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-Cut Panels: Flexibility & 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, this is what's included.
| SIPs | Pre-cut and labeled SIPs according to the shop drawings. Includes thermal splines as required. |
|---|---|
| SIP accessories | Foam, adhesive, SIP screws & washers, internal joining tape. |
| Timber Supply | Supply loose timber by default, to be cut on site. On request, we can supply this timber pre-cut, ready to be inserted directly into the panels. Alternatively, we can provide the main contractor with the timber list so they can supply it themselves. |
| Weathertightness package (optional) | Building wrap, penetration seals, wrap join tape, Orcon adhesive, sill tape. |
Not included:
- Timber (if elected to supply yourself)
- Bottom plate fastenings
- Timber connection hardware
- Nails
- DPC
If you’re choosing pre-cut panel supply, you’ll need to do the following, depending on timber supply:
- Supply timber (not required with loose timber supply)
- Cut and label timber according to supplied Formance drawings (not required with pre-cut timber supply)
- Apply foam and adhesive to panels to every panel join
- Nail all panel joins
Pre-cut walls can usually be lifted by hand with two or more people.
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-assembled and they are made as big as possible whilst still being practical for transport. Pre-nailed panel supply is the ultimate in speed and efficiency, the best way to supercharge the SIP installation.
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 plates with DPC, sill plates, lintels, opening insert timbers, nails, roof splines, roof boundary rafters inserted. |
|---|---|
| SIP accessories | Foam, adhesive, SIP screws & washers, internal joining tape. |
| Weathertightness package (optional) | Building wrap, penetration seals, wrap join tape, Orcon adhesive, sill tape etc. |
Not included:
- Structural timber not within SIP, i.e. ridge beams
- Bottom plate fastenings
- Timber connection hardware
- Nails for site installation
Some of the above can be included on request.
Pre-nailed wall installs average 12-20 LM per hour for walls and 20-40 m2 per hour for roof depending on the design and builder experience.
Choosing pre-nail means the following tasks are removed from your workload, depending on timber supply:
- Cutting, ripping, and inserting timber in the panels
- Applying glue and foam to panel rebates and joins
- Nailing lintels and panels together
- Drilling electrical holes in panels splines
Things to note:
- You’ll need a crane truck on site 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:
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 are ideal for intricate designs with numerous angles and cuts while pre-nail panels excel in larger, straightforward envelope sections.
- Construction Expertise: If your crew is comfortable with SIP assembly, pre-cut panels can be a cost-effective option. Pre-nail panels bring simplicity and reduce room for error, ideal for less experienced crews.
- Timeline: Pre-nail panels significantly reduce on-site construction time. If a tight deadline is a concern, pre-nail panels will help you achieve your goals faster.
For a more detailed breakdown of the different options download our installation guide here.
Contact us to learn more!