Formance SIPs: What's included?
At Formance we offer two different supply options for the panels on your project; pre-nail and pre-cut. Let's explore what's included in each to help you choose the perfect fit for your project.
Pre-Nail Panels: The Fast-Track Solution
Pre-Nail panels are prefabricated and right ready for installation for your project. Floors, roof, and walls can all be pre-nailed and they are made as big as possible whilst still being practical for transport. Pre-nailed panels are the ultimate in speed and efficiency and the best way to speed up the SIPs installed on your project.
All wall panels are assembled into sections that are up to 6m long and roof panels are typically assembled into smaller sections with the spline inserted ready for the next panel. Here’s what's included:
| SIPs and timber | Pre-cut and pre-nailed SIPs with top plates, cap plates, bottom & sill plates, lintels, opening insert timbers, nails, roof splines, roof boundary rafters inserted |
|---|---|
| SIP accessories | Foam adhesive, SIP fasteners & washers, internal joining tape |
| Weathertightness package (optional) | Sill tape, building wrap, penetration seals, wrap tape |
Not included:
- Structural timber not within SIP i.e. ridge beams.
- Bottom plate fastenings
- Timber connection hardware
- Nails for site installation
- DPC
Some of the above can be included on request.
Pre-nailed wall installs typically average 10-15 lm per hour for walls and 20-40m2 per hour for roof depending on the design and builder experience.
Choosing pre-nail means the following tasks are removed from your workload:
- Cutting timber for inserting into the panels
- Installing glue and foam in panel rebates and joins
- Nailing lintels and panels together
- Drilling electrical holes in panels splines
Things to note:
- You’ll need a truck crane to install pre-nail panels
- Careful coordination is needed with other structural elements i.e. steel and specialty S.E.D elements such as flitch beams etc.
- Simple designs get the most benefit
- Detailing and review of shop drawings is extra important
Here’s two videos of pre-nailed projects being installed:
Pre-Cut Panels: Flexibility and Control
For builders who prefer a more hands-on approach or are working on a site with tricky access, pre-cut panels offer greater control over the construction process. Pre-cut panels are a smaller package but allow more flexibility for technical designs or projects with high integration with other structural elements.
| SIPs | Pre-cut and labeled SIPs according to the shop drawings. |
|---|---|
| SIP accessories | Foam adhesive, SIP fasteners & washers, internal joining tape |
| Weathertightness package (optional) | Sill tape, building wrap, penetration seals, wrap tape |
Not included:
- Timber SIP inserts
- Bottom plate fastenings
- Timber connection hardware
- Nails
- DPC
If you’re choosing just pre-cut you’ll need to do the following on site:
- Supply timber
- Cut timber according to Formance timber list
- Apply foam and adhesive to panels to every panel join
- Nail all panel joins
Pre-cut walls can easily be lifted by hand with two or more people and the timber can be pre-cut off site and labeled according to the SIP timber list cut out.
Choosing the Right Option for You
The best choice depends on your project's specific needs. Here are some factors to consider:
- Project Complexity: Pre-cut panels might be ideal for intricate designs with numerous angles and cuts while pre-nail panels excel in straightforward wall sections.
- Construction Expertise: If your crew is comfortable with SIP assembly, pre-cut panels can be a cost-effective option. Pre-nail panels simplify construction and are ideal for projects with less experienced crews.
- Timeline: Pre-nail panels significantly reduce on-site construction time. If a tight deadline is a concern, pre-nail panels can help you achieve your goals faster.
For a more detailed breakdown of the different options download our installation guide here.
Contact Formance to learn more!