Since the inception of InsulShop in 2014, we have witnessed a shift in the way building services are designed and installed on large scale projects. Technological advances in the construction sector have allowed for a wave of construction works that focus on the prefabrication of building elements off-site, moving a greater proportion of work into a factory environment. This is a growing trend and is particularly prevalent when it comes to pipe and ductwork.

In the past, on-site contractors had to be adaptable. They had to prepare their materials at the time of installation, reacting to changes in building layout and design. The relocation of works offsite and into dedicated manufacturing facilities has generated several advantages:

  • Increased safety for workers
    The movement of work into a factory environment significantly reduces various safety risks for workers. Firstly, there is less need to undertake large modifications of material on site which means workers do not need to be cutting or operating machinery. This also reduces congestion of trades in space challenged working areas. Additionally, work at height and in confined spaces is reduced to just fitting materials. These factors significantly reduce the risk of accidents on site. Combined with this, moving production into a controlled environment means that workers are less affected by adverse weather conditions on site, for example, rain, wind or extreme heat.
  • Increased efficiency in installation
    Prefabrication allows for added efficiency on site because companies are saving time and money by having ready fit parts ready for installation. This is especially important for components that need to be installed into areas hard to access. Having ready fit materials that are already cut and taped, for example, can save a lot of time for employees working at height or in tight spaces. There is also less need for large machinery on site which saves on rental fees or delivery costs. Contractors can also save time and money quoting because labour and materials are uniform.
  • Increased quality of products and reduced waste
    Prefabrication allows companies to reap the benefits of a production line. This provides the most efficiency for jobs where there are a lot of the same pieces being installed. A production line also allows for greater quality control of parts made. Companies can monitor and test for a uniform appearance as well as consistency in performance.Mass production in a factory also means that there is less waste. Off-cuts and discarded sections can be used for similar pieces rather than being sent to landfill. This makes prefabrication a greener solution.
  • Shorter construction times
    Typically on any construction site, only certain trades can work on building components at any one time. Off-site fabrication allows for more building sections to be worked on simultaneously, resulting in a reduced project lead time because various contractors are ready to go when the project is ready. Production of parts and materials offsite also allow for less interruption when sites are shut down.

InsulShop recognises this shift and the benefits that is presents to our customers in both price and efficiency. As a result, we have put a large focus on refining and improving our offering of prefabricated insulation parts that are ready to fit on site. Call us on (02) 9674 4665 to find out about our range of customised insulation parts including:

  • Precut, assembled and taped insulation bends (polyethylene and polystyrene)
  • Precut, assembled and taped insulation tees (polyethylene and polystyrene)
  • Cut to size lengths of pipe insulation to suit bespoke applications.