Slope and other features of roofing made of SIP and sandwich panels

Selecting the appropriate roofing material is essential for any building’s longevity and effectiveness. Sandwich panels and SIP (structural insulated panels) are two of the more well-liked options because of their superior insulation qualities and simplicity of installation. These materials are a desirable option for contemporary construction because they not only offer substantial energy savings but also strong structural support.

Insulating foam layers are positioned between two structural boards to create SIP and sandwich panels. This lightweight design provides outstanding strength. But the slope is an important factor to take into account when using these materials for roofing. The roof’s slope is essential for maintaining appropriate water drainage and avoiding moisture buildup, which over time can cause damage.

Making educated decisions during the construction process is facilitated by having a thorough understanding of the characteristics and specifications of sandwich and SIP roofing. Every little thing, from the ideal pitch for the roof to the best installation techniques, affects the roof’s overall longevity and performance. Whether you’re building a new house or remodeling an old one, this guide will offer helpful advice on how to use these cutting-edge materials to create a roof that is both efficient and long lasting.

Differences between panels and their use

Panels with various layer materials and interconnection techniques, and consequently varying dimensions and performance attributes, serve as a representation of this range of materials. They are most frequently used when arranging roofs:

• Three-layer sandwich panels with outer layers of profiled metal and an inner insulating layer of mineral wool, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam or penoizol. Dissimilar materials in this group do not have a rigid connection with each other; the tightness of the panels is ensured by the gasket along the contour of the sandwich.
• SIP panels with outer layers of OSB boards and an insulating polystyrene foam layer glued to them over the entire area. Such structures are characterized by higher load-bearing capacities, but do not have a sealed edge and need to be covered with other types of roofing coverings when laid on roofs.

The following table compares the attributes of the two varieties:

The uniformity of load distribution—which is determined by the main span’s length, dimensions, and the presence or absence of intermediate supports—determines the load-bearing capacities of both types. For sandwich panels with a minimum thickness of 15–250 kg/m2, the operating range is 15–1350 kg/m2. Up to several tons of vertical load can be supported by SIP panels.

Advantages and disadvantages

The following are some general benefits of using panel materials for roofing:

• High speed of work and simplicity of technology.
• Possibility of abandoning the traditional rafter system, simplifying the requirements for the frame and roof base.
• Independence from climatic conditions in the region.
• Withstand significant loads with minimal deformations.
• High heat and noise insulation abilities of the resulting structures.
• Compliance with industrial safety standards.

The drawbacks include the requirement for lifting equipment to install large panels and stringent guidelines for under-roof ventilation when installing such roofs in residential structures.

While the standard appearance is not a drawback, sandwich and SIP panels have superior qualities that make them more appropriate for roofs with one or two slopes and a straightforward configuration.

The estimate is particularly noteworthy. Based on statistical data, owners incur 7–10% more costs when installing a panel roof compared to standard pitched structures when choosing sandwich varieties and 13–15% more when purchasing SIP. However, the speedy completion of the construction, the roof’s functionality, and the increased energy-saving capabilities frequently offset these same costs.

Sandwich panel roof and its structure

Standard features of this type of roof include direct panel cladding, auxiliary and additional elements, and a steel beam supporting frame positioned parallel to the ridge girder. The elements support the edges at the transverse joints and the center, and the beam spacing is predetermined to match the sandwich’s dimensions. The panels’ dimensions should ideally match the slope’s parameters, and the structure should not have any transverse seams between the plates.

Slope

Sandwich panel roofing structures can have a minimum allowable slope of 1:10, or 7°; however, this value can be lowered to 5° if needed.

At the same time, manufacturers remind that longitudinal joints should not be present in the structure when laying slabs with a minimum slope.

The recommended slope is 12° or higher; the slopes become steeper when walk-through elements and roof windows are added to the cake.

When the slope rises by two degrees or more above the minimum, transverse joints are permitted. Concurrently, the materials are laid with a transverse overlap of 300 mm, 18-36° – 200, on a slope of 9–18°. This point is considered when figuring out how much material is needed and creating an installation diagram.

It’s critical to comprehend the specific slope requirements and other characteristics of sandwich panels and structurally insulated panels (SIPs) when thinking about roofing. Because of their superior strength, insulation, and ease of installation, these panels are widely used in contemporary architecture. On the other hand, longevity and efficient drainage depend on the right slope. A long-lasting and effective roof can also be achieved by being aware of the material’s unique installation requirements, such as joint sealing and thermal bridging prevention.

Installation technology

Using vacuum suction cups or mechanical grips on lifting equipment, the necessary areas of the plates are prepared by first removing the protective film. Additionally, the interior film (typically blue) is removed right before installation.

The slabs are drilled or pre-cut with fine-toothed saws if needed.

The panels are held on soft-covered racks during sheet metal work, insulation sampling, and cutting; following completion, the surfaces and locking joints are cleared of dust, shavings, and insulating layer fragments.

Such roofs’ tightness is solely dependent on the proper installation method. In the event that transverse joints cannot be installed (the best solution is to lock the longitudinal elements together and screw the assembled structure to the beams and ridge girder), the first row of slabs creates an overhanging cornice, the second and subsequent rows are cut and fastened with the top sheet overlap required, the metal is tacked with short screws, and the seam is sealed with silicone sealants.

Self-tapping screws made of stainless steel or galvanized steel with hexagonal heads measuring 6.3 mm in diameter, 12.5 mm in length, and 5.5 mm in tip size are used to secure the plates. Unlike solid frame beams, they don’t require pre-drilling of the slabs before use. Only beam structures composed of perforated metal are exempt.

Self-tapping screws are inserted strictly perpendicularly and at the manufacturer’s recommended frequency. The latter is contingent upon the panel’s dimensions and placement; the sheets along the edge are additionally fastened. Installing the ridge and other extra components, cleaning the roof, removing any leftover protective film, and removing extra sealant finish the job.

In the video, the process of installing a sandwich panel roof is explained:

Price

The final estimate is contingent upon the structure’s length and area of span, sandwich thickness, insulation properties, and external layer characteristics. Good quality panels should be purchased for at least 1,750 rubles per square meter; installation work, when done turnkey with specialized equipment, should cost at least 400 rubles per square meter.

Additional element installation fees are negotiable, with a minimum of 250 rubles per month. Installation costs could be lowered if the space is larger than a predetermined amount (starting at several thousand m2).

Roof made of SIP panels and its structure

Design consists of:

• Power frame made of Mauerlat, combining the functions of a support and connecting beam, ridge girder and intermediate girders. The latter are introduced when the roof length is over 4 m or increased requirements for its strength.
• Sheathing made of SIP boards, laid in any convenient way (both perpendicular and parallel to the Mauerlat).
• Waterproofing and roofing layers.
• Additional, walk-through and auxiliary roofing elements.

OSB boards or other materials are used to cover the roof’s (if any) cold spots. SIP panels have a cornice board covering their exterior edges.

Slope

For flat roof installations, the manufacturers advise against using standard types because OSB-based panels have a pitched structure with a slope of at least 10–12°. The specifications of the chosen coating—which range from 10 for a soft roof to 15 and higher when using sheet materials, etc.—determine the lowest acceptable limit. Similar to earlier technologies, roof glazing increases the slope of the slopes.

Unlike standard pitched structures, the support beam is beveled at the desired angle in advance, creating the slope at the time of attaching the Mauerlat.

Installation technology

The installation of power elements, such as mauerlat, ridge, intermediate supports, or rafters with a maximum 400 mm pitch, is the first step in the construction process. Slabs are cut to size and insulation samples are taken, with a 3 mm gap allowed at the joints, beforehand. Following the frame’s inspection, the panels are fitted to it in the selected pattern, with no overlaps, seams sealed, and boards positioned at the joining ends.

Stainless steel screws with a maximum pitch of 150 mm are used for fixing. Following covering completion, the remaining work is completed while keeping in mind the needs of the coating’s installation technology.

Price

Turnkey installation costs range from 3300 to 3500 rubles per square meter when medium-thick slabs and specialized tools are used. Of these, at least 1,300 rubles/m2 are spent on SIP panels themselves; 200 are spent on waterproofing; and 500 or more are spent on roofing.

The upper limit of the estimate is determined by the type of roof chosen as well as other factors (construction time, design complexity, and presence or absence of passage elements).

Sandwich panel and SIP roofing has several advantages that make it an appealing option for contemporary building. Excellent insulation from these materials can result in significant energy savings and a more comfortable living space. Additionally, because they are lightweight, installation is made easier and the load on the building structure is lessened.

Sandwich panels and SIP have the important benefit of being long-lasting. They are made to endure severe weather, such as torrential rain, snowfall, and wind, guaranteeing the longevity of your roof. These panels can also help your roofing system last longer because they are resistant to mold and pests.

Despite these benefits, when designing a roof with sandwich or SIP panels, it’s crucial to take the slope and other design elements into account. An appropriate slope guarantees efficient water drainage, avoiding water accumulation that may result in leaks or structural damage. To get the best out of these roofing materials in terms of performance and longevity, installation precision is essential.

In summary, sandwich panel and SIP roofing is a great choice for people looking for a durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting roofing solution. You can design a dependable and aesthetically beautiful roof that fulfills your unique requirements and raises the overall value of your property by carefully taking into account the slope and other design elements.

Video on the topic

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