Energy Efficiency in Log Homes: Understanding Thermal Mass

Confused about thermal mass? A common misconception about log homes is the measure of a log’s energy efficiency. Log home manufacturers describe their product’s energy efficiency with the term thermal mass. Many prospective log home buyers haven’t heard of the term or don’t understand how it affects the energy efficiency of a log home. The reason is simple – most traditional stick-built homes use R-values to measure energy efficiency. But comparing a log home to a stick-built home is like comparing kiwi to carrots.

R-values measure a material's resistance to the transfer of the heat from one side to another. That makes sense with a stick-built home because there are a variety of materials involved in its structure (wood framing, insulation, siding materials, glass, etc.).

True Measure of a Log Home’s Energy Efficiency

However, the energy efficiency of a log home isn’t truly measured by R-values because the construction materials are primarily wood – and not just any wood, a natural log. Now wood in general transfers heat relativity quickly. The difference lies in a natural log’s ability to store energy and release it later.

In a log home, if you warm the log up with the heat of the day on the outside or the heat from a heat source inside, you will store that heat in that log. When the temperature drops, that log will give that stored heat back to you and help equalize the interior temperature -- and keep your furnace or boiler from running as much!

Log’s Ability to Moderate Temperatures

So instead of describing heat transfer resistance, thermal mass describes the ability of a material to moderate the fluctuations in the temperatures inside a home during a 24 hour period by its ability to store heat and release it.

Logs aren’t the only materials that can achieve the benefits of thermal mass. Other materials include water, stone, brick and concrete. You can also use combinations of these materials in a log home.

It is simple, logical and true. That is why log homes are so energy efficient – they use natural insulation qualities.

Choosing the Right Wood Species for Your Log Home

Handcrafted Western Red Cedar

Customers frequently ask about the wood species of logs used for log homes. The biggest element in selecting a log species is a combination of availability and cost.

Cost and Availability of Log Species

Cost is influenced by several factors, including geographic location and the forest ecosystem. For example, eastern white pine is more common in the eastern United States and Canada, and therefore more cost effective for that region. In the western United States, white woods (or lodgepole pine and sometimes Douglas fir) are generally more affordable. Occasionally cedar may price itself competitively with white wood, but that situation may not be long lasting.

In general, softwoods are noted for their ease of handling, straightness of grain and availability. However, some log home owners also desire certain aesthetics. Color and grain vary by species. The heartwood and sapwood of wood species have different looks, so consider your personal opinion about burls, cat face, fire scars or other features that you feel are desirable (or not).

Log Species Characteristics

The most important feature is the log's ability to perform its role in your house. Logs that span window and door openings, for example, must be able to support greater weight than logs that are simply stacked one on top of the other. Regardless of log species and its characteristics, the manufacturer scrutinizes each log through the grading process. The grader considers direction of grain, presence of windshake, decay, insect infestation and mechanical handling scars. He also culls logs that have too many limbs and knots.

Here’s a general overview of common wood species used in log homes:

Pine: Pine has good tensile strength and remains true and straight. Some types of pine have a lot of character in the grain, too. Subspecies include lodgepole, ponderosa and white pine.

Cedar: Cedar offers variety in texture and tones, with minimal shrinkage. Its color—ranging from light brown to deep-reddish brown, depending on subspecies—radiates from the center, which can be showcased through exposed ends. For example, western red cedar contains turpentine within its resins thus rendering it more rot resistant, and it does not check or shrink as drastically as other species.

Fir: Douglas fir is heralded for its superior density, which make it valuable for structural performance. Douglas fir is a western species whose tones vary from red to yellow, depending on age. Because it grows to majestic heights, it is marvelous for use in lengthy spans. It can be pricey, but high-density Douglas fir is strong and a good choice for structural uses.

Standing Dead: The popularity of log homes built from dead dry timber has increased dramatically as consumers have realized the value of using dry wood to build their houses and the environmental benefits of using standing dead trees. Nature provides us with an excellent source of house logs in high altitude trees that are killed by beetle epidemics and, occasionally, forest fires. These trees dry naturally, which can add to their value.

Logs are graded by either the Log Homes Council (LHC) or by Timber Products Inspection (TPI), an independent company. Ask about log grading when choosing your log home manufacturer.

Because CNW Log Homes of America, Inc., works with different manufacturers, we offer a variety of wood species, giving our customers the ability to choose the best one for their area and home. Contact our corporate office or one of our log home dealers today for more information about the right wood species for your log home.

Tips on Finding the Best Log Home Package for You

Standard Log Home Package from CNW Log Homes

Life would be so much simpler if all log home packages contained the same materials. Every log home manufacturer does things differently, so it is important that you understand just what you are getting when you are researching log home companies.

Before you begin, you need to know what a log package is. The industry defines a log home package as a group of building materials that a log producer offers to a consumer. It can range from a logs only package, just enough materials to build the basic home shell or everything needed including all the materials and fixtures necessary to make the home livable.

Types of Log Home Packages

Generally there are three levels of log home packages: basic, weather tight and complete. Ensure that you fully understand what the specific manufacturer is offering you because your builder will need to know what he has to purchase in addition to the package.

When talking with log home manufacturers, here are some general questions to ask:

• Do final blueprints carry a seal of a licensed engineer or architect to meet your specific county/site building requirements?
• How is tech support and local on-site support provided once the package is delivered?
• How does the manufacturer guarantee the correct materials are there to construct the package and how are shortages in materials dealt with?
• Is a warranty offered? Is it transferable?
• How is shrinkage dealt with? What amount is anticipated?
• Are the logs graded?
• Does the log manufacturer deliver all materials at once or is it a staggered delivery?
• What treatment is used on the logs to prevent insects and decay?

Every log home manufacturer offers different packages and costs; therefore it is very important to understand the process and what you are ultimately getting.

CNW Log Homes of America, Inc., works with multiple manufacturers to provide our customers with a range of products to meet their needs. We are an independent, national log home dealer network that is dedicated to providing the best product and best service in the industry. We invite you to contact one of our log home dealers or management team with any questions you might have about building your log home dream.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Log Home?

One of the most frequently asked questions that we hear is, “How long from when I start the process until I move into my log home?”

The answer isn't simple. A log home is a custom project -- it's not a standard track home. That said, we have delivered a stock log home floor plan from one of our numerous renderings within 5 weeks of placing an order. The home was finished in 3 months. However, the average timeline is 6-7 months.

The timeline of your log home project depends on many factors. Let’s address the issue for a truly custom home. For this purpose, let’s use Mr. Average as an example.

Planning Your Log Home:

Typically, most people follow these steps in their log home planning process.

• Customer initiates communication with a log home dealer followed by visit to the model home to discuss your personal dreams and wishes.
• After reviewing log home floor plans, customer asks for CNW's free custom quote.
• Quote reply is returned, usually within 2-3 business days.
• Customer meets with the log home dealer to initiate contract action. At this point you are planning site visits, meeting with contractors and arranging for infrastructure (well/road/septic).
• 3 to 4 weeks after ordering the home, you will receive the first set of preliminary drawings. This is your first look of your dream scaled out on paper. Plans are reviewed and resubmitted for changes (if needed). Remember this is why you are building a custom home -- it’s to meet your specific needs/desires.
• 2 to 3 weeks later revised plans come back for review. You like what you see and sign off to go to full set of construction/engineered drawings. (Note: this process could take longer if you request more changes/reviews.)
• 6 weeks later you receive stamped/engineered plans. You or your builder then apply for building permits.

Now you are ready to start construction of your home. The planning timeline alone is typically around 4 months for Mr. Average. As stated earlier, it can be much quicker and it can also take longer. What is important to remember is that CNW Log Homes of America, Inc. will be behind you all the way to assist you. We will only be a phone call or e-mail away.

Construction of Your Log Home

Once your log home package has been delivered, the construction timeline will be dependent on many issues. Again let’s use Mr. Average. He purchases a 2,000 sq. ft. log home to be built on a daylight (walkout) basement. He is having a builder erect to a turnkey finish.

• Excavation/footings/basement/sub-floor -- allow 4 weeks.
• Erecting of the weather-tight package -- 10-12 weeks.
• Completion of interior (utilities/drywall/trim/floor coverings) -- 3-4 months.

As mentioned above, any timeline depends on many factors.

While the process of planning and building a custom log home may feel overwhelming, a good support system makes a difference. CNW Log Homes of America, Inc.'s commitment to ethics and integrity are the corner stone that will set us apart in the fulfillment of our client’s dreams.

Visit us at the Log & Timber Homes show in Nashville, Tennesse

CNW Log Homes will be at the Log and Timber Home Show in Nashville, Tennessee. this month in Booth number 101.. Come and visit us and discuss the options available to you for your 'Dream Log Home.'

Dates/Hours
Friday, February 25th
11 a.m. - 6 p. m.
Saturday, February 26th
10 a.m. - 6 p. m.
Sunday, February 27th
10 a.m. - 4 p. m.
Location
Nashville Convention Center
East & Center Exhibit Halls
601 Commerce St.
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 742-2000
Fax: (615) 742-2014
Cost
$15.00 per adult onsite. Children under 18 are free with a paid adult.

Dealership Opportunities
We currently have dealership opportunities available in Tennesee, so if this is something that would interest you, then come to our booth number 101 to learn more.

Questions to ask during a Model Home tour.

Touring a model home is a great opportunity to see what log home looks like, and to get the 'feel' of the logs. You may be eager to visualize your favorite amenities in your home, but now is the time to think about the long-term big picture. What does it mean to invest in a log home? Be sure to ask the following questions as you tour the model home:

1. How do the heating and cooling bills compare to a regular stick built home?
2. What is the shrinkage allowance on this log home?

3. How does a log home compare in the market for re-sale?
4. What is the maintenance for this log home?
5. How often will I have to re-stain the outside?
6. Can you recommend a product to stain my log home?
7. Do I need to stain or treat the inside of the logs?
8. Will I need to chink my home?

Upcoming Log & Timber Home Shows

January 21-23, 2011
The Log & Timber Home Shows
Valley Forge Convention Center
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Visit us and our Authorized Dealers at the Show:
CNW Corporate
Corporate Office, Toll Free: 1-877-393-5647
www.cnwloghomes.com

Teed Hollow Log Homes
Tom and Sondi Kolb
Tel: 484-638-2109

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January 28-30, 2011
The Log & Timber Home Shows
Georgia International Convention Center
Atlanta, Georgia

Visit us and our Authorized Dealers at the Show:
CNW Corporate
Corporate Office, Toll Free: 1-877-393-5647
www.cnwloghomes.com

Blue Ridge View Homes
Helen and Peter Schultze
Tel: 706-745-9171
www.blueridgeviewhomes