• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Log Cabin Connection
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Building
  • Planning
  • Resources
  • Cabins
  • Maintenance
search icon
Homepage link
  • Building
  • Planning
  • Resources
  • Cabins
  • Maintenance
×

Cabin Building » Efficient Building with SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)

Efficient Building with SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)

Modified: Sep 20, 2021 by Logcabin · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Sharing is caring!

103 shares
  • 103
Structural Insulated Panels

A High Performance Building System

Log cabins and timber frame homes built using SIPs are stronger, quieter and vastly more energy efficient than other building systems. Because structural insulated panels used for cabin roofs and timber frame walls use rigid insulation as their core they are inherently more efficient giving you less noise, lower energy bills and a more comfortable interior.

big log home surrounded by trees

Thanks to the tightness of the building envelope, outside air is not allowed access to the interior of the home except in controlled amounts from the forced ventilation. This building system provides easily regulated humidity levels with less dust making your log home both healthy and comfortable.

Structural panels provide better overall air tightness and real world thermal performance than conventionally framed walls or roof framing. Panel systems provide a dense, uniform and continuous air barrier without thermal bridging, and leave no opportunity for internal convection such as is possible with the voids left in stick framing.

SIPs are rigid panels with the foam core bonded to the stiff outer skins, thereby creating structural strength along the same idea as an I-beam. Individual panels can be made as large as 8’ x 24’, meaning entire building components are quickly erected, saving dry-in time, costly labor and less exposure to the weather.

What are Structural Insulated Panels?

illustration of a structural insulated panel

Structural insulated panels, also called SIPs, are building panels often used in residential log home construction in cabin roofs and floor systems and as walls in timber frame houses.

The high performance building panels are typically made by creating a sandwich using a core of rigid foam insulation (polystyrene or polyurethane) layered between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB), plywood or fiber-cement.

The OSB provides a substrate on which to apply finish materials such as drywall on the inside or shingles or metal roofing on the outside. For specialty jobs other materials are substituted for the outer skin saving the labor of adding this later.

Because structural insulated panels are manufactured in a factory under controlled conditions like a modular log cabin, they are reliable, strong, energy efficient and cost effective. They are a reliable building system custom designed for your log home that will save you money, labor and construction time when building your log cabin.


Learn more with these recommended books:

Sale Builder's Guide to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for all Climates
Builder's Guide to Structural Insulated Panels...
$89.00
Buy on Amazon
Building with Structural Insulated Panels: Strength & Energy Efficiency Through Structural Panel Construction
Building with Structural Insulated Panels:...
$44.07
Buy on Amazon

First Steps in Using Rigid Panel SIPs

If you’re building your own log home and you’re interested in using structural insulated panels you should start by identifying a panel system manufacturer, dealer or distributor that you trust and are comfortable working with. They will be familiar with the use of building systems in log home construction and can handle the engineering involved with using them.

An experienced dealer or manufacturer can answer all your questions and guide you in the best practices for installing them. SIPA is the Structural Insulated Panel Association and you can search for members of SIPA for your area here.

It’s also best to ensure that you are working with a log home builder who has experience with structural insulated panels. While utilizing structural insulated panels can simplify the cabin build process, there are special procedures to be followed and an experienced builder can handle the necessary arrangements.

How are Structural Insulated Panels Rated for R-Value?

worker laying a structural insulated panel

Like any insulation, the R-value varies depending how thick it is and what type of insulation material is used. For a discussionabout R-values, see our page on the energy efficiency of log homes. Or check out Colorado Energy for a good R-Value comparison table.

Panel systems use rigid foam cores that perform much better than fiberglass for insulating, including prohibiting air movement through the panel. Check with the SIP manufacturer for the insulation rating of their panel systems.

See what savings you can gain by upgrading your insulation at Build It Solar.

For more information about green building visit the Green Building Initiative website.

Structural insulated panels are supplied on the job site as ready-to-install building components, saving construction time. Typically, window openings and electrical chases are already cut, making them accurate and quick to assemble.

The rigid panels are always straight and true so they install quickly and save money with lower labor costs, reduced jobsite waste disposal and by downsizing HVAC equipment due to their increased energy efficiency, often enjoying reduced heating and cooling costs of 50% or more. In cabin roof applications, rigid panels rely on beams and purlins for support, making them ideal for log home construction.

Going Green with Panel Systems

log cabin interior with couch and fireplace

Green cabins are log homes that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Building green means designing to make wise use of our environmental resources.

Log cabins and timber frame homes meet these criteria by using a sustainable resource – logs and timbers. By implementing rigid panels into the build process you can build a high performance log home that will last for generations and help reduce the depletion of our non-renewable resources.

SIPs are energy efficient by reducing the energy consumption both in the operation of the cabin and in the production of the materials used to build it. Since they also minimize waste, structural insulated panels are one of the greenest choices for sustainable building you can make for your log home construction project.

More Log Cabin Building Pages:

Cabin Roofing Choices Your log cabin roofing choices will affect your budget and long-term enjoyment of your cabin.

Log Home Building School Learn practical ways to craft your dream at a log home building school.

Build a Log Cabin To build a log cabin means coordinating many aspects and prompt decision-making.

Cheap Hardwood Flooring Cheap hardwood flooring is available through my supplier, shipped anywhere in the country.

Build a Small Log Cabin How To Build a Small Log Cabin: Reprinted from December 1983 Popular Mechanics by Michael Chotiner with illustrations done by Harry Schaare.

« Log Home Building Schools
A Cheap Log Home Kit - Tips On Ways To Save Money »

Sharing is caring!

103 shares
  • 103

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Quick Links

  • Log Cabin Tours
  • Log Cabin Shop
  • Planning and Design
    • Buying Land
    • Log Cabin Home Design
    • Cabin Interior Design
    • Log Home Financing
    • Log Cabin Floor Plans
    • Log Cabin Home Inspection
  • Cabin Building
    • How to Build a Log Cabin
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Green Building
    • Log Cabin Kits
    • Modular Log Homes
    • Log Home Manufacturers
  • Education and Resources
    • Decorating a Log Cabin
    • Landscaping for Log Homes
    • Log Cabin Maintenance
    • Cabin Vacation Rentals
    • Log Cabin Kits
    • Log Home Education
    • Log Home Community
    • Virtual Library
    • Log Cabin FAQs
    • Site Map

Useful Pages

  • Contact Us Directly
  • FTC Disclosure Policy
  • LOG CABIN CONNECTION
  • Privacy Policy

Log Cabin Books

Bestseller No. 1 The Log Cabin Book: A Complete Builder's Guide to Small Homes and Shelters
The Log Cabin Book: A Complete Builder's Guide to Small Homes and Shelters
$11.95
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 2 Building With Logs (Legacy Edition): A Classic Manual On Building Log Cabins, Shelters, Shacks, Lookouts, and Cabin Furniture For Forest Life (Library of American Outdoors Classics)
Building With Logs (Legacy Edition): A Classic Manual On Building Log Cabins, Shelters, Shacks, Lookouts, and Cabin Furniture For Forest Life (Library of American Outdoors Classics)
$9.99
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 3 The Log Cabin: An Illustrated History
The Log Cabin: An Illustrated History
$27.95
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 4 How to Build and Furnish a Log Cabin: The Easy, Natural Way Using Only Hand Tools and the Woods Around You
How to Build and Furnish a Log Cabin: The Easy, Natural Way Using Only Hand Tools and the Woods Around You
$16.49
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 5 Cabin Living: Discovering the Simple American Getaway
Cabin Living: Discovering the Simple American Getaway
$13.49
Buy on Amazon

Log-Cabin-Connection.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Log Cabin Connection