How are log homes energy efficient?

Certain softwood trees are extremely good insulators. 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 rigid foam gasket installed between the logs. The logs are the actual insulation. Pine and cedar are amongst the best to use. An 8 inch pine log is equivlant to R-20 insulation. (same as wood frame construction) When the foam gasket is properly installed, the energy efficiency of a properly constructed log home will meet & most of the time, exceed Energy Star Standards.

What makes a log home green?

A green home means the materials are of a recycled or sustainable nature. Materials are non-toxic & a healthy indoor air quality is the result. When those with severe alergies move into a log home built with green material, they can be assured to comfortable at home.

Wood is the only major construction material that is a renewable one, meaning trees are able to regenerate themselves. We believe it is important not to harvest any young growth timber. All our logs are at or near life expentancy when they are harvested.

Our milled logs have reached life and are waiting to be preserved in one of our homes.

Our handcrafed logs are near life and would naturally fall to the ground soon after they are harvested.

What other green materials go into your homes?

There are numerous recycled materials available for all aspects of any home. Materials can be purchased from stores such as The Healthiest Home.

• ICF’s (Insulated concrete forms) are typically used for the foundation. Ex. Durisol wood fiber concrete block
• SIP’s (structural insulated panels), recycled jean or wool batt insulation are used in the roof system
• Recycled shingles are used as a roof cover. Ex: Enviroshake.

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

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.