Whether it be our Hand-Crafted or Milled product, Kealey Tackaberry Log Homes use full-length logs to produce unparalleled authenticity, energy efficiency & integrity.

How are log homes energy efficient?

Most softwoods are extremely good insulators, pine and cedar being amongst the best.  Logs have thermal mass which means they are able to absorb a tremendous amount of heat, store it, & radiate it back to the warm side of the building, making log homes easier to heat in the winter & easier to cool in the summer. Efficient log home design uses logs at least 8 inches thick with a foam gasket system installed between the logs.  The energy efficiency of a properly constructed log home will meet & most of the time, exceed Energy Star Standards.

Design and construction methods (size of logs, type of joining and methods of sealing joints), siting and maintenance all affect energy efficiency. Proper design is one key to energy efficiency in any home. Lots of windows, doors and skylights raise utility bills, unless you use proven solar design and excellent glazing’s. For instance, north-facing glass is usually a major loser of heat.

Air tightness is also important. Proper sealing of corners and roof intersections is critical, especially with cathedral ceilings. Log homes with many corners, joints, and roof angles can consume more energy than simpler designs. A high-quality roof package is important for energy efficiency and comfort. A well-built log home also has energy conservation benefits of thermal mass.Thermal mass effects are where materials absorb, store, and slowly release heat over time. Walls and floors with heavy construction, such as concrete or logs, do this well. Thermal mass effects occur best with logs in their natural, large, round state. Thick natural logs also are reasonably good insulators. There have been several studies on the effects of thermal mass and resulting energy savings. It is clear that high mass buildings operate more efficiently in moderate weather (spring and fall). Any type of heating system will work well in a log home.

Are log homes more expensive to build?

Yes & no, it depends on the style.

Milled homes are comparable in cost to custom wood frame homes.  Most our clients are able to build between $135-160 / sq.ft. + land development

Handcrafted homes are typically 15-20% more than a wood frame homes, due to the extra labor involved. The extra cost is offset by an extremely well insulated building.