of this type are recommended for the construction of residential and food premises. Meet the requirements of all sanitary and hygienic standards.

Building a house from SIP panels with your own hands

So, if you decide to build a house for yourself, then the first thing you need to take care of is developing the project. To do this, you need to contact a construction organization that has a license to perform the relevant types of work.

Having received the project in hand, you need to purchase sandwich panels. There are two options:

• buy standard panels and trim them yourself according to the project. The cheaper option, however, is slower and more labor-intensive.
• Making panels to order is an expensive option, but the fastest possible.

Foundation

As noted above, sandwich panels are lightweight, so there is no need to create a complex, heavy foundation for building a house from them. The option of a shallowly buried strip, strip-column or pile-socket foundation is quite suitable for you.

For example, to manufacture a shallow strip foundation, it is necessary to perform the following types of work:

1. Clear and mark the area. Excavate the soil on the basis that the trench for the foundation should have a depth of about 50-60cm and a width of 40cm.
2. Compact the soil, then backfill with a 10-centimeter layer of sand with compaction, after which - backfill with a 10-cm thick layer of crushed stone, which also needs to be compacted.
3. Install wooden formwork, recommended height above ground level is 50cm.
4. Create a frame from reinforcement.
5. Pour the foundation with concrete. You can prepare concrete yourself, but when pouring the foundation it is better to use the services of specialized organizations.

Next, you need to allow the foundation to dry and you can begin to carry out further work no earlier than after 28 days. During the drying process of the foundation, it must be protected from cracking, for which it is necessary to cover it and regularly moisten it to avoid rapid evaporation of water.

After removing the formwork, waterproof the foundation, for example, using roofing felt, and proceed to the next stage of construction.

Laying the strapping beam

To create a reliable frame for a future home, it is enough to use a beam with a cross-section of 250x150mm. Before using it in construction, it is imperative to treat it with antiseptic, fire-fighting and other means, according to the instructions attached to them.

When making the frame, be sure to adhere to clear horizontal and vertical positions of the timber.

The first frame (frame) made of timber is securely attached to the foundation using anchors, after which the rest of the frame is mounted on it.

Arrangement of floors and ceilings

The floors in such a house can be constructed from logs with insulation laid between them and covered with floorboards. The technology also makes it possible to perform them using sandwich panels.

To do this, beams-logs are installed on the foundation with fastening in the frame, creating a strong supporting structure for laying floor sandwich panels.

They are fastened together with spike beams, and the voids formed between them are filled with polyurethane foam. Pre-treated timber measuring 150x50mm or 200x50mm is most often used as beams, the size of which is selected depending on the size of the panels used.

Walling

After the floor is ready, construction of the walls begins. To do this, we lay a special beam on the floor, which is called a guide. It should be fixed in a strictly horizontal position, and then secured to the floor with self-tapping screws.

The construction of walls begins with the installation of two corner sandwich panels. If the vertical position of these slabs is properly aligned, there will be no problems with installing subsequent ones.

The installed wall panel is secured with self-tapping screws to the guide beam. Adjacent panels are connected to each other using a connecting beam. All joints between panels and timber must be foamed with polyurethane foam.

After installing all the walls, a strapping beam is installed in the upper groove of the sandwich panels, after which a strong and reliable “box” is obtained.

Roof arrangement

The manufacture of roofs for houses made of sandwich panels can be done either in the classical way, using a mauerlat and rafter system, or using the sandwich panels themselves.

In the first case, a rafter system is installed, on which the sheathing is installed, waterproofing and roofing materials are laid. If you choose a “cold” attic, no insulation is used. If you plan to use the attic space for living, then you will need to lay a layer of insulation between the rafters and cover it from the inside with a vapor barrier film.

If you decide to make a roof from sandwich panels, then its installation begins with the formation of the external frame of the rafter system. Next, install the panels along the ridge, connecting the panels to the rafters in the same way as they did when erecting the walls.

Specific installation nuances

There is no particularly difficult work in the installation of houses made of sandwich panels. Two people can handle this within 2-3 weeks. Main nuances when performing installation work:

• be sure to order the project in order to avoid unpleasant “surprises” in the future;
• use windows and doors of standard sizes, so that you don’t have to adjust the size of the openings later, because it’s not so easy to build up a sandwich panel;
• work slowly, carefully checking horizontal and vertical angles;
• choose favorable weather for construction, since the unprotected edges of OSB panels can become deformed when exposed to moisture and complicate further work.

Construction cost

The cost of houses made of sandwich panels is approximately 1.5-2 times cheaper than those made of brick or gas and foam concrete. This becomes possible mainly due to the lightness of this building material and the savings on many additional construction works.

Frame construction is very popular in the world, regardless of climatic conditions. The technology has become widespread, in particular, due to the fact that, having sandwich panels, in just one summer you can build warm housing. Frame houses are especially popular in countries such as the USA and Japan. The technology has stood the test of time and has been used on the Scandinavian Peninsula for five centuries.

Sandwich panels conquer the construction market

In a word " sandwich"in English they call a sandwich made of several layers, with bread on top and bottom. In construction, it is a material of a special design, which is used to obtain various structural elements. The term SIP panels is also found in the literature - from the English abbreviation SIP (Structural insulated panel). The basis, or frame, is insulation, which is covered on both sides with sheets of rigid material.

Sandwich panels have the following advantages over their competitors:

• relatively light weight, thereby reducing the load on the foundation;
• high level of thermal insulation - heat saving is 10 times better than that of brick, and 3 times higher than wood;
• protecting the premises from external noise;
• do not shrink, so finishing can begin immediately after completion of construction;
• less energy consumption in winter;
• ease of dismantling individual slabs and the possibility of replacing them or moving them to another location;
• fire resistance, since modern panels often use fireproof materials that slow down the spread of fire, which allows for easier evacuation of residents.

Heating a building made from sandwich panels requires less thermal energy

But the material also has disadvantages:

• Sandwich panels cannot be compared in strength to concrete and brickwork, so they are damaged by a strong impact;
• cheap materials may contain toxic and carcinogenic substances that pose a health hazard;
• when constructing buildings, proper sealing is needed, it is necessary to monitor it during operation: otherwise the walls will freeze;
• panels do not always make it possible to build complex architectural forms;
• a greenhouse effect occurs in the room, so forced or natural ventilation is needed;
• there should be no heavy shelves or other similar hanging elements on the walls;
• such buildings have only a few floors; one of the tallest houses made of SIP panels is six floors in Japan.

Houses made from SIP panels are always low-rise

The scope of SIP is quite wide. It is used in combination with other materials - for example, for superstructures on existing buildings, as well as for the construction of garages, warehouses, shopping and office centers, etc.

SIP panel materials

The outer layer of SIP panels is represented by the following materials:

• oriented strand boards, or OSB;
• fibreboard, or fiberboard;
• stone panels;
• wood boards.

Thickness of one slab - 9–12 mm.

The following is used as insulation:

• expanded polystyrene;
• polyurethane foam;
• mineral wool.

SIP device

Table 1. Thermal conductivity depending on the type of filler

The harsher the climate, the lower the material should have.

Attention! When choosing a building material, you need to pay attention to quality - it should not be toxic or flammable. Thus, in developed countries (Japan, EU countries, USA) slabs with a formaldehyde emission level not lower than class 1 are used.

Several types of sandwich panels are in demand in construction:

• OSB, expanded polystyrene - has maximum strength, popular in building construction.
• OSB and polyurethane foam are used in industrial production, in Europe and the USA - in residential production. In Russia, panels of this design are less common.
• OSB and mineral wool - these products are popular mainly in Russia. The use of this type of insulation makes SIP accessible to a wide range of consumers. At the same time, quality also suffers, since mineral wool settles over time.
• Fiberboard and expanded polystyrene are another Russian development. The disadvantage of such a panel is that it is only 60 cm wide. Therefore, more slabs are required for construction, which increases the number of joints. In addition, fiberboard is quite heavy.
• Glass magnesite and expanded polystyrene are innovative materials in frame construction, which are also called stone SIP panels. These products are considered the safest for health and the environment. Such panels are suitable for the construction of external and internal walls, especially in swimming pools, bathhouses, and also near fireplaces.

Sandwich panels: advantages and disadvantages

There are other types of SIP panels, but their technical characteristics are inferior to the listed products. For example, plasterboard with insulation is produced for internal partitions. Those made of steel or fiberboard are used mainly for the construction of workshops and commercial buildings.

SML panel made of glass magnesite

Attention! According to experts, panels with basalt additives retain heat worse than homogeneous materials.

In addition to modern materials, reeds and sawdust are used as fillers. Although they are environmentally friendly, their performance characteristics are inferior to their synthetic counterparts.

The most popular in the construction of houses are SIP panels with an outer layer of OSB-3 12 cm thick. They are intended for load-bearing structures and are resistant to operation in conditions of high humidity.

Table 2. Basic dimensions of sandwich panels

Sandwich panels prices

Sandwich panels

Other types of sandwich panels

The building material has become so popular that it is now produced not only for walls and ceilings, but also for other structural elements of the building.

Roof sandwich panels

SIP panels began to be used for roof construction. The material has gained popularity in this area because it is a ready-made roofing cake. If you use this design, then even additional insulation is not required. Under such a roof you can build a fairly warm attic.

The frame of the roofing sandwich panels is made of thin sheet steel. The sheets are galvanized and coated with polymer materials, which not only give an aesthetic appearance, but also protect the metal from moisture and other adverse conditions that cause corrosion. Both polystyrene foam and mineral wool are used as insulation. Roofing made of SIP panels can withstand snow caps and strong winds.

Individual roof elements are fastened to each other with locks ROOF-LOCK. They provide a tight connection and prevent leaks at the joints.

Roof sandwich panel

SIP panels for roofing are gaining popularity for the following reasons:

• attractive exterior;
• long service life;
• resistance to external influences caused by climatic conditions;
• good noise protection;
• low thermal conductivity.

Table 3. Characteristics and dimensions

Important! The slope of the roof where such a roof is planned to be erected must be at least 5–7°.

Using sandwich panels

Sandwich panels for window slopes

SIP panels are increasingly used for the installation of window slopes. They have the following design:

• external decorative panel;
• a layer of polystyrene as insulation;
• wooden guide rail;
• F and U-shaped profile.

The F-shaped profile is fixed to the inner edge of the window slope - it covers the end of the structure. For this reason, there is no need to re-glue the wallpaper after installation. Under this profile there is a rail, which is adjacent to the U-shaped profile. The structure rests on it.

In this case, a metal-plastic window provides maximum protection from street noise and drafts. When using this finish, double-glazed windows can last 20–30 years without major repairs.

Builders note the following advantages of the material:

• weight up to 1.7 kg/m2, while for a plasterboard sheet (12.5 mm) - up to 10 kg/m2;
• thermal insulation is at least 20% higher than that of gypsum plasterboard.

It is easier to work with this material because it does not crumble and does not generate a lot of construction debris. The face of the panel is usually covered with a material that can be washed, but without abrasive cleaners.

SIP panel for slope

But the use of this material on slopes also has a number of disadvantages. So, if the side is sunny and the coating is of poor quality, the possibility of deformation of the top coating cannot be ruled out. White plastic turns yellow over time when exposed to sunlight, which deteriorates the appearance of the window.

Slope installation - step-by-step instructions

Installation of the structure is carried out in the following sequence:

Step 1. Take measurements of the window along the contour.

Step 2. Cut out pieces of the required size from the sandwich panels.

Step 3. A U-shaped profile is attached along the edge of the window frame.

Step 4. Install the sandwich panel.

Step 5. Pour foam into the gap between the wall and the panel.

Prices for polyurethane sealant

Polyurethane sealant

Step 6. An F-shaped profile is installed on the edges of the window.

Preparing panels for work

When purchasing a new SIP panel, you should ask the seller for a certificate of conformity. If he doesn’t have one, it’s better to look for a suitable product elsewhere.

Before installation, prepare a layout diagram for the selected type of material. Particular attention is paid to the location of the locks.

Sandwich panel slope

The panels are inspected in order to detect damage and corrosion in time. If there are such places, the material is processed or replaced with another panel. Sheets on which chips are peeling off or looseness is noticed are not suitable for work. They work carefully with the joint elements so that depressurization of the joints does not occur later.

Since the panels are produced in the same sizes, they will have to be cut. For this, only cold methods are used: high temperatures can damage the insulating material or filler, and the service life of the structure is reduced. The inner and outer panels are not cut simultaneously, but alternately.

Depending on the material of manufacture, the following tools are used:

• polymer (plastisol, pural, etc.) - jigsaw, construction knife;
• OSB, plasterboard, metal - band or circular saw;
• metal - press guillotine.

To ensure an even cut, the panel is fixed and the sheet is clearly marked. The front layer is always cut first.

Attention! Grinders and other tools with high cutting speeds are not recommended. They can cause fire insulation and damage the integrity of the protective coating.

Sandwich panel house

The construction of a house from sandwich panels can often be done by the future residents themselves, if they have at least basic construction skills.

The process consists of the following stages:

• Foundation construction. The appropriate option is chosen depending on the terrain and the nature of the soil. One of the most popular options is a foundation on screw piles. Its advantages are the possibility of erecting the base of the building in 1–2 days and the affordable cost of materials and work.
• Waterproofing wooden parts using roofing felt or other similar materials.
• Installation of the lower strapping beam on which the floor is laid. When building on a screw foundation, wooden beams are placed on the tops of the piles.
• Laying the floor. The front side of SIP is treated with bitumen mastic. SIP sheets are laid out around the perimeter of the future building.

Laying floors from SIP panels

• Assembly of external walls of the first floor. First, lay the bottom trim. Then the walls themselves are assembled from sandwich sheets and a wooden frame. After the external walls are installed, the internal floors are made. At the final stage of the first stage, the top trim is laid.
• SIP sheets of interfloor ceilings are installed on top of the walls of the first floor in the same way as the floor of the first floor was made.
• The walls for the next level are built in the same way as the previous one. If the area of ​​the rooms is large, the floors between floors are reinforced with timber, preferably marked LVL.
• The roof is made from SIP panels.
• Install windows and doors.

Elements of a frame house

Attention! The panels are installed from the corner of the frame. Since the first sheet is a guide for all the others, it is carefully placed under the level.

Since sandwich panels have a smooth, even surface, finishing the house is cheaper and takes less time. So, inside it is enough to cover the walls with wallpaper.

Video - How to choose SIP for a cottage

Sandwich panel garage

Another building that can be built from sandwich panels is a garage.

Approximate drawing of a garage

For the construction of a room, a screw foundation is also sufficient. But in this option it is impossible to build a viewing hole. If it is necessary, then the foundation must be strip.

Stages of garage construction:

1. They build the foundation using the chosen technology. The floor is concreted.
2. Concrete elements are covered with waterproofing materials - for example, two layers of roofing felt.
3. They make a garage frame from metal or wood, installing from the corners, checking the strength.
4. The wood is treated with antifungal agents and antiseptics.
5. Install vertical wall panels using self-tapping screws to fasten them at a distance of at least 5 cm from the edge, and, if necessary, metal plates.
6. A sealant is applied to the joints for waterproofing.
7. The seams between the panels are insulated and insulated - a base flashing and flashing are installed.
8. Doors are installed.

Installation of flashing and flashing

Hangars and warehouses are built in a similar way.

For the construction of such premises, used SIP panels are also used, if their operational characteristics are preserved.

Video - DIY construction of a garage from sandwich panels

Self-production of SIP panels

Since the material is very popular, there were craftsmen who learned to make it using “handicraft methods” at home. On the one hand, the design is quite simple. On the other hand, there are many subtleties that beginners do not know about.

To make the panel you will need:

• shell sheets (plywood, metal profiles, etc.);
• insulation;
• glue.

There are two types of glue - one-component and two-component. One-component adhesive mixtures harden upon contact with air. Two-component analogues consist of a polyol component and an isocyanate activator, and harden when these substances react chemically with each other.

Attention! For home production, it is recommended to use one-component adhesives. Experts say that two-component adhesives are only effective in fully automated production.

The following requirements apply to the glue:

• durability (factory-made SIP boards retain their properties for 50 years or more);
• absence of toxic components that harm health or the environment;
• moisture resistance;
• preservation of properties over a wide temperature range from -40 to 50 °C.

The technological process looks like this:

1. The first sheet is laid on the floor or other flat surface.
2. Apply thin polyurethane glue. To do this, use a special sprayer or a notched spatula.
3. Install insulation.
4. Lubricate the second sheet with glue.
5. The smeared side of the second sheet is placed on the insulation.
6. Leave the panel under the weighting agent for 2–4 hours until the glue is completely cured.

Prices for thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation materials

Polyurethane glue is applied very quickly, since it dries quickly, after which it cannot be dissolved by any products. It softens only under the influence of a temperature of 300–500 °C, but at home it is impossible to heat the workpiece to such an extent. To ensure the required speed of work, you will need an assistant.

Attention! The curing time of the adhesive is extended if the panels are assembled in a dry and cool room.

As mentioned, at the last stage, the homemade SIP is sent under pressure. The pressure over the entire surface should be about 300 g/m2. To do this, they use a press, usually a manual press, stacking the finished panels one on top of the other. If there is no such mechanism, resort to a vacuum pump:

1. Only manufactured panels are covered with awning material to create a hermetically sealed package.
2. Air is pumped out of the “package” using a vacuum pump.
3. Leave under the tent for 40 minutes, no longer.
4. Remove the coating and let the panels rest for 24 hours.

The lock between the panels is made using beams. To do this, on one side, a block along the length of the panel is laid, and on the other side, the insulation is cut out to a depth corresponding to the entry of the block.

Paneled lock

SIP panels- convenient, modern building material. If handled correctly, it can be used to build energy-efficient and durable housing, and at a reasonable price.

When designing various types of structures, an important step is the selection of suitable material. Each customer gives priority to structures that can be erected in the shortest possible time, have good performance characteristics and an attractive appearance. Sandwich panels are considered an excellent option among those actively used today in residential and commercial construction.

What are the panels

The use of sandwich (often called sandwich or sandwich) panels for construction is the choice of those who value speed and quality. This material belongs to multilayer types of products. It consists of two facing sheets of metal, plastic, magnesite or boards containing wood fibers, as well as a layer of filler that acts as thermal insulation. All elements of the cake are pressed hot or cold.

Sandwich panels first appeared on the construction market back in the fifties of the last century, but in our country they began to be used much later and at first the products made by local manufacturers did not please the consumer with their quality. Today, domestic factories produce material that can compete with the best foreign samples.

Multilayer systems are supplied completely ready for installation; no assembly or preparatory steps are required before installation.

Where are sandwich panels used:

• in housing construction;
• during the construction of outbuildings;
• for installing partitions in buildings;
• in the construction of commercial real estate, for example, industrial premises, shopping centers, car washes, sports facilities, warehouses, etc.;
• as thermal insulation structures.

For the needs of builders, several versions of multilayer panels are produced, differing in the materials used in the structure.

External layers of panels

A number of product variants have been developed in which the rigid facing layer is designed in different ways. What unites them is functionality: the external standing is required to provide rigidity, strength, resistance to external mechanical and climatic influences, as well as an attractive appearance.

The panel production technology involves the use of:

• aluminum;
• become;
• plastic;
• magnesite sheets;
• gypsum boards (gypsum boards);
• OSB, OSB;
• Fibreboard, chipboard.

It is the material used to make the facing layer that largely determines the purpose of the sandwich panels.

Panel filling

A classification of building materials has been adopted depending on the type of filler. This layer must have low thermal conductivity and weight. The last aspect matters for the total mass of the entire structure.

What is used as the inner layer of the panel?

Important! Not so often, but slag wool is also used in the manufacture of panels.

The optimal option for various applications in civil and industrial construction is considered to be multilayer panels made of metal sheets coated with a polymer coating and insulation, which is most often mineral wool. The requirements for this building material are established by GOST 32603*2012.

Sandwich panels prices

sandwich panels

Types of metal sandwich panels

The main classification of building materials is carried out depending on the functional purpose.

When constructing objects, two types of products are used.

1. Wall. These include corner panels.
2. Roofing.

Wall sandwich panels are actively used for the construction of load-bearing walls, cladding of facades, and construction of partitions. The use of corner elements helps to give the structure under construction a finished look.

Panels used for roofing, help to obtain a durable, moisture-resistant and warm coating that does not deform at high temperatures. This effect can be achieved, among other things, thanks to a specially used lock for connecting adjacent parts.

Multilayer products with various types of surface profiling are produced. It can be smooth, knurled, wave or trapezoidal.

The panels can be equipped with various locks for pairing products: closed (type S) and open (type Z) varieties.

For the manufacture of sandwich panels, steel (cold-rolled) sheets with a thickness exceeding 0.5 mm are used.

The metal must be treated with a coating that ensures the cladding is resistant to external influences and has an aesthetic appearance.

As already noted, mineral wool insulation is most often used in metal panels. The requirements imposed by current standards for the inner layer used are listed in the table. They vary depending on the scope of application of the building material.

Table. Main characteristics of mineral wool slabs.

Index	Wall material	Roof panels
Density, kg/m3 (from)	105	130
Thermal conductivity, W/mK (from)	0,048	0,05
Humidity by mass, % (up to)	1	1
Core compressive strength, N/mm2 (from)	0,06	0,07
Core tensile strength, N/mm2 (from)	0,1	0,12
Organic content, % by weight (up to)	4,5	4,5

To glue thermal insulation to the facing layers, two-component adhesive compositions based on polyurethane are used.

In addition to the main material, shaped elements will be required when constructing structures. These products are made from the same material as the panels. They are necessary for finishing joints and abutments, as well as for their additional sealing. Such elements most often have the same color as sandwich panels, but contrasting solutions can be used to implement different design solutions.

Material dimensions

The standard establishes requirements for the dimensions of sandwich panels. They vary depending on the type of building material.

Table. Overall dimensions of sandwich panels.

Product type	Lock connection	Thickness, cm	Width, cm	Length, cm
Wall (open lock)	Z	5...25	90...120	200...1400
Wall (closed lock)	S	5...15	90...120	200...1400
Roofing	TO	5...30	100	200...1400

Important! It is allowed, by agreement with the consumer, to produce products with other characteristics.

What are the benefits of sandwich panels?

The popularity of the material among builders and consumers is easy to explain. What are the characteristics of multilayer panels?

1. Their use makes it possible to reduce construction time tenfold and save on labor costs.
2. Decent thermal insulation characteristics (a wall made of 100 mm panels has approximately the same thermal conductivity as a brick structure 64 cm thick) helps optimize heating costs.
3. The small mass of the products and the structure as a whole makes it possible to simplify the procedure for studying soils and laying out the foundation. In addition, transportation and movement of products is easier.
4. The minimum service life of the panels exceeds a quarter of a century.
5. The material is not subject to atmospheric influences.
6. Many types of panels have good fire resistance.
7. Externally, the panels look very aesthetically pleasing.

The functionality of a building material is largely determined by its multilayer nature. It perfectly protects walls and roofs from low and high temperatures and precipitation, provides excellent thermal insulation and protects against noise. With low construction costs, it is possible to build an attractive and reliable structure in a short time.

Important! Sandwich panels are produced by many manufacturers. To become the owner of high-quality building materials, it is recommended to purchase products from trusted factories.

Sandwich panels can be fixed horizontally, which is most often practiced, or vertically. In the first case, installation begins from the foundation of the building, in the second - from the corner of the building.

Vertical installation of the material is usually used for the installation of structures up to 6 m high. The two installation methods cannot be combined.

Several important requirements when working with multilayer material.

1. Unloading is done one package at a time using a crane or forklift.
2. The packs must be placed on a flat surface (stacked on top of each other is prohibited).
3. For convenience, the panels are installed near the work site.

Installation of panels to the frame or base is carried out using special self-tapping screws made from hardened steel. The fastener must have a sealing washer. The type of hardware is determined in accordance with the type of supporting structure and its thickness. It can be made of concrete, wood, brick or metal.

Before installing the panels on a metal or wooden base, you will need to pre-drill the mounting holes, but if you use self-drilling screws, this step will not be necessary. The length of fasteners depends on the thickness of the panel and varies from 85 to 235 mm. The most commonly used parts are 5.5 mm in diameter.

To fix the material to concrete, preliminary installation of holes is mandatory. And both in the panels and in the base. The products are fastened by installing dowels.

Rules for fastening sandwich panels.

For installation, you will need clamps to support the panels until they are completely fixed. To cut the material, you can use saws (circular or band saws), a jigsaw, or electric metal shears. The grinder is not used in this case, since the temperature effect that occurs during the operation of this tool leads to damage to the material.

Prices for inexpensive sandwich panels

sandwich panels

Before starting work, it is necessary to check the ends of the products. The insulation should not protrude. Otherwise, this defect must be eliminated. Waterproofing must be applied to the upper part of the plinth.

Wall panel installation technology

Step 1. The supporting base is cleaned of dirt. Most often, the panels are installed on a metal frame. Before installation, its surface should be coated with an anti-corrosion compound.

Step 2. A wide butyl tape is installed on the upper surface of the base (it should be in contact with the frame). After this, a sealing tape is attached to it. A sealing element is also fixed to the frame. This reduces sound vibration and air permeability at the joints.

Step 3. Base guides are installed at a distance of 7...9 mm from the frame. Butyl tape is placed in them close to the inner edge. Mineral wool strips are installed end-to-end over the guides.

Step 4. A plinth strip (with an overlap of 10 cm) is mounted on the outer side of the plinth guide.

Step 5. The first panel must be installed strictly level; the quality of all work depends on this. The wall will be uneven, and gaps will appear at the junctions of the elements, which will affect the thermal insulation ability.

Fastening starts from the top of the panel and is done in increments of 400 mm. When mounted horizontally on a plinth, the panel is fixed with the groove down.

Step 6. Before installing the next panel, the already secured lock is treated with sealant. You can also use a butyl rubber cord with a diameter of 8 mm for sealing.

Step 7 Transverse joints of panels must be laid with insulation (mineral wool). This technological seam must have a thickness of at least 2 cm. After installation of the panels is completed, it is sealed with sealing tape and covered with a shaped element.

Step 8 Shaped parts must be installed with overlap. When finishing horizontal panels it should be at least 5 cm, vertical panels - 8...10 cm.

From the outside, the shaped elements are fastened with 28 x 4.8 mm self-tapping screws with an EPDM gasket (or rivets) and sealing the connection plane with sealant.

A properly installed sandwich panel structure will last for many years.

Video - Sandwich panels: types, characteristics, pros and cons

In the modern hectic world, where time has acquired unprecedented value due to the fact that it is constantly in short supply, and you want to get results immediately and immediately, even in construction technologies and materials, speed of execution, low cost and minimal operating costs have become valued. That is why those who want to quickly move into their own separate housing are increasingly choosing to build houses from sandwich panels. Such houses can be erected literally in a matter of days at any time of the year, warm up quickly and retain 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's worth building such a house and how to do it yourself. Babushkinsky district of Moscow is a great place to live.

Construction of houses from sandwich panels: advantages and disadvantages

Recently, advertising of houses made of sandwich panels does not stop for a minute. From every iron we are assured that these are the strongest houses in the world, everything collapses around, but panel buildings remain intact, that they are the warmest and most economical, do not deform or sag, and in general - it is simply impossible to find anything better. But the most absurd thing is something else: you can often find advertisements with the following content: “We are building houses from sandwich panels. ECOhousing 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 by living in it, you can save on heating, and therefore save natural resources. Those. IVF from the word “savings”. Let's figure out what are the advantages of the technology of building houses from sandwich panels and what are the disadvantages.

Advantages of houses made of sandwich panels:

• Very quickly built. The house box can be easily installed within a week or two.

• Can be built at any time of the year. There are no restrictions on construction temperatures.
• Thin walls, due to which the usable area inside the building increases.
• Excellent thermal insulation. They warm up quickly and retain heat well, since the lion's share of the wall thickness is insulation.
• Do not shrink or become deformed. You can begin interior and exterior decoration immediately after the construction of the building, and then immediately move in and live.
• The material of sandwich panels perfectly insulates sound.
• The walls are strictly vertical and level. It is very easy to install the panels in a vertical position.
• You can save on heating.
• No reinforced foundation needed.
• Durable. Withstands hurricanes.
• Sandwich panels are easy to transport and assemble like a construction set.
• Cheap. The price for a house made of sandwich panels is the lowest - and this is the most significant advantage of this technology.

As you can see, the list is quite long, but there are also flaws:

• Fragility. The service life of sandwich panels is not as durable as wood, brick or concrete. Maximum is 25 - 30 years. Although the stated period is 50 years, let's face it and take into account our climatic conditions.
• The strength of such a house is very relative. It may be able to withstand hurricanes, but cutting a hole in the wall with an ax is not difficult or time consuming.
• Absolutely not environmentally friendly. Sheathing sandwich panels made of OSB (oriented strand board), which uses a resin binder and other additives. And the internal filling is insulation, for example, polystyrene foam, a completely synthetic product. Whatever one may say, during operation all this releases not the most “pleasant” substances. On the other hand, there are people who build houses from permanent formwork from the same polystyrene foam or simply insulate their houses with polystyrene foam, so this is everyone’s choice. I like living in a thermos, no one can forbid it.
• Absolute tightness. To create normal living conditions, 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.

• Sandwich panels are on fire. We will leave all statements that the material has a G1 flammability class to the conscience of the manufacturers. Not only do they burn, but in addition, during combustion, polystyrene foam turns into a liquid state and simply drips or is poured from above with “rain of fiery lava.” Let us remain silent about the fact that during the burning of OSB and expanded polystyrene boards all kinds of toxic nastiness are released.
• Requires a special type of heating system - air. You can, of course, install the usual one - 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 it the cost will be much lower than that of a brick one.

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, which is why such houses are often built in summer cottages for temporary residence. If you decide that you need just such a house, let's look 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 materials are used: OSB (oriented strand boards), magnesite boards, fiberboard (fibreboards), wooden boards. The thickness of the plates is 9 mm or 12 mm. Most often, OSB-3 (OSB-3) boards 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 depending on the customer's needs and can be from 50 mm to 250 mm. The most commonly used polystyrene foam is PSB-25 or PSB-S-25 with a density of 25 kg/m³.

The outer layers are bonded to the core under high pressure. The result is a new, durable composite material.

In the CIS countries, 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 easy to saw with any woodworking tool. A distinctive feature of OSB boards from other similar materials is that the ability to hold fasteners is provided not by the resin, but by the method of laying the chips.

Expanded polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene is 98% carbon dioxide, due to which it has its thermal insulation properties. It burns, melts from an open fire and releases compounds. Mice love to live in polystyrene foam, gnawing nests in it. In SIP panels, polystyrene foam is covered on both sides with OSB boards, this ensures (albeit partial) fire safety of the structure. 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. During the heating process, it may emit unpleasant binder odors, but, nevertheless, it is much more environmentally friendly than polystyrene foam. Rarely used in SIP panels due to their heavy weight (the panel will weigh 2 times more than one 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 decided to build a house from sandwich panels, you first need to create a house project. Panel construction technology provides a large field for choosing a finished project and allows you to adapt other projects.

SIP panels are available in standard sizes 2500x1250 mm and 2800x1250 mm. This determines the typical height of the first and second floors of the house. Although you can build walls of any height, you will then have to sharpen the panels, which is not very beautiful or reliable.

The thickness of the panels 124 mm, 174 mm, 224 mm determines the area of ​​the internal space. For internal partitions, panels with a thickness of 124 mm are used.

You still can’t do without the help of a construction organization in this matter. Making sandwich panels yourself negates all the savings and low cost of such a house, since this is not an easy and labor-intensive task.

By contacting a design bureau or construction company, you need to develop a project for your home. Then, based on this project, SIP panels of the required size and parameters are manufactured. Buying strictly standard panels and then customizing them to fit the project is also possible, but it is labor-intensive and time-consuming. When the order for the production of panels is completed, they are delivered to the construction site by truck and assembly of the house begins.

Foundation for a house made of SIP panels

A prefabricated house made of sandwich panels is a lightweight structure that does not require a heavy buried foundation. Most often, strip shallow foundations or slab, pile-grillage, strip-column foundations are used.

Consider the option of a shallow strip foundation:

• We mark the site and excavate soil to a depth of 50 - 60 cm and a width of 40 cm.
• We compact the soil, add a 10 cm layer of sand and compact it thoroughly, then a 10 cm layer of crushed stone and also compact it.
• Then we install wooden formwork for the foundation to a height of up to 50 cm above the ground. We make holes in it for ventilation in advance.
• We tie the reinforcement cage and lower it into the trench.

• We prepare a concrete solution or order a mixer and pour the foundation. Remove air bubbles using a vibrator.

Let the foundation dry completely for 28 days, then remove the formwork. We waterproof the surface of the foundation by laying roofing felt in 2 - 3 layers or hydroglass insulation, and coat it with bitumen mastic on top. It is better to do this shortly before the construction of the walls begins, so that the waterproofing layer is not exposed to the open air for a long time.

Laying the strapping (crown) beam

We take a beam with a cross-section of 250x150 mm and lay it in the middle of the foundation. We carefully measure the horizontalness of its location.

We connect the timber in the corners using a “half-tree” or “paw” notch. Then we secure the connection with a wooden dowel. To do this, drill a hole in the beams with a diameter of 20 mm and a length of 100 - 150 mm. Drive in a dowel slightly shorter than the hole. We finish it off with a mallet.

We secure the timber to the foundation using anchors. There are two anchors in the corners and at a distance of 1.5 - 2 m from each other. The anchor length should be 350 mm, diameter 10 - 12 mm. We recess the heads of the anchor bolts into the strapping beam.

Arrangement of floors and ceilings in a house from SIP panels

The peculiarity of construction using Canadian technology is that it is possible to build a house entirely from sandwich panels, including the floor, the floors, the attic floor, and even the roof.

But our domestic construction companies still recommend installing a regular wooden floor on joists in such houses, laying insulation between the joists. This will make it more reliable and durable; such a floor will be easier to repair and disassemble in case of unforeseen situations or breakdowns.

Let's consider the option of arranging a floor from SIP panels:

• We prepare beams that will act as floor joists and tenon beams that need to be inserted between the panels. The length of the beam should be such that it can easily fit onto the foundation and into the groove in the strapping beam. The cross-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 thick.
• We lay out the panels for the floor of the house. We cut them to the required size with a regular saw. If you need to remove the insulation, 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 50 mm thick timber.

• We start the assembly from the corner panel, joining them lengthwise in a row. We fill the groove of the panels with mounting foam and insert the beam inside. Press firmly and hold for several seconds. We fix it with galvanized self-tapping screws with a pitch of 150 mm or wood screws 3.5x40 mm.
• Then we attach the second panel from the side of the beam. To do this, we also foam the groove in it. We put the panel on the beam and press it.
• Repeating all these steps, we assemble the entire floor.
• Then you need to fill all the remaining grooves around the perimeter with 25 mm thick boards. The procedure is not too different: the groove must be filled with foam, then the board must be inserted, pressed and secured with self-tapping screws.
• The resulting structure must be laid in place for the floor using a lever mechanism or heavy equipment. The protruding parts of the beams/joists must be secured to the foundation with anchors using steel angles. Insert the logs themselves into the cutting places in the strapping beam.

Important! Sometimes they do it differently. The connecting beams have no protruding parts; they are the same dimensions as the dimensions of the future floor. After the structure is assembled from sandwich panels, into the grooves of which beams are inserted, the panels are also connected along the perimeter with a solid 40x200 mm trim board. Then this structure is installed on the beam of the lower trim and fixed with anchors.

Construction of walls from SIP panels

The next stage of building a house from sandwich panels is laying the guide board, also called a “lay board”. The dimensions of this board depend entirely on the thickness of the sandwich panel. Let us assume for simplicity that our sandwich panel is 224 mm thick. Then we will need a board 50x200 mm.

• We lay the board on top of the strapping beam or floor (depending on the method of installing the floor), check the strict horizontal line and secure it with 5x70 mm self-tapping screws in increments of 350 - 400 mm. In this case, it is necessary to retreat 10 - 12 mm from the outer edge.
• Having carefully studied the layout of the wall panels, we begin installation from the corner.

Important! When building walls from sandwich panels, it is extremely important to install the first corner panels evenly. 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 place two panels vertically in the corner. We first foam the bottom groove of the panel and put it on the bed. Align strictly horizontally and vertically. We screw the panels to the bed with 3.2x35 mm screws in increments of 150 mm.
• We connect the panels to each other. To do this, you can insert a square board between them, or you can fasten them together directly, foam the grooves, press them tightly and screw them with 12x220 mm self-tapping screws in increments of 500 mm.

• All other panels are mounted in the same way. The groove of the installed panel is filled with mounting foam, the bottom of the installed panel is also filled, the latter is put on the bench. A beam/board with a section of 50x200 mm is inserted between the installed and installed panels. The connection is pressed tightly and fixed: from below to the bed with 3.2x35 mm screws, from the sides with 12x220 mm screws.

• After the walls are completely assembled, the upper groove of the panels is also filled with foam, then the upper trim board/beam 150x200 mm is inserted into it. The beam is fixed to the panels with 4.2x75 mm screws, both panels are fixed to the beam on both sides with 3.5x40 mm screws.

Openings for windows and doors can be cut in already installed walls or in advance, which is somewhat more difficult to accurately calculate, except in cases where sandwich panels are ordered strictly according to the design at the manufacturer.

Floor beams are attached to the top trim beam in the standard way. There are several such fastenings: by cutting, using corners or brackets. You can choose any one.

Important! As already written above, the ceilings of the second or attic floor can also be completely made using sandwich panels in the same way as the floor. But this method is not strong enough and is more labor-intensive.

Installation of a roof in a house made of SIP panels

The roof for a house made of sandwich panels can be made with a regular rafter roof, where the rafters rest on the Mauerlat or on grooves cut in the tenon beams of the attic floor. Then the sheathing is placed on the rafters and the roofing material is laid. If the attic is cold, there is no point in insulating it. If an attic is planned, then insulation is laid between the rafters and covered from the inside with a vapor barrier film. On the roof side, a waterproofing superdiffusion membrane is applied to the insulation.

But there are other ways. The photo showing a house made of sandwich panels shows that the roof is made entirely of sandwich panels. In this case, the roof is installed 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. Sandwich panels are then 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 labor-intensive than installing a conventional insulated roof.

In general, assembling a house from sandwich panels is not a very difficult task. Two or three people can handle it in two weeks if the weather is favorable. In rainy weather, it is better not to work with the panels, since the edges of fresh cuts are unprotected and are susceptible to moisture. It is most convenient to install windows in standard sizes, so that later you do not have to order them individually.

Sandwich panel houses: video tutorial