Energy Efficiency of Log Homes

One of the common concerns that most people have is the R- Factor and how energy efficient log homes can be. Typically with the structures that we build the log walls will be equivalent to conventional homes with an R-Factor of 20. The minimum thickness for log walls allowed for construction by the Ontario Building Code Standards is 6" (our product line consists of 6", 8" or 10"). One must remember that the logs because of their solid thermal mass provide a superior thermal resistance to temperature change, this must also be taken into consideration along with the R-Factor. Translated this means that during the winter months it takes less energy to heat a log home in comparison to a conventionally constructed insulated home, the same is also true for the summer months because of it requiring extremely long periods of time for the outside temperatures to affect the inside climate of the log home. Hence, it is very rare to see a log home which requires any air conditioning means.