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Research Papers Explore Thermal Mass, Air Infiltration in Solid Wood Structures

Two new research papers on the unique properties of solid wood construction offer extensive information to builders and consumers interested in this building technique.

Released by the Log Homes Council Technical Committee, the reports are available in the Log Homes Library section of www.loghomes.org.

Updating a previous Log Homes Council publication, “The Energy Performance of Log Homes” defines and details the effects of thermal mass, provides comparisons of thermal mass and R-values and provides calculations for working with thermal mass properties.

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The publication also discusses why solid wood construction is considered a “green building” technique. Log homes are among the few structures primarily composed of natural and renewable materials; some homes are even built with timber naturally felled by wind or fire. Additionally, when a log home is demolished or deconstructed, its component parts can be recycled into lumber for other construction.

To maximize the energy efficiency of wood’s thermal mass properties, log homes need to be properly sealed. “Prevention of Air and Water Infiltration — A Systems Approach” analyzes the log home as a true building system in which each component is carefully designed for maximum strength and air and water resistance. The research paper details which parts of a log home are most susceptible to infiltration, describes and defines different joint and sealant systems and touches on compatibility and durability issues.
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