log homes
Log homes may be site-built or pre-cut in a factory for delivery to the site. Some log home manufacturers can also customize their designs. Before designing or purchasing manufactured log homes, you should consider several factors related to energy efficiency.
A material’s thermal resistance or resistance to heat flow is measured by its R-value. In a solid log wall, the logs provide both structure and insulation. The R-value for wood Homes ranges between 1.41 per inch (2.54 cm) for most softwoods and 0.71 for most hardwoods. Ignoring the benefits of the thermal mass, a 6-inch (15.24 cm) softwood log wall has a transparent wall (a wall without windows or doors) R-value of just over 8.
Compared to a conventional wood stud wall (3½ inches (8.89 cm) of insulation, sheathing, and wallboard, for a total of about R-14) the log wall is apparently a far inferior insulation system. Based only on this, log walls do not satisfy most building code energy standards. To find out the log building code standards for your area, contact your city or county building code officials. Your state energy office may be able to provide information on energy codes recommended or enforced in your state.
The extent a log building interacts with its surroundings depends greatly on the climate. Because of the log's heat storage capability, its enormous mass may result in better overall energy efficiency in some climates than in others.
Logs act like "thermal batteries" and can, under the right circumstances, store heat during the day and gradually release it at night. This generally increases the apparent R-value of a log by 0.1 per inch of thickness in mild, sunny climates that have a substantial temperature swing from day to night. Such environments generally exist in the Earth's temperate zones between the 15th and 40th parallels.
Combining functionality and design with logs
Modern log technology enables
- Visual freedom
- Flexibility of design
- High technical quality
- Quick construction
- Healthy and safe buildings
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