In traditional lore, log homes are often spoke in terms of "cozy" and "warm." But are they? In other words, what is warmer 8" logs or a 6" framed wall with fiberglass insulation?
Fiberglass insulation is rated as a K-value (meaning the rate in which heat is transferred - the lower, the better) of .050 while solid wood is around .144. This means that fiberglass should be 3 times more efficient than sold wood. But it it?
Thermal Mass
The thermal mass of a material is the capacity to take in and store heat. What you want is the material to accept heat during the day and then give off the stored heat inside the building afer dark. This is good for heating and air conditioning because it keeps an even temperature so that the furnace or air conditioner (or both) are on less often.
Logs and Thermal Mass
Materials offering the best thermal mass are ones which do not conduct heat. For example, glass and steel are not good for thermal mass whereas cement, brick and dense wood, like logs, are very good.
A good example of thermal mass is a cement foundation and the earth around it. In the winter this combined thermal mass draws heat from your home, when you don't want it, whereas in the summer it stays a constant cool temperature when you do need it for cooling. Log homes fill this bill and will provide a constant temperature that requires less energy.
Most log home contractors will build the home on their own lot to make sure the logs fit tight. Then the logs are numbered, taken apart and reassembled on site. This ensures that the thermal mass integrity is met.
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