SIP panels, kits, delivery, and structural questions answered

SIP panels, or structural insulated panels, are rigid insulated building panels made from an insulation core bonded between OSB boards. They are used to create strong, insulated building shells quickly and with good thermal performance.

The right thickness depends on the use of the building, the U-value target, whether Building Control is involved, and whether the panel is being used for a floor, wall, or roof. Garden rooms may suit a thinner panel, while habitable extensions, annexes, and dwellings normally need a higher-performing specification such as 172mm or above.

Thicker SIP panels contain more insulation and usually give better U-values. 96/97mm and 122mm panels are commonly used for garden rooms and lighter-use buildings. 172mm panels are often used where higher thermal performance is needed for walls, roofs, floors, annexes, and extensions. 222mm panels are generally used where the roof or fabric target requires a stronger thermal specification.

Both options use high-performance PIR insulation cores, but the exact supplier, declared performance, price, and availability can vary. We will quote the option selected or the option that best suits the project brief, budget, and lead time.

Yes, SIP panels can be used for floors, walls, and roofs where the design allows. The final specification depends on the panel thickness, span, loading, openings, foundation design, and any structural requirements set by the project engineer or Building Control.

A garden room kit includes the SIP shell components listed on the quote or product page. This can include SIP panels, splines, fixings, timber pack, breather membrane, and roof waterproofing where specified. Always check the quote line items, as inclusions vary by package.

Only if the floor is listed in the quote or selected in the configurator. Some customers build from a slab, ground screws, or a timber sub-base, while others choose a SIP floor for insulation and airtightness.

Windows, doors, rooflights, glazing, cladding, and internal finishes are not included unless they are specifically shown on the quotation. We can leave openings in the SIP kit for your chosen window and door sizes.

Yes, panel thickness can usually be upgraded. This is common where the building may be used year-round, where better U-values are wanted, or where Building Control may treat the structure as habitable accommodation rather than a basic garden room.

Some garden rooms fall outside Building Control and some do not. It depends on use, size, location, sleeping accommodation, drainage, heating, proximity to boundaries, and local requirements. If Building Control is involved, you should confirm the required specification with them or with your engineer before manufacture.

Delivery is quoted based on the size and weight of the order, the vehicle required, and the delivery postcode. Larger kits may need a Luton, 7.5T, 18T, or larger vehicle depending on the load.

Unloading is the customer's responsibility unless written offloading assistance has been agreed in advance. Please arrange suitable labour, forklift, telehandler, or other lifting equipment before the delivery vehicle arrives.

The delivery address must have suitable access for the vehicle quoted. Narrow roads, steep drives, restricted parking, overhanging trees, low bridges, and weight restrictions can affect the delivery method and cost.

Stock SIP panels are typically 5-10 working days. Custom kits, cut panels, drawings, and larger packages have a confirmed lead time based on the production schedule at the point of order or drawing sign-off.

Inspect the delivery as soon as possible, take clear photographs, record the panel numbers where available, and contact us promptly. Damage claims are much easier to resolve when we have full photos, delivery notes, and panel references.

A structural allowance is a provisional budget for physical support materials such as beams, lintels, posts, or extra timber that may be needed for the design. It is not the same as structural calculations unless the quote specifically says calculations are included.

Structural calculations are not included as standard. If calculations are needed for Building Control, foundations, wide openings, roof spans, steels, glulams, or other supports, they should be provided by a qualified structural engineer unless separately agreed in writing.

They may be needed for wide openings, large glazing, bi-folds, sliding doors, long roof spans, gable glazing, point loads, unusual shapes, or where the engineer or Building Control requires additional support.

We can provide SIP layout drawings and relevant panel information for a project engineer to review. The engineer should confirm the final support sizes, load paths, foundation requirements, and any calculations required for approval.

Installation may be available through our installation partner or recommended installers, depending on location, programme, and project scope. We can quote supply-only or discuss installation where suitable.

Installation normally covers erecting the SIP shell and the agreed items listed in the quotation. Foundations, groundworks, cladding, windows, doors, electrics, plumbing, plastering, decoration, and finishes are excluded unless specifically stated.

If the base is not ready, dimensions are wrong, access is blocked, or materials cannot be safely unloaded or installed, extra time and charges may apply. The base should be level, correctly sized, accessible, and ready before the installation date.

Yes. Many customers use their own builder or contractor. We can provide layout drawings and general installation guidance, but the installer is responsible for following the agreed design and ensuring the work is carried out correctly on site.

We normally show VAT clearly on quotes. Some figures may be shown net plus VAT and others may show the VAT-inclusive total, so always check the quote summary before ordering.

Quote validity depends on the quote issued. SIP panel, PIR insulation, timber, delivery, and supplier costs can move, so prices may need to be refreshed if there is a delay before ordering.

After payment, the project moves into the agreed next stage. For custom kits this usually means drawings, review, sign-off, and then production. Manufacture should not begin until the required drawings, documents, and specifications are confirmed.

Yes, for custom work we may require drawing approval, quote acceptance, and any relevant documentation before production. This helps make sure sizes, openings, panel thicknesses, and included items are correct.

Referral codes or promotional discounts can only be applied where valid and agreed before payment. They may not apply to delivery, installation, bespoke structural allowances, or third-party supplied items.

Small manufacturing and material tolerances are normal with SIP panels, OSB, PIR insulation, and timber. As a working guide, allow up to 5mm unless your drawings or quotation state a different project-specific tolerance.

Yes. PIR and OSB products can vary slightly by supplier, batch, declared performance, board face, and availability. We use suitable products for the quoted specification and will confirm the relevant panel option where required.

UltraSIPs is proud to hold Made in Britain branding. Our SIP panels are manufactured in the UK, and we use recognised material suppliers such as PIR insulation and OSB manufacturers depending on the quoted panel specification.

Our panels are produced under our factory production control process and UKCA marking route where applicable. Individual component materials may also carry their own supplier approvals or declarations. If your lender, warranty provider, engineer, or Building Control needs a specific certification route, please confirm that requirement before ordering.