Monday, April 20, 2009

Building A Comfortable Log Home

Many of us are drawn to the warmth of log homes. The right construction and materials will ensure that the log home you are dreaming of doesn't become a costly nightmare. Finding a R-value of a conventional log home is easy. It's been determined by calculating the insulation value of the siding, sheathing, lumber, fiberglass batts and drywall, then their added up and what you get is the R-value of the home. Log homes are somewhat different. When determining the R-value of a log home don't compare it to a conventional home. What the logs don't have in R-value they will make up for in thermal mass, which means they are able to hold in the heat. When compared to conventional insulation, log homes fare very well. The most noticeable area of heat loss is in the roof where heat rises. If you have exposed rafters you will require a more rigid type of insulation. Also, the space between the window and door frames and log walls need to be insulated before trim or moulding is applied. When choosing your windows and doors, pay attention to their thermal efficiency, try to choose double paned glass,and make sure to caulk around windows and doors on the exterior. In the basement insulation should be placed between the subfloor and foundation. If you log home is properly constructed it will be one of the most efficient structures you can have.

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