Building Process

Typically, the complete System is delivered to site ready for erection by fully qualified construction teams.

In addition, Kingspan Off-Site has a network of Registered Kingspan TEK Building System Contractors throughout UK and Ireland. Contact Kingspan Off-Site Customer Services for more information. These contractors, who have a background of timber frame, SIPs, green oak framing as well as traditional masonry construction have undergone special training with the CITB to erect the Kingspan TEK Building System. The services offered by registered contractors range from simple erection of the Kingspan TEK Building System through to a full turn key package including the provision heating and ventilation equipment, windows, doors, staircases and all external finishes.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels have twin 50 mm deep routed channels along their long edges, which accommodate a unique cassette joint. These are fixed through the panel’s OSB/3 facings. Expanding urethane sealant is applied between the urethane core of the cassette and the panel. Sealing this jointing system with the expanding urethane sealant enables the Kingspan TEK Building System to be very air-tight.

Refer to the Kingspan TEK Building System Construction Manuals for full details.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels should only be lifted by fully qualified construction teams or Registered Contractors who have completed the Kingspan TEK Building System CITB training course. Lifting should be organised in accordance with the Registered Contractors own method statement.

Information relating to the site and its access will be required and should be provided at an early stage e.g. quotation stage. When the Kingspan TEK Building System is delivered, it will be via an appropriate sized vehicle.

Additional information relating to the unloading, use and positioning of a crane and other machinery should be discussed with the registered Kingspan TEK Building System contractor.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels should be kept at least 150 mm off the ground on supports, and protected from the elements with a polythene sheet until used. Supports should be supplied at maximum 1,200 mm centres ensuring the ground is flat, so that the panels will not twist.

OSB/3 floorboards should be stacked flat, clear of the floor, on level bearers and at centres not exceeding 600 mm. The whole stack should be covered with a polythene sheet to prevent warping.

Alterations to the Kingspan TEK Building System Alterations can usually be accommodated during the construction process if required. Prior approval in writing from Kingspan Off-Site will be required. Alterations following completion of the building are possible but more difficult and should, where possible, be carried out by a registered Kingspan TEK Building System contractor who has access to the original design plans.

NB: A structural engineer must verify all alterations.

Kingspan TEK Building System wall and roof panels are supplied so that they are protected from the elements during and after the construction process. A breathable membrane (e.g. Kingspan nilvent) is factory applied to prevent site error.

Plasterboard should be fixed directly to the Kingspan TEK Building System panel. Refer to the Kingspan TEK Building System Construction Manual for full details.
Where services need to be run on a Kingspan TEK Building System wall panel there are alternative internal dry-lining options which are discussed in the Services Installation section.

Cabinets
Cabinets can be fixed anywhere along the surface of KingspanTEK Building System wall panels using suitable screw fixings. For optimal strength, cabinets should be hung before the wall panels have been lined with plasterboard. For further information refer to the Kingspan TEK Building System Construction Manual.

Boilers/Radiators
Boilers/radiators can be fixed anywhere along the surface of an external Kingspan TEK Building System wall using appropriately sized fixings. For further information contact Kingspan Off-Site Technical Services Department.

Flexibility of Layout
Compared with timber frame walls where, in many cases, noggins have to be installed to take the load, Kingspan TEK Building System wall panels offer flexibility for layout and the potential for saving time as the need for installing noggins is eradicated*.

*Except in cases where a single layer of plasterboard is mounted on vertical timber battens. In this situation, additional timber battens would need to be fixed as noggins to help take the load off items such as cabinets.

Wiring
Where possible run wiring through internal stud partition walls. However, if it is necessary to run wiring on Kingspan TEK Building System walls there are two possible methods, double layer plasterboard or single layer plasterboard on battens. With both methods ensure that the wiring is protected with an IEE approved metal guard.

Double layer plasterboard is an excellent option, especially if you are building to sell on or rent. Because there is no service cavity, Kingspan TEK Building System walls have a very solid sound unlike timber frame walls.

Refer to the Kingspan TEK Building System Construction Manual for full details.

Plumbing
Plumbing is done in a conventional fashion, utilising interior partition walls and/or plumbing chases. Any small bore plumbing that must run on a Kingspan TEK Building System wall should be surface mounted using pipe clips screwed through internal lining into the internal OSB/3 facing of the Kingspan TEK Building System wall panels.

Refer to the Kingspan TEK Building System Construction Manual for full details.