These Thermal-Log™ insulated homes may look like solid log inside and out, but their core walls are constructed just like those in a conventional home.
Log home enthusiasts are sometimes surprised to learn that some of those strikingly beautiful log homes that grace the magazines and landscapes are not’t made from solid logs at all. They actually belong to a separate branch of the log home family tree know as Wisconsin Log Homes’ Thermal-Log™. Basically, these Thermal-Log™ homes are achieved by using half logs as coverings on conventional framing.
Why would anyone choose insulate log construction over solid? There are a number of reasons worthy of serious consideration. Insolated log homes offer several advantages. For some people, this can mean the difference between enjoying the log home lifestyle and turning to conventional construction.
One of the big attractions is flexibility. With Thermal-Log™ construction, you are not’t locked into the log look throughout the house.
A typical Thermal-Log™ wall system includes 2 X 4 or 2 X 6 framing, sheathing, housewrap insulation, a vapor barrier and half-logs on one or both surfaces of the framing. The Thermal-Logs™ are attached to the framing using large screws or nails. The housewrap covering the framed core serves as the primary air and water barrier.
The flexibility offered by Thermal-Log™ wall systems makes it possible to have the log look on either the outside or the inside or mix it in whatever proportion suits your taste.
These Thermal-Log™ wall systems assemble quickly and offer extremely high energy efficiency and no air infiltration, with R-values as high as 42.
Log roof systems, including exposed beam trusses and timber frame style systems, as well as things like log stair and railing are very flexible with the Thermal-Log™ system.
Flexibility is not’t the only advantage of Thermal-Log™ construction. The similarity to conventional construction makes it easier to deal with building code authorities, lenders and contractors. A Thermal-Log™ home follows the same construction schedule and uses the same sub-contractors as a conventional home. Most building inspectors have very limited experience with solid log construction methods and may require additional documentation and seal of a licensed engineer on blueprints when dealing with solid logs.
Many solid log systems have special construction details for the shrinkage and settlement of solid log systems. Some systems have special jacks and fasteners designed to accommodate several inches of settlement. It may be necessary to adjust settling jacks, tighten through-bolts, and re-caulk or chink log joints. In contrast, a Thermal-Log™ system settles no more than a conventional home, making jacks, special fasteners, and specialized maintenance unnecessary.
Solid log homes rely on the mass of the logs for their energy efficiency. A Thermal-Log™ system obtains its efficiency from a wall system that combines the R-value of a conventionally framed core with the thickness provided by the Thermal-Log™ coverings. Covering in insulated 2 X 6 framed core with Thermal-Logs™ produces true R-values of 26 and greater.
Some people are troubled by the fact that Thermal-Log™ systems are not “authentic”. This depends on your definition of “authentic”. The use of half-logs in construction is nearly as old as sawmills. Even on solid log homes you may be unknowingly admiring half-log construction, on dormers and gables on solid log homes, using conventional framing.
If you are drawn to log homes, but are interested in more design flexibility and prefer standard construction methods and greater R-values, build a Thermal-Log™ home.
Joseph Murray
828-389-0334 Cell: 706-835-5442
or email to sales@timbercreationsllc.com
Timber Creations LLC
892 Highway 64
Hayesville, NC 28904
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