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Why Australian Homes are So Cold and How SipForm Can Fix It

Why Are Australian Homes So Cold

Despite Australia’s generally mild climate, many Australians struggle with cold, uncomfortable homes during the winter months.
July 15, 2024
Construction

Despite Australia’s generally mild climate, many Australians struggle with cold, uncomfortable homes during the winter months. The primary reasons behind this issue are draughts, poor insulation, and outdated construction methods. Fortunately, Sipform's modular building system offers an energy-efficient solution to transform these cold homes into warm, cozy spaces while also ensuring comfort during summer.

The Problem: Draughts and Poor Insulation

Draughts: One of the most common problems in Australian homes is draughts. These occur when there are gaps and cracks in the building envelope, allowing cold air to seep in and warm air to escape. Draughts are often found around windows, doors, and in poorly sealed areas of the house. These unintended ventilation points not only make homes colder but also significantly increase heating costs as homeowners try to combat the chill.

Poor Insulation: Insulation plays a critical role in maintaining indoor temperature by reducing heat transfer between the inside and outside of the home. Many Australian homes, especially older ones, lack sufficient insulation. Walls, roofs, and floors with inadequate insulation fail to retain heat during the winter, resulting in a cold and uncomfortable living environment. This lack of thermal efficiency forces reliance on heating systems, driving up energy consumption and costs.

The Solution: Sipform’s Energy-Efficient Building System

Sipform's modular building system addresses these issues by providing a high-performance, airtight building envelope that significantly enhances energy efficiency. Here's how:

Airtight Construction: Airtight construction is one of the most important pillars of an energy-efficient building. The National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 introduced a target of 10 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50) for airtightness. However, studies, such as those conducted by the CSIRO, have found that over 50 percent of Australian houses are excessively leaky, surpassing the levels assumed in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) modelling software.

Our building system is designed to exceed these standards by creating an airtight seal that minimises gaps and cracks. This airtightness ensures that the warm air stays inside during the winter and the cool air remains inside during the summer, enhancing overall comfort and energy efficiency.

Superior Insulation: Sipform utilises Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) that consist of an EPS core sandwiched between layers of fibre cement. This construction method ensures excellent thermal insulation, reducing heat loss and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. By using SIPs, homes built with Sipform can stay warm in winter without relying heavily on heating systems, leading to substantial energy savings.

Minimised Thermal Bridging: Thermal bridging occurs when heat bypasses insulation through conductive materials like metal or wood. Sipform’s panels are designed to minimise thermal bridging, further enhancing the insulation performance. This means less heat is lost through the structure, and the indoor environment remains more stable and comfortable year-round.

Improved Air Barrier Performance: Traditional fibrous insulation can be difficult to install without defects such as air gaps, which contribute to air leakage. Modern insulation materials like those used in Sipform’s SIPs serve as both insulators and air barriers, eliminating the need for separate air barriers like house wrap. This integrated approach reduces installation errors and improves overall building performance.

Quick and Efficient Installation: Sipform’s modular panels are pre-fabricated in a controlled factory environment, ensuring precision and quality. This off-site manufacturing process reduces construction time and minimizes the risk of on-site errors that can compromise insulation and airtightness. Faster installation means that homes can be built to lock-up stage in a matter of weeks, not months, reducing exposure to weather elements that could affect the building envelope’s integrity.

Enjoy a Comfortable Home Year-Round with Sipform

Choosing Sipform’s modular building system means investing in a home that is warm in winter and cool in summer. The energy-efficient design reduces the need for excessive heating and cooling, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint.

With Sipform, you not only get a high-performance home that meets modern energy efficiency standards but also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with durable, resilient construction. Say goodbye to draughts and poor insulation, and embrace a future where your home is a model of comfort and efficiency.

Build with Sipform and experience the ultimate in year-round comfort. Whether you are looking to escape the winter chill or stay cool during the summer heat, Sipform provides the perfect solution for a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.

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