Why is wood the best home building material? |
In addition to the aesthetic advantages that are described
above, wood has the following biological and ecological qualities and advantages as a
housing material:
- WOOD 'BREATHES'
Wood has the ability to breathe and offer a natural and regular ventilation of the rooms
in a home much more often than any other building material.
- WOOD AND HUMIDITY
The moisture content of wood always matches air humidity., which results in natural
regulation and stabilization of interior humidity.
- WOOD SCENT
Wood disseminates a pleasant, refreshing scent.
- WOOD AND AIR IONIZATION
Vital oxygen ions are not filtered out in a wooden house as they are by other building
materials which are either electrical conductors or insulators. In a wooden home the air
becomes enriched with small ions which de-ionize harmful large ions found in bacteria and
dust, thereby cleansing the air naturally.
- WOOD AND ELECTRICAL FIELDS
The electrical fields that exist in the air in the free atmosphere are typically broken
down by most building materials. With wood, this does not occur due to the ready diffusion of
air and ions through the wood. This prevents disruption of the normal states of magnetism,
ionization and charge present in the atmosphere - a positive benefit. When these states are disrupted (such as
by non-wooden building materials that are conductors or insulators) a number of health
problems can occur such as headaches, insomnia, circulatory and digestive disorders, and
general anxiety.
- WOOD AND RADIATION
The earth and cosmos are constantly emitting radioactive waves of varying magnitude - some
of which may be hazardous to human health. Only wood, of all the principal building
materials, offers protection against this radiation.
- WOOD AND SOUND ABSORPTION
Wood absorbs and softens sounds, offering a quieter, calmer indoor atmosphere.
- WOOD SURFACE TEMPERATURES
Wood has a low capacity for heat transfer. Accordingly, wood surfaces maintain a
relatively stable relationship to room temperatures. This helps reduce heating costs and
also reduces drafts.
- WOOD ELASTICITY
Wood is inherently flexible -a property that can be used to advantage inside a home. For
example, wooden floors are much less tiring to walk on due to their elastic rebound.
- WOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Among other environmental benefits, wood is completely natural and is biodegradable.
Cultivation of tree stands for building materials is a beneficial process as trees absorb
carbon dioxide and produce oxygen during growth.
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What is an 'R'-value? |
R-values are thermal resistance values. They describe how well a
given building material resists heat transfer (loss) and hence, how well that material
acts as an insulator. Most state and local building codes require that certain R-values be
met for the walls, floors and ceilings of houses. |
How do 'R'-values apply to the
construction of a log home? |
The energy efficiency of log homes is an issue that has not been
completely resolved. Predicting thermal performance is a challenge because a variety of
factors, including floor plan, type of log and sealing methods, exposure and orientation
to the sun, window location, climate, and even the lifestyle of the occupants has an
influence on energy performance. Officials
often take a simplified approach which can penalize log construction as the walls are
technically "un-insulated". However, log walls have a high mass which, in
addition to other properties, provides the logs with the ability to store heat during the
day and re-release it into the house at night. This property generally means that log
walls perform better overall than a framed wall with the same R-value.
A number of field surveys have shown
that log homes consistently cost less to heat and are more energy efficient than is
predicted by the standard R-values they are typically awarded (provided of course that the
home is properly built, tightly sealed, and has sufficient roof insulation). For example,
tests were conducted by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) on a log building given a
nominal R-10 value in comparison to an insulated, framed structure that was rated at a
much higher R-12. The results? During the three-week, spring heating period, the log
building used 46% less heating energy than the insulated wood frame building and, during
the eleven-week summer cooling period, the log building used 24% less cooling energy than
the wood frame building. |
What can be done to enhance home energy
efficiency? |
Proper planning and construction is essential to creating an
energy efficient home. Some things to consider during the process include:
- Ensuring that all recessed lights,
chimneys, plumbing vents, any other wall or ceiling breaks, and roof lines are identified
and sealed to prevent air infiltration.
- Ideally, site your home with your main
exposure to the south for maximum insolation.
- Avoid large expanses of glass on the
north side of your home. Even today's high-tech windows can't prevent considerable heat
loss.
- Consider adding a well-designed roof
overhang which helps prevent overheating in the summer, but still allows low winter
sunlight to enter.
- Make sure and properly insulate your
floors and ceilings, and install adequate storm windows and doors.
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What is the best style and species of
wood for a log home? |
There are so many beautiful varieties of wood to choose from -
Tamarack, Pine, Cedar and so much more - that your selection should be based on personal
preference, desired look, and budget. Contact a
Lonesome Dove representative for more information about log styles and species. |
Is there a difference between kiln
dried and air dried logs? |
Kiln dried logs are cured more quickly by forcing the process
along with heat. Although the logs are ready for construction sooner then air dried logs,
they are more expensive. In addition, kiln drying tends to produce more surface checks and
cracks in the logs. A slow, natural, air drying process appears to be more effective at
permanently barring moisture from the interior of the logs. |
What about laminated logs? |
Laminated logs are designed to eliminate the normal checking,
cracking and shrinking associated with traditional milled logs. Typically they are crafted
with extremely dry logs that have been milled to a furniture-like finish. The layers of
wood are bonded to ensure that the log laminates never separate. |
If laminated logs are so great, why
would anyone still consider traditional logs? |
Traditional logs, milled from rough sawn timbers, are the most
popular choice for log home construction. The authentic, rustic appearance is very
appealing, and the natural tendency of the logs to check with age is a part of the
character of the home. |
What about log siding? |
Log cabin siding can be used to match or compliment existing log
structures, or it can provide a log home look to framed structures. Custom manufactured
butt and pass log corners complete the appearance. |
What is the most important thing to
consider when choosing a log home company? |
The overall record and reputation of the company is definitely
the most significant factor. Contact a Lonesome
Dove representative for more information about log home companies. |
