An insulated log cabin is a comfortable place to live in. You can enjoy an energy efficient wooden home if you make sure that the insulation system in your cabin is fully functional. There are important things to know and consider if you want to insulate your log house to enjoy the benefits of cabin living.
Facts about Insulated Log Cabins
Heat loss is one of the primary problems you need to deal with if the insulation level of your log house is less than what the minimum requirement is. Log home builders usually apply and install the recommended insulation at the time of the cabin’s construction. However, you need to make some upgrades if you really want an effectively insulated log cabin. The walls and ceilings are the points of the house where heat is usually lost or the air seeps in, disrupting the temperature and conditions inside the wooden house.
Insulation level is not enough if you really want to save on your energy cost and consumption because energy prices are skyrocketing by the minute. Check out the important details you need to look into for an insulated log cabin or you can hire the experts for better results:
Insulation and the Attic
One of the first things to consider when you are checking the insulation is the attic hatch that is situated on top of the conditioned space. Heavy attic insulation is necessary in order to prevent heat loss. An insulated log cabin has weatherstripped attic with tightly close features. The experts that conduct a home energy assessment to determine the energy efficiency of your log home will check the ductwork, pipes, and chimney if they are properly sealed to ensure proper insulation.
You can seal the gaps in the attic using expanding foam caulk or permanent sealants but non-combustible sealants are the ideal products in sealing areas around the chimney and heat producing features. Check for attic insulation particularly vapour barriers or those that look like tarpaper, plastic sheet, and Kraft paper. Vapour barriers reduce water vapour that escapes through the attic ceiling. It can also reduce the amount of moisture that blocks the effectiveness of insulation as well as promotes structural damage.
The attic vents of an insulated log cabin must have appropriate blockage and sealant for electrical boxes that are located in the ceiling. Use flexible caulk to cover the attic floor but you need to know the appropriate amount in order to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
Insulation and the Wall
An insulated log cabin requires better wall insulation but this task is more difficult compared to ensuring the attic insulation. Checking the wall insulation requires the help of the professionals in this field. Choose an exterior wall to inspect, unscrew the fuse or turn off the circuit breaker to the wall for the assessment. You can test the outlets to make sure that they are not hot before you proceed further with the troubleshooting.
Plug in a portable radio or functioning lamp to check the outlet if there is no electricity running or getting to the wall. You can use a screwdriver or long stick to probe the wall or you can use a plastic crochet hook to retrieve the insulation materials to easily identify the insulation. A slight resistance is an indication that the walls have insulation inside. The wall cavity of the insulated log cabin should ideally have an insulation material, however, this method would not determine the full insulation of the entire wall.
Insulation and the Basement
The insulation of the crawlspace or basement of an insulated log cabin is easy to determine, particularly through the living area flooring. This is applicable to basements that have open or unconditioned exteriors. The recommended insulation minimum level is an R-value of 25. For basements with enclosed features and cooling or heating appliances, plumbing, or air ducts, insulating the sub-space perimeter is the ideal step rather than insulating the living space flooring.
The foundation walls of the insulated log cabin that are intentionally conditioned should have at least R-19 insulation value. Insulate the hot water pipes, furnace ducts, and water heater in the basement.
Wood and Minimizing Air Leakage
Wood has good insulation properties as it maintains the heat or coolness inside the insulated log cabins, nevertheless, log homes are also prone to developing air leaks. Air leakage is due to the tendency of the wood to contract or expand, depending on the surrounding temperature or environment. There are specific wood species that are not prone to air leaks such as cedar, fir, pine, larch, and spruce.
Good quality wood becomes even more resistant to expansion and contraction that lead to air leaks due to the kiln drying process before the shaping and installation phase. Shrinkage and expansion is a thing of the past with experienced and trusted builders as they ensure comprehensive wood preparation before the construction process. Some builders utilize caulking compounds and plastic gaskets in order to remedy and seal the gaps that affect the conditions in an insulated log cabin. Sealing treatment requires resealing over time as well as regular inspection.
Wood and R-Value
The R-value of the wood for your insulated log cabin is the measurement that determines the thermal resistance of this main material. The wood’s R-value provides insulation as well as structure for your wooden home. Log walls require sheathing, wallboards, and other insulation materials in order to comply with the building code energy standards. Logs are like thermal batteries that store the heat during the day and release it at night to regulate the interior temperature inside the insulated log cabin. Good insulation for your log house dramatically affects your energy consumption and cost. Thus, insulated wooden houses are also economical places to live in because you can cut your use and expenditures on electricity.
An insulated log cabin should be on the top of your list if you are investing in this particular housing option. Insulation plays a crucial role in the overall quality of your wooden house, making it more comfortable while allowing you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
