What is the R value of a 10 inch log?

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A 10-inch milled log has an R-value of 10.7 which is equivalent to a 2×4 stud wall with 31⁄2 inches of fiberglass with an 8-inch stud spacing. Natural logs are tapered so the insulation value should be based on the average thickness.



Also question is, what is the R value of a log?

A material's thermal resistance or resistance to heat flow is measured by its R-value. In a solid log wall, the logs provide both structure and insulation. The R-value for wood ranges between 1.41 per inch (2.54 cm) for most softwoods and 0.71 for most hardwoods.

Beside above, are log cabin homes energy efficient? A log home's energy efficiency is based on the wood's insulation properties and its thermal mass. Testing has shown that log homes often are more energy efficient than conventional homes boasting higher R-values.

Also to know, are logs good insulators?

The higher the R-Value is, the better insulating the wood. Softwoods like cedar, pine and fir provide better insulation than hardwood. Logs are able to store heat throughout the day and release it through the cooler night, requiring less energy to heat your home and creating a very warm and cozy feeling at night.

What is the R value of an air gap?

For an air gap to improve the thermal performance of a building element, it requires the addition of a low emittance surface (shiny aluminium foil) to one or both sides of the air gap. Without the addition of the foil surfaces, the R-Value of the non reflective air gap is small (R0.

38 Related Question Answers Found

Do log homes hold their value?

The answer to all of these questions is "yes." If they are well-built, cared for and in a desirable location, log homes do hold their value. They are also better credit risks, and frequently take up to 2 years to research log homes before making a purchase (as opposed to 6-7 months for conventional buyers).

What is a good R value?

What R-value Do I Need? Depending on where you live and the part of your home you're insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you'll need a different R-Value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.

How long does a log house last?

Log cabins can last anywhere between 20-50 years if done right. Log cabins can even last for a full century if it's properly looked after and built in a good location that doesn't experience extreme weather changes. If one is built incorrectly, it can require extreme maintenance within 5 years.

How thick should a log cabin wall be?

70 mm thick timber walls
If you want somewhere to work or relax in all year round, a 70 mm cabin is the perfect choice. These are often much more expensive, so if you don't intend to use the cabin during winter, you should choose a smaller thickness such as the 44 mm or 28 mm.

Are log cabins cheaper to build?


Are log or timber frame homes more expensive than conventionally constructed homes? The short answer: The shortest, but not-very-useful, answer is yes. A square foot of a log wall is more expensive than a square foot of 2×4 wall. That is true no matter who manufactures the logs or timber frame.

Do log cabins need insulation?

Log cabins can be really warm year-round if they're built well. But a traditional log cabin doesn't have insulation—the logs are the insulation. A 6-inch pine log has an R-value of about 8.4 which insulates less than stud-framed walls that have an r-value of about 14.

What type of wood is the best insulator?

Wood is a natural insulator due to air pockets within its cellular structure, which means that it is 15 times better than masonry, 400 times better than steel, and 1,770 times better than aluminum. In addition, lightweight wood framing methods allow easy installation of additional fibre or foil insulation.

Are log cabins high maintenance?

It is true, most traditional log homes have a high level of maintenance involved. log homes will settle, and check (crack) and many will have insect issues (because of moist wood). This results in plenty of maintenance, including caulking, and chinking.

How do you insulate a log cabin garden?


By making sure the insulation fits snugly, you will avoid cold spots in the flooring. The top of the insulation should sit flush with the top of the joists, and the flooring should lie directly on top. Your insulation should be at least 50mm deep to work efficiently.

What goes between logs in log cabin?

In short, chinking is the material which is placed between the logs of a log home. Chinking is to logs as mortar is to bricks. Chinking is a flexible material used to fill gaps where logs don't meet completely. Essentially, chinking a log home will ensure logs which don't fit together perfectly have a nice seal.

Why is wood a good insulator?

Wood works well as an insulator because of all the empty space that it contains. Insulators contain heat and other forms of energy rather than transferring them to another object. Conductors, on the other hand, transfer energy easily; many metals are among the very best substances for energy transfer.

How do you insulate a wooden shed?

This is the cheapest and most cost-effective way to insulate a wooden shed.
  1. Measure the shed panel and cut the bubble wrap to fit.
  2. Overlap the bubble wrap strips to avoid heat escaping through any gaps.
  3. Staple or tack the wrapping to the shed.
  4. Place a sheet of MDF boarding over the panel and screw or nail into place.

What is the R value of a 2x4?


R-Value Table - English (US) Units
Material R/ Inch hr·ft2·°F/Btu R/ Thickness hr·ft2·°F/Btu
Soft Wood Lumber 1.25
2" nominal (1 1/2") 1.88
2x4 (3 1/2") 4.38
2x6 (5 1/2") 6.88

What are the problems with log homes?

The most common log home problems are:
  • Avoid planting bushes or plants close to walls. Plants and bushes naturally attract moisture and if to close to log walls, will cause moisture damage.
  • Divert rain using gutters, overhangs, and trenches.
  • Maintain your log home's sealing.
  • Protect from ground moisture.

What is the best wood for a log cabin?

What is the best species wood for log homes or log cabins?
  • Cedar Log Homes. Cedar is definitely one of my favourite choices for log cabins. It is very durable.
  • Fir and Spruce Log Homes. Fir and spruce are very common log home species choices.
  • Cypress Log Homes. Cypress is a good choice.