The simple answer is yes. Most folks know the term R-value, which is used for conventional framed housing, but I bet you didn't know that full log homes are measured by their thermal mass. Here are the two terms defined.
R-value: Measures a materials resistance to the
transfer of heat from one side to another.
Thermal Mass: A materials capacity to absorb, retain and slowly
release heat over time.
In the 90’s the Log
Home Council of the National Association of Home Builders was able to define
two things. First, logs have a thermal
mass because of their cellular structure, bulk and thickness. Second, thermal mass offers significant
energy saving benefits because it releases heat back into the home when the temperature
drops.
The first study
focused on heat loss through the log wall compared to a stick framed wall. The finding was that energy leakage occurred
in the same places as a stick framed home, around window and door frames, at
the peak of the cathedral ceiling and at the top of walls. The conclusion that leakage was not due to
the log walls. The second study
concluded that the thermal mass of the log wall does significantly reduce
energy use for hearting in cold climates.
As a result, the
Nation’s Model Energy Code recognized the energy conservation benefits of
thermal mass. This recognition was the
goal of the Log Homes Council, a part of the Building Systems Councils of the
National Association of Home Builders.
This summary of the
study was interpreted by The Leelanau Log Home Company. To learn more read the study by the NAHB Log Homes Council: http://www.loghomes.org/docs/EnergyPerformanceWP_2010.pdf
By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
www.leelanauloghomes.com
Copyright 2012 Under the Influence of Wood Blog
By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
www.leelanauloghomes.com
Copyright 2012 Under the Influence of Wood Blog
