SIPs/TF exhibitors at NEC / recommendations to consider for Bungalow?

[Stu789]

Does anyone have recommendations on SIP/TF companies to seek out at the Housebuilding show at NEC next week?

We briefly looked at Kingspan and Scotframe at the NSBRC but looking more seriously now.

 

Planning a bungalow for an infill project in the midlands, most likely brick outer skin, pitched roof.

We have a preliminary plan/layout but have some flexibility, about 150-160m2 + garage/carport.

 

Previous builds we've done (managed) have been brick and block but SIPs or TF looks interesting for the usual reasons.

 

Thanks in advance

 

[SteamyTea]

If SIP exhibitors have some panels on show, have a look at how flat the faces are. Last time I saw some at a show, they were as wavey as (expletive deleted).

[stu w]

Have a look at MBC, I did a tour of their factory recently and they have a good well made product.

 

[Nickfromwales]

  On 16/03/2025 at 19:10, stu w said:

Have a look at MBC, I did a tour of their factory recently and they have a good well made product.

 

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+1, I've done M&E for a load of their build clients, and have had 0.25, 0.26, and 0.27 ACH from their 300mm blown frame PH offerings, very good build quality, and they will put that up for you over 2 long lunch breaks.....SERIOUSLY fast build program, but seamless too as they do turnkey foundations and frame. That means that the frame goes into production whilst your slab is being installed vs other TF companies who will tell you to do the slab first, come out and measure, then put you in the queue for production.

 

SIP's is quite acoustically transparent too, for anything less than 180mm / 200mm, whereas the blown cellulose TF offerings are graveyard quiet imho.

[SteamyTea]

  On 16/03/2025 at 19:28, Nickfromwales said:

have had 0.25, 0.26, and 0.27 ACH

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They are getting worse then.

[Nickfromwales]

  On 16/03/2025 at 19:59, SteamyTea said:

They are getting worse then.

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I very much disagree.... you not had your full daily intake of pastry yet?

[SteamyTea]

  On 16/03/2025 at 20:05, Nickfromwales said:

I very much disagree

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Then you should have typed is as 0.27, 0.26, 0.25

[Nickfromwales]

  On 16/03/2025 at 20:13, SteamyTea said:

Then you should have typed is as 0.27, 0.26, 0.25

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🙄 ffs.

 

Sorry, I promise to never make such a mistake again, for at least the next 15 mins or so....

 

Different sized houses at the same standard give different results @50pa, but when over twice as good as the coveted PH standard I guess I expected a bit of praise, not the 'incorrectly diminishing number' firing squad lol. It wasn't that I got better or worse over time, as these are (were) all shit-hot results!!

[stu w]

  On 16/03/2025 at 19:28, Nickfromwales said:

+1, I've done M&E for a load of their build clients, and have had 0.25, 0.26, and 0.27 ACH from their 300mm blown frame PH offerings, very good build quality, and they will put that up for you over 2 long lunch break.....SERIOUSLY fast build program, but seamless too as they do turnkey foundations and frame. That means that the frame goes into production whilst your slab is being installed vs other TF companies who will tell you to do the slab first, come out and measure, then put you in the queue for production.

 

SIP's is quite acoustically transparent too, for anything less than 180mm / 200mm, whereas the blown cellulose TF offerings are graveyard quiet imho.

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Agree , I have worked on several of their builds but never been to their factory , hence the visit to see where it is all made.

It was nice to see things from both sides.

The visit was very informative and professional until the final section, which was the window and door presentation, this was horrendous and very uncomfortable the way it was presented.

[Stu789]

Thanks - useful pointers here, MBC are exhibiting & definitely on the list!

[DownSouth]

We used Fleming Homes. 2-storey TF house went up in just over a week. Liked them as a company - friendly and responsive and not pushy - and the house is solid. We used them for doors/windows supply & install, so didn’t pay VAT which was a bonus.  When you get quotes make sure you compare as they all do slightly different specifications. We opted for 50mm extra insulation and airtight membrane on top of the factory fitted insulation - it’s a lot of work but telling ourselves it’ll be worth it in the long run. You might prefer higher factory spec for insulation, less follow on work on site.

FH supplied and erected our garage frame at the same time as the house went up - which has been great for site office/storage.

[Nickfromwales]

  On 18/03/2025 at 08:16, DownSouth said:

We used Fleming Homes. 2-storey TF house went up in just over a week. Liked them as a company - friendly and responsive and not pushy - and the house is solid. We used them for doors/windows supply & install, so didn’t pay VAT which was a bonus.  When you get quotes make sure you compare as they all do slightly different specifications. We opted for 50mm extra insulation and airtight membrane on top of the factory fitted insulation - it’s a lot of work but telling ourselves it’ll be worth it in the long run. You might prefer higher factory spec for insulation, less follow on work on site.

FH supplied and erected our garage frame at the same time as the house went up - which has been great for site office/storage.

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Best to clarify, that zero VAT is available regardless of who supplies and fits what, where applicable, but you have to pay and reclaim (after completion) if you buy anything yourself and pay a labour cost to install. Ok if you’re cash rich, but can be a drain on funds if adding 20% over and over again….

[Post and beam]

Currently undergoing a Potton TF/Sips build. 2 story 200 square metres cottage style.  Lots to say if you care to ask.

 

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[Stu789]

  On 18/03/2025 at 07:51, Stu789 said:

Thanks - useful pointers here, MBC are exhibiting & definitely on the list!

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Just back from a day at the NEC - ~10 SIPS providers, several good conversations, particularly with MBC so will be sharing the preliminary plans with them next week once they've recovered from 4 days of stand duty!

 

Thanks all.