Why Cedar?
Don't Get Water Logged!
Most people do not know that Pine has 2 1/2 times more water content than Cedar. The excessive moisture in pine logs can lead to a host of problems. That's one reason Katahdin crafts log homes with northern white cedar logs exclusively for naturally lower moisture content than pine, and years of hassle free enjoyment for you.
Northern White Cedar
Blessed with natural preservatives, that make it one of the most decay/rot resistant and insect tolerant woods available. Minimal cracking/checking. Cracks will not penetrate the heartwood.
The Competition
Not naturally resistant to rot or insects. Kiln drying is typically used to kill existing insects in wood. Requires preservative treatments to prevent future rot and insect damage. However, these treatments lose their abilities once the logs crack, opening up unprotected areas. Large cracks are common, often penetrating the heartwood.
Northern White Cedar
According to a University of Maine study, initiated to determine the natural durability of various species of commonly used woods, untreated white cedar was found to possess a high natural durability, even under ground contact conditions, as attested by the existence of surveyor's corner posts and rail fences still serviceable after 50 to 60 years or more.
Source:
UMO-Forest Products Laboratory
The Competition
The life expectancy of untreated wood species, (other than cedar) commonly used in log home construction, with ground contact, range from 3 to 7 years.
Source:
Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Northern White Cedar
Has less moisture when green (3500 lbs. per cord), making it easier to reach desired moisture content levels. Cedar can be naturally air-dried to a 14-16% moisture level in a fairly short time. Air drying allows the wood to acclimate itself to the new moisture level without harming its’ molecular structure.
Source:
UMO-Forest Products Laboratory
The Competition
Pine averages 4700 lbs. per cord immediately harvest. The natural character of the specks is to retain moisture and in turn, release it very slowly it is “forced out” unnaturally, risking possible cell rupture.
Northern White Cedar
White cedar has the highest “R” value of any of the wood species used in log home production. A rating of 1.41 “R”/inch of thickness.
Source:
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture — Wood Handbook
The Competition
The “R” value of various Pine species used in log production averages 1.12 “R”/inch of thickness.
Northern White Cedar
According to the ASHRAE Handbook, the “R”
Factor /Thermal Mass Factor of White cedar is 3.78.
Source:
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and
Air-conditioning Engineers) Handbook of Fundamentals
The Competition
According to the ASHRAE Handbook, the “R” Factor/Thermal Mass Factor of Pine is 2.76.
Thermal Mass Effects
National Bureau of Standards
Thermal Mass Effects in
Building Testing Results
Log Home vs. Insulated Wood Frame House
The NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS found that a log's "Thermal Mass" is a very important factor in energy efficiency and can reduce a log home's overall energy needs and expenses by as much as 30 percent.
What is Thermal Mass?
Thermal mass acts as a 'thermal battery'. During summer it absorbs heat, keeping the house comfortable. In winter the same thermal mass can store the heat from the sun or heaters to release it at night, helping the home stay warm).
The Results
A 28 week test conducted by the National Bureau of Standards found that the "Thermal Mass Effect" of a log home is an important factor in the overall energy efficiency of that structure, and can significantly reduce a log home's overall energy needs. This means it costs less (about thirty percent less) to heat and cool a home built with logs.
Seasonal Period
14 Week Winter Heating Season. Both homes used the same amount of energy, even though the R-value of the log home was 17% less.
3 Week Spring Heating Season Log home used 46% less heating energy.
11 Week Summer Cooling Season Log home used 24% less cooling energy.
Please contact us by phone or e-mail for your complimentary DVD.
Ruger Mountain Cedar Log Homes LLC
Pat & Jody Keem
(716) 941-5715