Browse Forums Eco Living 1 Mar 12, 2013 1:34 pm Hi Are there any building products on the market that are easy to use, affordable and sustainable. I have looked into precast concrete and SIP but these both seem to be expensive options. Bricks and mortar look like the cheapest option which is crazy. Any suggestions? cheers in advance Re: Alternative Building Products 2Mar 12, 2013 7:58 pm Firstly, have not compared prices, but one alternative may be Hebel. Either as Blocks alone, or Panels with standard framing. Hope that's not what you meant by precast. They are a bit better from the Eco angle. Hebel suggest approved installers, so maybe higher cost than brickies. If contacting them, get data on their Jumbo Block. It's not in the Web Literaure, but are available, according to a dealer. Standard Power + block = 600*200*100. Jumbo = 600*400*100 So less laying time and adhesive involved. Using big blocks & no frames cuts carpenters and timber out of your external wall costs. I have decided on SIPS for exterior, and considering Versiclad (NSW) or Ace-Wall (SA) for internal, should either of them actually decide to reply to emails. My pet hate, unanswered requests for info. May even start a name and shame thread on the topic. Rant done Ace-Wall appears the best Eco product, but I have a not so good vibe that they are still with us. I have looked extensively, and there is the ICF option, but being in a Bushfire area, don't want EPS anywhere on the outside. The other Eco material becoming more common is MgO board. Magnesium Oxide. Take care where you buy, as much cheap non-codemarked imports around. Modakboard and mgoboard.com.au seem ok. Some SIPs use MgO, but sheets available to replace plasterboard internally or FC sheet etc externally. If going hit his way, a bit of research re painting. From memory, you must moisture test, and wait till (maybe) 15% moisture content. Figure totally from memory... Needs checking. Seems to be the biggest caution, as wrong application could cause de-lamination. Re: Alternative Building Products 3Mar 22, 2013 9:52 am Has anyone ever used the SIP's before. I see they sell them on the Alibaba website. How do you cut them to size and what type do you use? Has anyone purchased any of these before to build a house? Re: Alternative Building Products 5Mar 26, 2013 6:05 pm Several SIPs manufacturers right there in WA. Outer/Inner skins vary from OSB, Oriented Strand Board, Fibre Cement Sheet, Ply, and less common, MgO Magnesium Oxide board. Insulating Cores vary from, EPS, XPS, PUR & PIR. The widths vary, changing the R Value. The module widths I have encountered, 900, 1100, 1200, 1220, 1250. ( this can be a right royal PITA, if you have to re-draft to minimise cutting panels on-site, with extra labour and wastage costs. Some may assist with optimising panels and plans ) Some can only do to heights of 3000mm, but they can be joined. Others can do lengths suitable for roofing as well. By their design, they are a good head start in creating an airtight house, provided every tiny little thing is done correctly. Some require additional cladding for use in bushfire areas. My ideal would be MgO, with PIR foam, but no such animal. PIR is the best for use in bushfire areas, but has a lower R Value. Each will claim advantages over the other. Suggest you go local, save freight. PM coming. Might cheaper to changer your idea of what makes a home, have you considered building a porch? 2 51796 go upvc window frames ensure insulation under colorbond. not just sarking, lighter color roof also not sure if you have seen this viewtopic.php?t=5823 last couple of pages… 4 110571 |