Reasons a Log Home Is Ideal for Colder Climates

Log homes are not only comfortably cozy, they are warm in the winter on those bone-chilling days and nights. Thick walls of pine or cedar log siding act as a natural insulation that adds a lot of R-value difficult to achieve with some other building materials. Having an adequate heating system and the right type of insulation also makes a lot of difference.

Thousands of homeowners have found that building a home with log siding is preferred over full logs. You get the full log look without the high cost and maintenance issues. There are 5 significant reasons to build a log home in colder climates for you to consider.

Log Siding Is a Natural Insulator

Log cabin homes heating systemsIn case you don’t know it, wood logs absorb heat and release it back into a home as it cools. Because of their thermal mass, this action radiates heat across your house and makes it more energy efficient. To keep more heat inside your home, concentrate on the R-value. To increase the R-value, use thicker log siding, and more insulation. 

You have several options for log walls to take advantage of their insulating qualities:

Option

  • Quarter log inside and out
  • Half logs inside and out
  • Premier D-logs inside and out
  • Pine or Cedar siding
  • Exterior log siding interior paneling

Efficiency

  • Higher than brick homes
  • Better
  • Best
  • Cedar provides more
  • Higher than conventional homes

Contractors know that a conventional wood stud wall 3.5 inches thick with insulation, sheathing, and wallboard proves a value of R-14. Six inches of pine log siding provides an R-value of 8, and with the same amount of insulation, provides more than R-14

TIP: Orient your home so most of the windows face south to take advantage of the winter sun’s heating ability. The National Association of Homebuilders reports savings up to 30% on heating and cooling bills by doing this. Our next idea covers selecting the right type of insulation material and increasing its amount. 

Log Home Insulation Increases R-Value

To obtain the maximum effect insulation has to offer, you must cover all six of these areas:

  • In the roof/attic
  • In all 4 walls
  • Under all floors

In general, the best type of insulation depends on its location in the home. Consult with an insulation expert in your area to buy the right types for your climate. 

Research has shown that heat loss through the roof and floors in a log home can be as much as 70%.

Put plenty of insulation up above, and use a moisture membrane and timber batons to create airflow beneath your cabin to help retain more heat. 

“Log homes are not only comfortably cozy , but also they are also warm in the winter on those bone-chilling days and nights. Thick walls of pine or cedar log siding act as a natural insulation that adds a lot of R-value difficult to achieve with some other building materials.”

 

Building thicker walls allows for more R-value, and you should consider them even if it runs your cost over budget. You can most likely recoup the cost with energy savings over the years. TIP: Using 2×6 or double 2×4 wall framing provides more space for additional insulation, and this creates a significant advantage in colder climates. You can save labor and time by ordering prefinished log siding online. 

Save Money by Installing the Right Log Home Heating System

Log home ideal for colder climatesBefore purchasing a heating, cooling, and ventilation system for your log home, you must consider these relevant factors, including:

  • Size of your home, including the height of a vaulted ceiling
  • Frequency of use: full-time or seasonal
  • The climate and the house’s orientation on the property
  • Basement or no basement
  • Your temperature tolerances

Once you’ve made these decisions, consult with a professional HVAC contractor familiar with installing systems in log homes. You will typically have these choices singly or in combination:

  • Wood or pellet-burning stoves
  • Fireplace inserts
  • Conventional HVAC system
  • Split HVAC system
  • Ceiling fans

Don’t cut corners on HVAC systems or you may be sorry. It’s just as important to install a system correctly in a log home as it is to select the right one. 

Log Homes Can Be Sealed and Caulked Effectively to Retain More Heat

You or your contractor can use the newest sealing and caulking materials to protect the wood and prevent air leaks throughout the house. With the correct applications to log siding, air leaks can be reduced to virtually ‘zero” year-round. 

Log Homes Are Also Efficient in the Summer

Because of their natural insulating values, log homes are also efficient in the hot summer months. Stay cool and reduce those air conditioning bills with your log siding built home.

For inquiries on the types of log houses, sidings, and a catalog of all the services we offer, reach out to us at (855) 906-5521

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