Log Cabin Construction

In this article on log cabin construction I would like to pick up where I left off in my previous article, when I wrote about log cabin homes energy efficiency.

Thermal Mass
What exactly is thermal mass, you might ask? Thermal mass is the ability of some materials such as concrete and stone (these are the best) to store and radiate heat energy, while fiberglass and foam is a couple of the weakest. In between these two extremes we find the logs in log cabin construction. In reality, the scientific phenomena of thermal mass contribute little in the log home package. While there is some benefit to having interior walls comprised of logs, you can’t count on the thermal mass from the outside of the logs. The only real benefit of having interior log walls would be to create a rustic cabin appearance. If a log wall was good at holding in heat it would be also very good at holding in cold.
The locations that benefit most from thermal mass are in areas that have huge fluctuation between nighttime and daytime temperatures. Interior log walls that are warmed during the day, have the ability to take the stored heat, and radiate it into the log home interior throughout night when outside temperatures are dropping quickly.

In log homes construction where heat is distributed in segments, like what you would get with passive solar or wood stoves, the benefits of thermal mass found in thick log walls would then be realized.
In spite of fact that thermal mass is not what a potential log home owner had hoped for in log cabin construction, there is no need for concern. Keep in mind when deciding on what type of log cabin construction or log home packages you would like to own, it will be is easy to factor in energy efficiency that will be cool and comfortable in the summer with little to no problems with air quality or humidity, while still being warm and cozy in the winter. This is how it’s done, use large diameter logs, the use of the highest quality gaskets will prevent any air leaks, calk around widow and door openings with the best sealant available, and use plate logs to totally seal the ceiling retardant.
While log cabins have inherently excellent natural energy attributes, you cannot overlook the fact that the ceiling and roof must be heavily insulated, this can not be understated. Windows and doors should be of the highest quality, thermal if possible. When it comes to heating and cooling systems in your log cabin construction, look for and install the units with the highest energy efficiency ratings, this will not only keep your log home package comfortable in summer and winter, but will reduce the utility costs dramatically.

Whether you are building or buying an already constructed log cabin homes, or if its log cabin log cabin kits your considering, even modular log cabins, all of the advice given in this article should apply. This is how to build a log cabin or how they should be built.

For more information on log cabins and log homes construction please follow the link on this website.